Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald: Boston Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart will miss 4 to 6 weeks with a fractured metacarpal on his right ring finger. Steven Kampfer was recalled and will be paired with Adam McQuaid. Marco Sturm was cleared for contact and is targeting a mid-December return, he still remains on the trade block. “I’ve talked to (Chiarelli) once since last week and that’s it,” Sturm said. “I’m happy I’m still here but I’m not happy with the situation, it’s been hard on me and my family. It’s not fun but I’m trying to make the best of it.”
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Sturm says he’s 10-14 days away from being able to return to the lineup (or return to someone’s lineup).
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Alexei Kovalev and his lackluster play have been demoted to the 4th line during yesterday’s practice, and coach Cory Clouston hasn’t ruled out a ‘healthy scratch’ if his play doesn’t improve. “We’re not going to look at that (making Kovalev a healthy scratch) right now,” said Clouston. “We’re going to take it game-by-game. Ask me that in another night or two.”
Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Willie Mitchell will see doctors this afternoon, and could receive clearance to get back in the lineup. He took part in a full practice, wearing a protect padding on his wrist. Terry Murray said he won’t play on the weekend, but should return not long after that.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Post-Dispatch lists 10 players the St. Louis Blues could be potential trade targets: Brad Richards, Jarome Iginla, Alexander Semin, Dustin Penner, Michael Ryder, Mike Fisher, Stephen Weiss, Travis Zajac, Matt Moulson, Rich Peverley.
Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Chicago Blackhawks were going to loan Jeremy Morin to team USA for the World Junior Championship, but with the injuries the ‘Hawks have sustained as of late, he may remain in the NHL. Marian Hossa was put on the IR yesterday, retroactive to November 29th.