- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets Nathan Horton showed up to the teams morning skate on Thursday. Horton didn’t speak to the media. He had lunch with president of hockey operation John Davidson and GM Jarmo Kekalainen.
“There’s been some progress there. He is feeling a little better,” Davidson said. “I don’t know what that means in the big picture, but he’s better now than he was earlier this season. His whole attitude was different — better — than the last time we saw him.”
“It seems like things have been healing since he’s taken some time off,” Kekalainen said. “I’m the eternal optimist. Our focus the whole time has been to give it proper time to heal and, when the pain subsides, get into some workouts. I’ve been hopeful all the time, and I still am.”
Horton has started doing some light exercises.
- Dave Molinari: Penguins Christian Ehrhoff is back in Pittsburgh being checked for a possible concussion.
- Sarah McLellan: Coyotes Martin Hanzal and Lauri Korpikoski are expected to play today, they are “dealing with a couple minor issues, ” according to coach Tippett.
- Sarah McLellan: Coyotes Joe Vitale is doubtful this weekend, is a few days away.
- Don Brennan: Senators Alex Chiasson will miss today’s game and is day-to-day. David Legwand will be back in.
- Alex Prewitt: The Capitals haven’t decided anything for Dmitri Orlov yet. Nothing is off the table, which could include a second procedure. The Capitals are not “leaning one way or the other” according to Barry Trotz.
- Aaron Portzline: The Blue Jackets activated Ryan Murray off the IR. They will carry nine defenseman for now.
- Ottawa Senators: The Sens put Craig Anderson on the IR.