No concussion for Giroux … Galiardi back in Calgary … No WJC for Zibanejad … WHL on Portland sanctions
  • Tim Panaccio via twitter: After spending a couple days getting neck treatment in Atlanta, Claude Giroux is feeling “really fine.” His injury is not considered a concussion.
  • Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Sharks T.J. Galiardi left his German team after suffering a knee injury and has returned to Calgary according to the Calgary Herald. The injury doesn’t seem to be serious, and he’s been practicing with the Calgary Hitman of the WHL.
  • Sylvain St-Laurent via twitter: The Senators will not be making Mika Zibanejad available for the World Junior Championship. Ian Mendes via twitter: Sens GM Bryan Murray: “We feel like keeping Mika here to play in North America is the best decision for his development. As a young player and person, he’s learning how to play the North American style and continues to progress playing for Luke in Binghamton.”
  • Daren Millard via twitter: A statement from WHL commissioner Ron Robison on Portland Winterhawks sanctions: “We believe the sanctions are not excessive given the repeated and systemic nature of the violations. The independent investigation discovered an unprecedented number of violations.  It is the responsibility of each WHL Club and General Manager to be fully aware of the WHL Regulations and to be in compliance at all times. These sanctions are necessary in order to protect the overall welfare and integrity of our League and to preserve a level playing field for all of our member Clubs and our players.”