Afternoon Hits: Expansion, Flames, Habs, Devils, Leafs and More

On expansion …

On the Flames …

  • John Shannon: the Flames put Joni Ortio on waivers.
  • Kristen Odland: Bob Hartley said on Monday that Jonas Hiller is recovered from his hip injury and would play on their three-game road trip.
  • Mark Spector: The Flames send Ladislav Smid to the AHL on a conditioning assignment.

On the Canadiens …

  • Renaud Lavoie: The Canadiens sign GM Marc Bergevin to a contract extension that runs through 2022. Bergevin had one year left on his deal before the extension.

On the Devils …

  • Rich Chere: Patrik Elias is activated off the IR.

On the Maple Leafs …

  • SportsCentre: James Reimer said he plans on practicing on Friday and play this weekend.

On the Coyotes …

  • Sarah McLellan: Nicklas Grossmann returns to the Coyotes lineup tonight.

On the Sharks …

  • San Jose Sharks: Coach Peter DeBoer says Justin Braun will be out tonight and is day-to-day.

On the Blue Jackets …

  • Mike Morreale: Brandon Dubinsky:  “(Elbow) healed nicely, quicker than I anticipated. It’s good to go; I feel good on the ice, excited to get back in the lineup”

On the Stars …

  • Mark Stepneski: Kari Lehtonen is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Starting Goalies …

  • Sarah McLellan: Mike Smith said he’s playing tonight.
  • Adam Vingan: Carter Hutton is expected to start for the Predators.
  • Vancouver Canucks: Ryan Miller will start in net for the Canucks.
  • Michael Russo: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the Wild.
  • Bryan Burns: Ben Bishop will start in net for the Lightning.
  • Joe Yerdon: Linus Ullmark will start in net for the Sabres.
  • Ken Wiebe: Michael Hutchinson will start in the net for the Jets. Braden Holtby will start in net for the Capitals.
  • Ansar Khan: Jonas Gustavsson the likely starter for the Bruins.