Aston-Reese was scratched from Tuesday’s lineup despite taking part in the morning skate. Aston-Reese will miss an extended period of time, but that’s not a big hit to the Penguins lineup with Tom Kuhnhackl returning last night.
Gaunce hurt his foot while blocking a shot against Florida and will not be available on Thursday. Reid Boucher has been recalled from Utica (AHL) and will replace Gaunce tonight.
Gaunce has been a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace Nic Dowd in the lineup tonight vs. the Avalanche. Gaunce has registered just two goals and one assist in 30 games this season.
The news of Gudbranson’s injury came shortly before Saturday’s game in Edmonton and it is serious enough to land him on IR for the time being. The good news for Canucks fans is that his roster spot will be taken by Bo Horvat, who was activated from IR in a corresponding move. Gudbranson will miss at least one week as a result of this move.
Gaunce has just one goal and one assist in 26 games this season and he will come out of the lineup tonight in favour of Nikolay Goldobin.
Despite a few days of over the Christmas break, Werenski still isn’t ready to return to the Blue Jackets blueline. Werenski missed the morning skate and will miss his fourth straight game tonight Pittsburgh. Werenski remains day-to-day and is questionable or Friday’s game in Ottawa.
