On the Detroit Red Wings …
Ted Kulfan: Forward Justin Abdelkader has a fractured cheekbone and will be seeing a specialist today.
On the Montreal Canadiens …
Montreal Canadiens: Goaltender Al Montoya is out indefinitely with a concussion.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Andrew Gross: Coach John Hynes said that forward Marcus Johansson is progressing from his concussion. He’s been doing some off-ice exercising.
Andrew Gross: Hynes said that he needs to talk with GM Ray Shero about whether Michael McLeod (left knee) will remain with the team when healthy or return to the OHL.
Andrew Gross of NorthJersey.com: Forward Travis Zajac tore his left pectoral muscle on August 17th and was expected to be out for four to six months after surgery. Zajac received clearance and could be in the lineup this week.
“I think we’ve had an internal timeline and we’re pretty much on schedule,” said Zajac, 32, the team’s No. 1 center. “I will take it a day at a time. I’ve been skating for a while, just not with the guys. It’s more just now getting some practices where I can skate through some bodies and bump a little bit. I missed all of training camp so the next week is going to be important for me.”
On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Forward Zack Smith dislocated his left thumb on Friday and will be out for three weeks.
“That’s another top-six forward,” Senators head coach Guy Boucher. “At some point, you’ve got to get a little lucky with those injuries, but they do wear you down.”
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Dave Isaac: Forward Nolan Patrick said he’s feeling better after skating hard the past two days. Added that it’s up to the coaching and training staff. It does sound like he’ll be traveling with the team this week. They are off today.
Adam Kimelman: Patrick said he’s hopeful that he’ll be able to play in his hometown of Winnipeg on Thursday.
On the Washington Capitals …
Tarik El-Bashir: Forward Brett Connolly is ready to return today. Defenseman Matt Niskanen is getting closer. The Capitals send Liam O’Brien to the AHL.
Isabelle Khurshudyan: Forward Tyler Graovac isn’t expected to play today. He remains on the IR and is getting closer.