Kapanen, 18, was the 22nd overall pick in this summer's draft. He had one goal on six shots in four preseason games, but will head back to KalPa Kuopio in Finland, a team he had seven goals and seven assists (14 points) in 47 games with last season.
Murray was placed on injured reserve on Sunday which means that he will miss at least the first two games of the season. The face that he is back on the ice this morning is a good sign that he could be back next Tuesday vs. Dallas, the first game he will be eligible to return from IR.
Murray is definitely out for the season opener and the second game of the season on Saturday, but his status beyond that remains unknown. The start of the season will be difficult for Columbus due to a multitude of injuries. Expect solid offensive numbers from Murray when he returns to the blueline.
The deal means that both sides will avoid an arbitration hearing for the 26-year-old blueliner, who was a restricted free agent. Last season, Demers had a career-high 34 points (5G / 29A) in 75 games. Demers was fourth amongst Sharks D-men in power-play time per game and with Dan Boyle new in New York, Demers should move up one spot in the pecking order.
Murray's return to the lineup would certainly bolster the Blue Jackets' D for a pivotal Game 5.
Murray missed Game 4 with an undisclosed injury and will likely miss Game 5. Coach Richards, however, does expect Murray to play again this series.
The Coyotes have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, so Smith will probably be done for the rest of the season. There is no sense rushing him back for a meaningless game. Look for Thomas Greiss to close out the season for the Coyotes.
Smith will miss his eighth straight game on Thursday, and he is desperately hoping that Thomas Greiss can pull out the W to keep the Coyotes alive. Phoenix has a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, monitor Smith's status heading into the weekend.
Thomas Greiss will get another start for Phoenix as Smith remains sidelined with a knee injury. There was no real update other than he is still day-to-day. Monitor his status before Thursday's game vs. Nashville.
Smith has been out since March 24th after suffering a knee injury that night in New York. He has been skating over the last week, but this morning was his first full practice since getting hurt. The Coyotes are in a tough fight for the last Wild Card spot in the West, so getting Smith back would be a huge boost for the team. They have four games remaining, starting tomorrow vs. Columbus. There is no word if Smith will be ready, but he is definitely nearing a return. Monitor his status in the morning skate tomorrow.
Henrique left Friday's game early and did not return. He will not play tonight vs. Carolina. He will be replaced by Damien Brunner on the second line.
Smith will miss his sixth straight game tonight, but the Coyotes are likely to have more information before next week's road-trip (Tuesday-Thursday).
Murray has been out since March 3rd after undergoing knee surgery. Nick Schultz will likely come out of the lineup with Murray back in. He has 20 points (3G / 17A) in 61 games this season.
Murray will not play vs. the Flyers, but will travel with the team in order to take part in practice. Murray is now now 3 plus-weeks removed from surgery that was expected cost him 4-6 weeks. Murray is not quite at day-to-day status, but is definitely improving and could return for the final few games of the regular season.
Demers remained at the team hotel on Saturday afternoon, as the Sharks will try and isolate him from the rest of the group to try and avoid a bug going through the team with just six games remaining. Demers will fly back to San Jose with the Sharks after the Avalanche game. In 69 games, Demers has four goals and 28 assists for 32 points. He is the team’s leading scorer among defensemen. Scott Hannan, who was scratched against the Jets on Thursday, will return to the lineup.
Smith has been doing off-ice workouts, but plans to skate next week. The Coyotes are happy with how he has come along, and hope that they will get good news when he is re-evaluated next week. Smith could be back before the regular season is done, but there is no guarantee at this point.
Stay tuned.
In the meantime, Thomas Greiss will continue to start.
The Coyotes announced this afternoon that Smith's injury is not as serious as originally feared and that he might just be dealing with a minor strain. They are encouraged with how well he is walking today and are hoping that he will only miss the rest of the current road-trip (2 games) at most. He will continue to be evaluated and we will pass on any further details.
Smith grabbed for his right leg, and appeared to be in pain. He left the game and was helped off the ice and appeared to be able put only minor pressure on his leg as he stepped off the ice. Smith's leg appeared to be twisted and with only 10 games left in the Coyotes season, Smith's season appears in jeopardy. He will be re-evaluated on Tuesday, but Thomas Greiss will start Tuesday.
