Morning Hits: Thornton, Malart, Rielly, Gibbons, Hellberg and Lundqvist

Mark Easson

11 years ago

Pierre LeBrun: Bruins Shawn Thornton’s appeal is for Friday morning with Gary Bettman.

Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen on Ilari Malart’s decision to leave the AHL for the KHL: “(Disappointing) in a way, yes, but it’s something we were prepared for. We would have liked to have him here for the whole year, but that’s the reality of the contract. He had the option to go back.” Portzline adds, that Melart will make a lot more money in the KHL than he will in the AHL. When his KHL season is over, he’ll be able to return to the AHL, possibly as early as March 4th.

Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: “I expect tomorrow is d-day for the Leafs on sending Rielly to the WJHC”

Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins have recalled forward Brian Gibbons from the AHL.

Katie Strang: Henrik Lundqvist will make his seventh straight start tonight.