On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Brian Hedger: Coach John Tortorella on defenseman Ryan Murray‘s injury: “Not even close. Not even in the conversation for me.”
Aaron Portzline: Murray was on the ice on Wednesday and skated for one drill before leaving. He still has a back injury that has affected him since November 27th.
George Richards: The Blue Jackets send Markus Hannikainen to the AHL.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Ansar Khan: Coach Jeff Blashill said that Tyler Bertuzzi and Henrik Zetterberg were given maintenance days yesterday but are expected to be in the lineup on Saturday.
On the Florida Panthers …
Jameson Olive: Coach Bob Boughner said that the believes goaltender Roberto Luongo has “turned a corner.” He’s still on pace to return in early February but could start practicing sooner than later.
On the New Jersey Devils …
New Jersey Devils: The Devils reassign defenseman Mirco Mueller to the AHL on a conditioning stint.
On the New York Islanders …
Brian Compton: Coach Doug Weight said that Nikolai Kulemin is “aggressively pursuing to get back, but still a long way away.”
New York Islanders: Forward Josh Bailey returned to the lineup last night.
On the New York Rangers …
Justin Tasch: Forward Kevin Hayes could return Saturday. Defenseman Marc Staal won’t practice tomorrow, so he’ll be out for their games on Saturday and Sunday.
Bryan Burns: Defenseman Dan Girardi returned to the lineup last night.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Chris Johnston: Defenseman Morgan Rielly will be re-evaluated today. He injured his left arm in the second period and was limited late in the third period according to coach Mike Babcock.
On the Washington Capitals …
Jesse Dougherty: Forward Andre Burakovsky has missed two games with an illness, but was made a healthy scratch last night. They had the bye the week before so he hadn’t been on the ice for over a week. Coach Barry Trotz expects Burakovsky to be back in the lineup tonight.