On the Boston Bruins …
NHL Player Safety: Bruins forward was suspended for three games for interference on Red Wings forward Frans Nielsen.
Cap Friendly: Backes will forfeit $96,774.19 for his three-game suspension.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Sabres PR: The Sabres have recalled forward Danny O’Regan from the AHL.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Terrell Williams: Hurricanes owner has removed the GM title from Ron Francis and named him president of hockey operations.
“Since I took control of the team, I’ve had a good chance to be around and assess the operations,” said Dundon. “There are a lot of good people working in the organization, but I feel that a change in direction is needed when it comes to hockey personnel decisions.
Ron is a smart and talented hockey man. I am glad that he will continue to be a part of the team, serving in this new role.”
John Shannon: “The inside story of the ‘Canes change is that the owner wants to deal directly with the coaches and the players…and have a figure head GM. Dundon wants to do it like Mark Cuban runs the NBA Mavericks.”
Aaron Ward: Sources are saying that this decision was made about five days ago.
Frank Seravalli: While Francis was the GM for four years, he didn’t make one player-for-player trade. The Hurricanes haven’t made the playoffs since 2009.
On the Calgary Flames …
Wes Gilbertson: Coach Glen Gulutzan said that forward Sean Monahan has been dealing with an injury. Him leaving early was just as a precaution.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James: Forward Frans Nielsen will be out tonight and Friday with an upper-body injury and will be re-evaluated on Monday.
Helene St. James: The Red Wings have recalled Evgeny Svechnikov.
On the Minnesota Wild …
Michael Russo of The Athletic: One of the reason’s the Wild didn’t give up any assets at the trade deadline for a rental was to give Luke Kunin a roster spot. Two games after being recalled, Kunin tore his left ACL and will be out for the season.
On the Nashville Predators …
Thomas Willis: Defenseman Roman Josi and his upper-body injury were on the ice yesterday for their optional skate.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Wes Crosby: The Penguins have signed forward Sam Lafferty to a two-year entry-level deal.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Luke Fox: Forward Auston Matthews was on the ice before practice yesterday and then remained on the ice with the main group in a no-contact jersey.
Kristen Shilton: Coach Mike Babcock on if Matthews could return on Saturday: “I don’t know what they’ll do. I just noticed he was wearing red today. We don’t have a whole lot of red in our uniform.”
On the Winnipeg Jets …
Darren Dreger: Forward Mark Scheifele is doubtful against the Devils. There should be an update today and the early indication is that it isn’t serious.
