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Alec Martinez News
“(Martinez is) skating. He’s not able to participate in the practice, no contact. It’s improvement, but he’s not going to be ready for these two games, and still a little bit away from playing.’’

Martinez showed signs of offense last season after dominating the AHL but has yet to show that this year. He likely won't get picked up if you were to dump him to the waiver wire.

Alec Martinez
He’s going to improve. The off-ice conditioning program and the rehab is going to help him get better every day. He didn’t lose all of his strength, which was surprising with the kind of injury that he has. We’re hoping, with seven days, that he will be able to get himself back on the ice and start to practice, and we can get a read on him.

Sounds like Martinez will be out over the requisite seven days. In the meantime, Slava Voynov will continue playing in his place on the blue line. The Rochester Hills, Michigan scored only two goals through 16 games.

Alec Martinez
Martinez will be back on the ice tonight, though, in his normal blue-line spot opposite Matt Greene, and Martinez might take on extra importance now. With Drew Doughty out of the lineup, Martinez’s puck-moving skills, point shooting and power-play ability will be even more valuable.

With Drew Doughty out of the lineup, don't expect Martinez to draw out anytime soon. Through his first three games this season, the 24-year-old defender registered no points with three shots on goal. Look for him to improve on his current totals in an expanded role.

Alec Martinez