Merkley had one goal in six games with the Sharks earlier in the season. He's spent most of the year in the AHL, where he has tallied 17 points (1G / 6A) in 22 games. Merkley will replace Erik Karlsson (upper-body) in the lineup and is expected to see some power-play time on the second unit.
Parise, Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Martin and Robin Salo have been activated from COVID-19 protocol and are expected to suit up vs. the Sabres.
Given the lengthy list of absences, Helm was likely tot play in the top-9 in Colorado's next game (Sunday) but now he will likely be sidelined until the middle of next week.
On the day that the Islanders activated players like Mathew Barzal, they also added four forwards to the protocol list, including Parise. This group is expected to be out until next Wednesday.
Kiviranta was one of six Stars players added to COVID-19 protocol on Sunday and two more were added on Monday. As of right now, they are scheduled to play three games this week, starting on Wednesday but it seems likely that they are going to be postponed.
Francouz was moved to COVID-19 protocol on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined until the middle of next week. With Jonas Johansson now in Florida, Justus Annunen or Hunter Miska will likely come up to serve as Darcy Kuemper's backup.
O'Connor was placed in COVID-19 protocol on December 20th but the team did not announce it until Sunday. The Avalanche provided expected return dates for all of the players still in protocol and put O'Connor on track to miss Wednesday's game vs. the Stars but be back for Friday's rematch.
Blackwood will miss Saturday's game in Detroit with a neck injury and is listed as day-to-day. The Devils recently acquired Jon Gillies from the Blues and could make his Devils debut.
The Red Wings added three more players and two coaches to the COVID-19 protocol list on Saturday, with Smith joining Carter Rowney and Alex Nedeljkovic.
