- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs were never really in on Kyle Turris before he was dealt to the Senators. The Coyotes may have asked for Nazem Kadri, and the Leafs have high hopes for him.
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: Flames defenseman Mark Giordano skated yesterday, but it wasn’t the first time since he tore a leg muscle on Nov. 29t, just the first time he was caught by the media. “It’s a good thing,” acknowledged coach Brent Sutter. “It’s a slow process, but it’s just another step in the right direction. He’s still a long ways away, but it’s definitely very encouraging.” Defensemnan Anton Babchuk is getting close to returning from his Nov. 8th hand injury. David Moss had a recent setback in the healing process on the cracked bone in his foot. Forward Greg Nemisz was recalled yesterday.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta will return to the lineup tonight against the Maple Leafs. Brad Boyes is getting close but will wait a few more days. Thomas Vanek has had 2 straight ‘maintenance’ days, but will play tonight.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks winger Martin Havlat will be out 6-8 weeks after he had a partial tear of his hamstring repaired.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Kings center Mike Richards has been cleared to play.
- James Gordon via twitter: Senators Michalek is ‘unlikely’ for tonight, but ‘possible’ for Friday. Craig Anderson will start in net for the Sens tonight.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs center David Steckel hopes to return to the lineup tonight after missing 2 games due to bronchitis. Mark Masters via twitter: Leafs coach Ron Wilson said that Matthew Lombardi will ‘definitely’ return after Christmas when the Leafs have a 3 game road trip. Tony Ambrogio via twitter: James Reimer is expected to start tonight for the Maple Leafs against the Sabres.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Islanders Al Montoya and David Ullstrom are out with concussions. Brian Compton via twitter: The Islanders have put Brian Rolston on the IR due to a concussion.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild center Mikko Koivu is doubtful for tonight’s game.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland will have a phone disciplinary hearing for his high hit on Blackhawks Marcus Kruger.
