On the Florida Panthers …
Craig Davis of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers coach Tom Rowe said yesterday that they can’t rule out the possibility that Jonathan Huberdeau and/or Aleksander Barkov could be out for the remainder of the season.
“You’re always concerned about that, especially given the injuries. Huberdeau, we’re not going to rush back. Barkov, the same thing.
“Those two franchise players, we’re certainly not going to rush them back. They’ll be back in the lineup when everybody feels they’re ready to play.”
Huberdeau has been out all season after having surgery on his Achilles tendon. His expected return date is early March.
Rowe said they don’t know when Barkov will get back on the ice.
Defenseman Alex Petrovic is expected to return from his ankle injury around the end of the month.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Ottawa Senators: Senators GM Pierre Dorion said this morning that on the doctors advice, forward Clarke MacArthur won’t play this season.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Ansar Khan: Henrik Zetterberg was given a maintenance day yesterday and will be ready to go tonight.
Ansar Khan of MLive: Forward Darren Helm could return as early as Friday
“Right now we’re shooting for tomorrow,but we’ll have a final determination after the pre-game skate,” Blashill said.
If Helm is able to return, the Wings will put Steve Ott on the IR.
“Steve Ott hurt his shoulder in Toronto, played with it in Dallas, hurt it again there, so he’ll be out here for a little bit,” Blashill said. “But he’s able to skate through it.”
Niklas Kronwall is close to returning from his groin injury. He’s not expected to play tonight, but could return on Sunday.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith: Forward Brayden Point (upper-body) skated after practice yesterday.
On the Washington Capitals …
Isabelle Khurshudyan: Defenseman John Carlson missed last night’s game and his status for Saturday against the Stars is still up in the air.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Michael Smith: Goaltender Eddie Lack and forward Bryan Bickell (no contact) continue to practice.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Terry Koshan: Coach Mike Babcock gave no further update on injured defenseman Morgan Rielly.