Ekholm is coming off of a two-assist performance vs. the Islanders on Saturday, but left yesterday’s practice with an apparent upper-body/rib injury. There was no word on how serious the injury is and if he will even miss any time, but monitor his status during Wednesday’s morning skate.
Kapanen has picked up three goals on six games with the Marlies this season and could make his season debut on Saturday after taking Eric Fehr’s spot on the roster. The 21-year-old winger has just one goal in 17 career NHL games.
The Canucks did not have an update on Stecher post-game, but head coach Travis Green said “it was a knee-on-knee hit, so we’ll see what happens.” Consider Stecher as questionable for Tuesday's game in Minnesota.
Draisaitl will not be in the lineup tonight vs. the Blackhawks, but it sounds like he could be back in the Oilers lineup as soon as Saturday. His return will be huge for the struggling Oilers, so monitor his status leading up to this weekend’s meeting with the Flyers.
Draisaitl missed Saturday’s game vs. Ottawa and has already been ruled out for Tuesday’s contest. Draisaitl’s move to IR is likely retroactive to October 11th, when he first missed practice. The move shouldn’t have any affect on when he returns to the lineup.
Draisaitl missed practice on Monday and will miss his second game in a row on Tuesday. The Oilers’ star forward remains day-to-day and the Oilers will re-evaluate him before deciding whether or not he will travel with the team on their upcoming road-trip.
Draisaitl has missed three practices in a row and will be held out of the lineup with an eye injury that he suffered when he was high-sticked on Monday. With Drasaitl out, Kailer Yamamoto is expected to play on the Oilers’ top line.
Lazar was a healthy scratch in the season opener, but will draw in for Garnet Hathaway tonight. Lazar will play on the third line with Sam Bennett and Kris Versteeg. He had one goal and two assists in four games after joining the Flames last season.
Pickard was placed on waivers on Thursday and cleared Friday afternoon. The Maple Leafs waited for him to clear because now they can send him to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) and keep him in their system. This is a smart move for Toronto, who’s current backup goaltender is veteran Curtis McElhinney, who has had his fair-share of struggles during his career.
Kulak, who had 10 points (2G / 8A) in 22 AHL games and three assists in 21 NHL games a season ago was expected to be in the opening night lineup, but Matt Barkowski will get the first crack alongside Michael Stone tonight.
Lazar, who picked up three points in four games after being acquired by the Flames last season was beat out by Tanner Glass and Garnet Hathaway for the last few spots in the Flames’ opening night roster. With Jaromir Jagr also coming to town soon, Lazar might have a difficult time working his way into the lineup.
