Players on waivers
Pierre LeBrun: Brandon Manning (EDM) cleared waivers. Placed on waivers today: Patrick Eaves (Ana), Michael Haley (Fla), Thomas McCollum (Nash), Michael Leighton (Van).
Pierre LeBrun: McCollum and Leighton signed contracts today that require them to be put on waivers first.
Pierre LeBrun: Eaves carries a $3.15 million salary cap hit and is under contract through next season.
Panarin ill and Dubinsky activated
Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen states that Artemi Panarin won’t play tonight due to an illness. He’s not being held out to protect against an injury.
Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets announced that forward Brandon Dubinsky was activated from the IR and that forward Markus Hannikainen was put on the IR retroactive to February 14th. Hannikainen has missed their past two games with an illness and is day-to-day.
The Blue Jackets recalled defenseman Adam Clendening from the AHL and assigned forward Kole Sherwood to the AHL.
What to do with Puljujarvi … Benning activated, Manning assigned to the AHL
Ryan Rishaug: Would think that after Jesse Puljujarvi comes off the IR, he will likely be sent to the AHL. After listening to Bob Nicholson’s comments about player development, there is a good chance that he spends the rest of the season in the AHL.
Mark Spector: The Oilers management has been talking about the plans for Puljujarvi. No decision has been made. Going down to the AHL most agree is the best option, but after he’s remained in the NHL this long, will they lose the player by sending him down now?
Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers have assigned defenseman Brandon Manning to the AHL.
Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers have activated defenseman Matt Benning from the IR.
Ladd and Hickey recalled
New York Islanders: Forward Andrew Ladd and defenseman Thomas Hickey have been recalled and forward Michael Dal Colle has been loaned to the AHL.
Elliott activated
Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers have activated goaltender Brian Elliott from the IR and recalled him from his conditioning stint.
Kucherov one point away from 100
Adam Kimelman: “Nikita Kucherov is 7-11-18 during a 5-game point streak. If he gets 1 point tonight he’ll reach 100 in his 61st game, and would be 1st TB player with multiple 100-point seasons.”
Adam Kimelman: The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled defenseman Jan Rutta and sent forward Mathieu Joseph to the AHL.
Canucks sign a goaltender
Stephen Whyno: The Vancouver Canucks have signed Michael Leighton. Leighton had been on a PTO with their AHL team.
Canucks PR: The Canucks have recalled defenseman Ashton Sautner.
Laine on his game
Paul Friesen: Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine on his game of late: “I think it’s getting better. Obviously I’m not scoring, but overall it’s OK. Creating chances, playing OK defence. Not allowing that many goals anymore, as a line. So that’s obviously good. It’s decent right now.”