Hutton was a healthy scratch in the first two games of the season but will replace Michael Del Zotto tonight in Carolina. Hutton’s numbers have gotten worse each season, culminating in just six assists in 61 games last season.
Theodore saw some time in the AHL last year, but quickly showed he belonged in the NHL, scoring five goals and six assists (11 points) in just eight games with the Chicago Wolves. With the Golden Knights he registered 29 points (6G / 23A) in 61 games and is a front-runner to lead the Vegas blueline in ice-time this season. Theodore may have to battle with Colin Miller for top power-play time, but he is a candidate for a 10-goal, 30-assist season on a strong Vegas squad.
Hanifin is coming off of the best season of his young career, picking up 10 goals and 22 assists (32 points) in 79 games. Playing on the best possession team in hockey, Hanifin had an impressive +2.8 relative Corsi. The 21-year-old is an RFA who the Flames will have to sign this summer. Matt Cane of HockeyGraphs predicts a two-year bridge deal worth $4.672M ($2.336M AAV).
Hutton has been out since March 14th, but will be back in tonight vs. the Coyotes. Hutton has had a tough season, picking up just six assists and is running out of time to pick up his first goal.
Whitecloud turns pro after two years at Bemidji State University—he had four goals and 15 assists (19 points) in 36 games this season. There’s no word on who Whitecloud will replace in the lineup.
Hanifin missed Sunday’s game in Brooklyn with a concussion that he suffered against the Flyers on Saturday. With just 10 games left in the regular season, there’s a chance that Hanifin’s season could be over. Concussions are tricky and there’s no sense risking him getting hurt with the Hurricanes’ season basically over.
Hill’s return to the AHL suggests that Antti Raanta is set to return from his lower-body injury on Saturday. Hill has gone 14-10-0 with a 2.41 GAA and .911 SV% with the Roadrunners this season.
Smith remains day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and will miss his fourth straight game tonight vs. the Devils. Smith was not on the ice for the morning skate, which clouds his status for Friday’s game vs. the Wild as well.
Despite practicing on Tuesday and Wednesday, Eichel is not ready to return to the Sabres lineup on Thursday. Regardless, he is obviously getting close to a return to the lineup, so monitor his status heading into Saturday’s game vs. the Blackhawks.
