Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild’s Keith Ballard has been released from hospital. He suffered multiple facial fractures and a concussion. They have to wait for the swelling to go down before they can determine whether or not surgery is needed.
Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Sharks Marc-Edouard Vlasic (upper-body) is questionable for tonight. They’ll know more this morning. Antti Niemi said he felt good enough to play tonight. Tyler Kennedy (shoulder) and Matt Nieto (ankle) will be out. Mike Brown (lower-body) will be out “an extended period of time.”
Juha Hiitela: Joni Pitkanen has started skating again. He has a lot of work ahead of him.
Chip Alexander: Hurricanes Eric Staal should be able to go. Alex Semin is not as close to returning.
STL Blues News: Blues Jay Bouwmeester and Alex Steen could return tonight.
Jeremy Rutherford: Blues David Backes showed up the rink yesterday, but left as he’s still in pain. Doesn’t sound like he’ll play tonight.
Curtis Zupke: Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau said that Dany Heatley could return “on the next road trip at some point.” Lance Pugmire: Heatley had surgery on his groin around mid-November.
Mark Stepneski: Stars Patrick Eaves (ankle) will be out for four to eight weeks. Surgery is not required.
Harvey Fialkov: Panthers Scottie Upshall and Aleksander Barkov will practice today.
Joe McDonald: No update on if David Krejci will play tonight.
Dave Stubbs: Canadiens Lars Eller will miss a week or two with an upper body injury.
Katie Strang: Red Wings Justin Abdelkader (shoulder) skated yesterday, but in a no-contact jersey.
