On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Steven Stamkos met with his surgeons last week and “they’re pleased with how he looks and where he’s at.”
He was expected to be out for four months, putting his return in March.
“It’s still relatively early to have a date and say he’s going to be back — March 15, April 1 or whatnot. So, he’s progressing well.”
GM Steve Yzerman on forward Ryan Callahan, who has been rehabbing his right hip.
“Cally’s a little bit different,” Yzerman said. “We’ve tried some things. He’s had obviously some issues that have been recurring since coming back from surgery, and it’s kept him out of the lineup. Right now, he’s just in a phase where he’s strengthening. We’re trying to get him back to 100 percent strength, and get him back to play. When he returns to play, I don’t have a date for you for that either, but both guys are progressing in the right direction.”
On the Boston Bruins …
Matt Kalman: The Bruins didn’t have an update on forward Patrice Bergeron‘s leg.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
James Mirtle: The Maple Leafs activated forward Ben Smith off the IR before last nights game and returned forward Frederik Gauthier to the AHL.
SportsCentre: Defenseman Morgan Rielly returned to the Maple Leafs lineup last night. He missed six games with an ankle injury.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Buffalo Sabres: Defenseman Zach Bogosian left last night’s game early with a mid-body injury.
Joe Yerdon: Coach Dan Bylsma didn’t have an update on Bogosian’s status after the game.
Paul Hamilton: GM Tim Murray said that defensemen Josh Gorges and Jake McCabe are both feeling good, but are waiting for clearance.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
George Sipple: Defenseman Brendan Smith is hoping to return on Saturday.