On the Colorado Avalanche …
- Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Patrick Roy said that Erik Johnson’s absence is from a lower-body injury that he suffered on Monday against the Kings. Roy said that it is “short term,” … “It could be five, 10 days, 12 days — short term.”The Avs claimed Andrew Bodnarchuk off waivers from the Blue Jackets.
“With the injury to Brad Stuart, I think we just want to add some depth to our defense,” Roy said. “That was the plan behind this. We believe that he’s going to help us. … I don’t know him much because the last time I saw him play was many years ago when he was in Halifax, but they said he moves the puck well, he has great hockey sense, he’s intense out there, despite the fact that he’s 5-11 or 5-10.”
Goalie Reto Berra suffered an ankle injury on Dec. 21st, isn’t close to returning. He skated on Monday, but his ankle was sore. It will likely take longer than originally thought.
On the St. Louis Blues …
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: David Backes missed practice yesterday and won’t be on the ice during off days after suffering an upper-body injury against the Maple Leafs on Saturday.
“He’ll be able to play the games, no problem,” Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said.
Kyle Brodziak will return to the lineup tonight after being a healthy scratch. He recently missed five games with a leg injury, and coach Ken Hitchcock said that Brodziak was lacking energy late in games.
“I don’t think I felt as good as I had before I got hurt,” Brodziak said. “They just said, ‘Take it as an opportunity to have a few days and get some good skates in, some bike rides, and get your legs back under you.”
Magnus Paajarvi left practice early yesterday after taking a put to the head.
On the Montreal Canadiens …
- L.A. Lariviere: Carey Price’s absence from the Canadiens lineup has hit the six week mark, and coach Michel Therrien said he’s not ready to get back on the ice. Can expect the Mike Condon-Ben Scrivens duo for at least two more weeks.
- Amanda Stein: Therrien on Price: “He’s not ready to get back on the ice. His rehab is going well. One thing for sure he will not be back this week”
On the Buffalo Sabres …
- Amy Moritz of the Buffalo News: Robin Lehner and Mark Pysyk will be assigned to Rochester of the AHL on conditioning stints.
“Robin Lehner will be assigned to Rochester for a conditioning stint starting this weekend,” Bylsma said. “They play three in three and then again on next Wednesday. Robin will be going down tomorrow or the next day to get a few practices in and get a game situation in. Mark Pysyk will also be reassigned for a conditioning stint for the weekend.”
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
- Joe Smith: Ryan Callahan tried to finish last night’s game, but couldn’t. They don’t know if he’ll be available for their game on Friday.
- Erik Erlendsson: There was no update on Callahan after the game. He appeared to be walking around okay.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
- Ansar Khan: Kyle Quincey will likely be cleared this weekend. GM Ken Holland said that they would need to clear some cap space before he’s activated, but wouldn’t say how much.
On the Washington Capitals …
- Isabelle Khurshudyan: Coach Barry Trotz on John Carlson: “We’ll put him in when he’s ready. Don’t have a timeframe for that.”
On the Minnesota Wild …
- Michael Russo: Zach Parise doesn’t really want to wear a brace because of how restricting it is, but he doesn’t have a choice: “either wear brace & deal w it or keep re-injuring it”
On the Chicago Blackhawks …
- Mark Lazerus: There is no timetable on when Richard Panik can join the team after the trade from the Maple Leafs – waiting on his visa.
- Tracey Myers: Former Blackhawk Trevor Daley yesterday “I asked a while ago if it wasn’t going to work out, that it may be in my and their best interest to move me.”
On the Edmonton Oilers …
- Jim Matheson: Have always wondered why the Oilers didn’t signed 2012 fourth round draft pick Eric Gustafsson. Gustafsson was paired with Brent Seabrook last night.
On the Boston Bruins …
- Matt Kalman: David Pastrnak has an injured finger, but he’ll be able to play through it according to GM Don Sweeney. (Pastrnak was assigned to the AHL after the World Juniors)
On Ron Wilson …
- Mark Masters: When asked what is next? “Golf. I’m not expecting anything from anyone.” But, if NHL called? “I’d entertain that for sure.”
