Kesler returns
Elliott Teaford: Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Kesler will return to the lineup tonight.
Eric Stephens: Kesler had been dealing with a hamstring issue.
Jost out on the ice
Ryan S. Clark: Colorado Avalanche forward Tyson Jost, out with an upper-body injury, was on the ice in a no-contact jersey.
Jenner back out on the ice
Brian Hedger: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner was on the ice. It’s been one week since his ankle was infected. He was expected to be out for one to three weeks.
Thompson could return tonight
Curtis Zupke: Los Angeles Kings coach Willie Desjardins said that Nate Thompson could be in the lineup tonight, tomorrow at the latest.
Byron being examined … Shaw not cleared yet
Eric Engels: Montreal Canadiens forward Paul Byron left last night’s game early with an upper-body injury.
Eric Engels: Canadiens coach Claude Julien said that Byron will be having more exams done on his forearm today.
Forward Andrew Shaw hasn’t been cleared to play yet, but could be in the lineup tomorrow.
John Lu: Shaw said that he needs another practice or two before he’s ready to return to the lineup. Didn’t know if he’d be cleared for Thursday.
Turris practicing
Adam Vingan: Nashville Predators forward Kyle Turris – still on the IR – practiced in a no-contact jersey.
Zajac misses practice
Amanda Stein: New Jersey Devils forward Travis Zajac didn’t practice today. He missed their last game against the Canadiens.
Ladd and Hickey practice
Corey Wright: New York Islanders Andrew Ladd and Thomas Hickey practiced today.
Malkin out … Schultz close
Jason Mackey: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was the only player missing from practice today.
Jonathan Bombulie: Defenseman Justin Schultz practiced today in a regular jersey.
Pens Inside Scoop: Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said that Justin Schultz is “getting close.” Malkin did skate before practice.
Ennis back at practice
Luke Fox: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Ennis practiced today for the first time since he broke his ankle.
Byfuglien practices in a regular jersey
Mitchell Clinton: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien practice today in a regular jersey.