Hirose and Givani Smith were both recalled and are likely to make their season debuts on Sunday with the Red Wings' forward group already being ravaged by COVID-19 and injuries. Hirose had seven points (2G / 5A) in 26 games with the Red Wings last season.

The Red Wings have been hit hard by COVID-19 and now Darren Helm is dealing with an undisclosed injury, so it looks like Smith and Taro Hirose, who was also recalled, could make their season debuts on Sunday. Smith had two goals and one assist in 21 games with the Red Wings a season ago.

Nick Merkley is coming up to make his season debut on Sunday so they send Boqvist to the taxi squad because he doesn't need waivers. Boqvist has yet to register a point with just two shots on goal in four games this season.

Merkley is expected to replace Jesper Boqvist in the Devils lineup and skate on a line with Pavel Zacha and Nikita Gusev. The 23-year-old had one goal and one assist in four games with the Devils in 2020 and 13 points (4G / 9A) in 19 games with Assat Pori of the Finnish elite league during a COVID loan.

Perry is expected to make his Canadiens' debut on Saturday with Joel Armia sidelined with a concussion. Perry will skate on the third line with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Tyler Tofofli. He had five goals and 16 assists (21 points) in 57 games with the Stars a season ago.

Jones is expected to make his season debut on Friday after replacing Sonny Milano (undisclosed) on the roster. Jones had 12 points (8G / 4A) in 59 games a season ago.

Morin is a 6-foot-6 defenseman who is making the transition to forward this promotion puts him one step closer to playing forward at the NHL-level. The 25-year-old will not play on Thursday but he could make his season debut soon with both Sean Couturier and Morgan Frost out with injuries.

Pavel Francouz is day-to-day with a minor injury so Miska has been called up to serve as Philipp Grubauer's backup in Los Angeles.

Linus Ullmark, who was Monday's projected starter, will miss tonight's game due to personal reasons. As a result, Johansson was promoted from the taxi squad and he's expected to back up Carter Hutton.

Nick Robertson was hurt over the weekend and is expected to miss some time, so Engvall comes up from the AHL and should be in the lineup on Monday evening. The 24-year-old Engvall had eight goals and seven assists (15 points) in 48 games with the Maple Leafs last season.

Byram was the No.4 overall pick in 2019 and is coming off of a terrific showing as a member of Team Canada at the World Juniors. The 19-year-old defenseman had 52 points (14G / 38A) in 50 AHL games a season ago and could make his NHL debut at some point during the 2021 season.

With Jordan Staal out because of COVID-19 protocol, Geekie will draw into the lineup on Saturday. It’s unclear how the Hurricanes’ lines will shake out but Vincent Trocheck figures to move up to the second line with Geekie handling a bottom-6 role.

MacEachern was originally sent to the taxi squad to the Blues could become cap compliant but was able to be recalled Wednesday because Vladimir Tarasenko was moved to LTIR. MacEachern had 10 points (7G / 3A) in 51 games a season ago.

Kyrou was originally sent to the taxi squad to the Blues could become cap compliant but was able to be recalled Wednesday because Vladimir Tarasenko was moved to LTIR. Kyrou had four goals and five assists (nine points) in 28 NHL games a season ago.

With Philippe Myers out long-term, Friedman comes up to serve as the Flyers seventh defenseman. Friedman has one assist in six NHL games this season and has picked up 18 points (3G / 15A) in 45 AHL games.

While playing almost exclusively in the top-6, Mayhew failed to register a point in six games during most recent call-up. His return to the AHL suggests that Eric Staal will be back in the lineup on Thursday.