The Avalanche frees up $1.275 million in AAV with this swap and acquire a bigger centre to play in their bottom-6. Sturm was an undrafted free agent out of Clarkson University, who has scored nine goals with eight assists (17 points) in 53 games with the Wild this season.
Middleton missed Wednesday's practice but is feeling better and could play on Thursday. Monitor his status as the Sharks hit the ice for warmups at 10:00 PM ET.
Bogosian has been out since January 15th due to a lower-body injury but will suit up against his former team on Tuesday. The 31-year-old has scored two goals with four assists (six points) in 23 games this season.
Hinostroza will play for the first time since January 17th, replacing Anders Bjork on the Sabres' fourth line. Hinostroza has scored eight goals with nine assists (17 points) in 36 games this season.
Zuccarello was a surprise scratch in Ottawa on Tuesday but was back on the ice on Wednesday and is expected to play in Toronto. Zuccarello will replace Jordan Greenway, who is out with an upper-body injury of his own.
Gustavsson stopped 31 of 33 shots in the Senators' loss to the Rangers on Sunday. With Matt Murray (personal) unavailable on Tuesday, Gustavsson will likely serve as Anton Forsberg's backup vs. the Wild.
Tarasenko was scratched in Toronto on Saturday but was on the ice for Monday's practice and is expected to play vs. the Flyers on Tuesday. Tarasenko has scored 10 goals with 12 assists (22 points) in his last 16 games.
