Theodore has appeared in three straight games and his demotion and promotion was just salary manipulation. Theodore has picked up one assist in three games since being recalled.
Lehner is under the weather, so he will be held out of the crease on Tuesday, which means that a goaltender will likely be recalled from Rochester (AHL) and Anders Nilsson will make his Sabres debut.
Theodore, 21, had eight points (3G / 5A) in 19 games with the Ducks last year, but didn’t make the team out of training camp. However, he picked up two assists in his first two games with San Diego and is already up with the big-club. Expect him to see bottom pairing minutes and power-play time in the early going.
Lehner allowed four goals on 34 shots in the Sabres’ loss in Calgary on Tuesday. Lehner has lost two of his first three starts while posting a 3.33 GAA and .890 SV%. Tonight he makes his fourth consecutive start and it comes against a surprising undefeated team in Vancouver. Lehner makes for a solid No.2 option tonight.
Lehner stopped 31 of 33 shots in the Sabres 6-2 win over the Oilers on Sunday. It was an excellent game for Lehner, who needed a bounce-back after a bad season opener. The 25-year-old has a solid .916 SV% in his NHL career and is capable of being a good No.1 goalie in this league, but he only needs to stay healthy, which has been tough for him to do.
Eichel was hurt in Wednesday’s practice and the Sabres said it was a high ankle sprain but did not give a timetable for his return. On Thursday, Sabres’ GM Tim Murray said that 6-8 weeks could be a possible timetable for Eichel. The second-year forward can’t put any weight on his injured ankle, he was seen on Thursday using a scooter to get around.
Lehner was limited to just 21 games in his first season with the Sabres, which led to just five wins, a 2.47 GAA and .924 SV%. Evidenced by that save percentage, Lehner was effective when he was healthy, but durability has been a concern of his throughout his career. Coming into 2016-17, the Sabre should be much improved and Lehner has the potential to be a No.2 fantasy netminder if he can stay on the ice. Tonight he draws an OK matchup against a Carey Price-less Montreal team. The 25-year-old was 1-1-1 with a 2.66 GAA and .912 SV% vs. the Habs last year.
Eichel suffered a high ankle sprain in Wednesday’s practice and will likely miss a minimum of 4-to-6 weeks. It could be much longer, but the Sabres have not released a timetable. Eichel’s injury means that Johan Larsson and Tyler Ennis will likely take on bigger roles.
Eichel’s leg bent backwards awkwardly and had to be helped off of the ice and appeared to be a serious amount of pain. All signs are pointing towards Eichel missing some time, but there likely won’t be an update until later today. Consider him doubtful for Thursday’s season opener.
Stone suffered a concussion during the Senators’ practice on Friday and will be held off of the ice until he is symptom free. Stone is coming off of a 23-goal, 38-assist (61 points) season and with two weeks left until the start of the regular season, he could still be ready for the season opener.
Smith, 25, had a great debut season in Florida, registering 25 goals and 25 assists (50 points) in 82 games and an ultra-impressive eight points (4G / 4A) in six playoff games. Smith has only missed one game in his first three full NHL seasons and has already turned in two 20-plus goal seasons. He has a top-6 role for a good team and should have a shot at 30 goals in 2016-17.
Hertl, 22, is coming off of his best year as a pro, having racked up 21 goals and 25 assists (46 points) in 81 games with the Sharks. The former 17th overall pick found a nice spot on the left wing with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski and if he plays there for most of 2016-17, we could see Hertl’s first 25-goal and 50-point season.
Stone will miss his third straight game with a chest injury that he suffered in Winnipeg on a colossal hit from Dustin Byfuglien. With Stone out, Buddy Robinson has been recalled from Binghamton (AHL) and will make his NHL debut.
Stone was absolutely crushed by Jets’ defenseman Dustin Byfuglien in Wednesday’s win. Stone will miss Thursday’s game in Minnesota and heading back to Ottawa suggests that he will miss Saturday’s game in Philadelphia.
Theodore, 20, has six points (2G / 4A) in 13 games with the Ducks this season. Kevin Bieksa is not expected to play tonight because of an upper-body injury, so look for Theodore to draw in. While in San Diego, Theodore registered 31 points (8G / 23A) in 47 games.
Theodore, 20, impressed in a 13-game stint with the Ducks earlier in the season, picking up two goals and four assists. In 47 games with San Diego, the 2013 first round pick (26th overall) has 31 points (8G / 23A). He will likely replace Korbinian Holzer in the lineup on Thursday.
Eichel missed Saturday’s game in Toronto will an illness, but it looks like he will return to the Sabres lineup on Tuesday. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate to be sure, but all signs are pointing towards him returning.
