Namestnikov was the Lightning's 1st round pick (27th overall) in 2011. Tonight he will make his NHL debut on a line with J.T Brown and Nikita Kucherov, a line that played very well for Lightning head coach Jon Cooper when he was with Syracuse (AHL). Namestnikov has 13 goals and 17 assists (30 points) in 31 games with Syracuse (AHL) this season.

Pearson is eligible to play in tonight’s game against the Minnesota Wild, he took shifts alongside Colin Fraser with a rotating right wing during line rushes, which could be an indication that he won’t play. Pearson has recorded one goal and a minus-1 rating in six games with the Kings this season. He is third in points with Manchester having totalled 25 points (13G / 12A) in 30 games.

Nyquist has missed the last three games with a groin injury that he suffered on December 15. His return is important for a team who has been ravished by injuries.

With Nyquist out tonight Riley Sheahan will draw into the lineup. Nyquist is considered day-to-day but groin injuries usually keep a player out for 7-10 days.

There is no word on why Nyquist is absent from practice. It would be a terrible break for a team who is already down four forwards. We will get an update following the morning skate.

After he plays two games, he will be there to stay because he will have to go through waivers to get back to the AHL. The Red Wings will obviously not place him on waivers, because he would immediately be claimed. Nyquist led the Grand Rapids Griffins with 21 points (7G / 14A) in 15 games. Hopefully the talented forward sparks the Red Wings quiet offence. Expect him to skate on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen.

Gustav Nyquist earned a spot on the Detroit Red Wings' roster based on his performance last season but was a victim of the salary cap and the club's roster squeeze. Nyquist leads the Griffins with 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 15 games. Once he plays two more NHL games, he is here to stay, because he would then need to pass through waivers to be sent back to the AHL. Perhaps Nyquist will play on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen, since there was an open space there in practice Wednesday.

Nyquist has been in the AHL as a victim of a numbers game in Detroit. They are pressed up against the cap, but only have 11 healthy forwards right now and with Danny DeKeyser landing on Long Term IR there is room for Nyquist to be called up. In 15 games with Grand Rapids Nyquist has seven goals and 21 points which is tied for fourth in the league.

Pearson, 21, made his NHL debut in Game 3 of the second round series between Los Angeles and San Jose and appears to be capable of providing value to the Kings, who selected him with the final pick of the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft. In 15 games with Manchester this season, the 6-foot, 205 pound forward has recorded 11 points (7-4=11) in 15 games while taking 52 shots.

Schenn has one goal and a minus-7 rating in 12 games this season. Hal Gill will make his Flyers debut with Schenn taking a seat.

Niederreiter has moved around this lineup throughout the early part of the season, but found himself re-united with Parise and Koivu in practice this morning. He has one goal and three assists in nine games with his new team.

The fifth overall pick in 2010 never got a chance when he was with the Islanders, but is finally getting his shot with the WIld. He has two assists in three games, but definitely receives a boost in value playing on the Minnesota top line.

Nyquist being sent down is a product of the Red Wings being pressed up against the cap. He is waiver-exempt, so he can be sent down and called back up without any risk. Nyquist is clearly talented enough to play for the Red Wings, but is victim of a numbers game. He will most certainly be back in the Red Wings uniform soon.

Pearson was selected with the 30th pick in the 2012 NHL Draft. He was always a good offensive player but he has turned himself into a reliable two-way forward which is why he was expected to crack the Kings opening day roster. He and Tyler Toffoli should enjoy a lot of success in the AHL and will likely find themselves in a Kings uniform at some point this year.

Nyquist has made it clear that he wants to make the Red Wings roster out of camp, but he may be sent down. Due to the abundance of forwards the Red Wings have and being pushed up against the cap, Nyquist could start the season in AHL. Babcock still has the three young guys together on the third line, so we will have to wait and see what the Red Wings decide to do.

Niederreiter, known more for his scoring, had five hits, often came away from board battles with the puck and is getting stronger without the puck every game, coach Mike Yeo said.

The 23-year-old forward appeared in 22 games for Detroit during the regular season, and then appeared in all 14 of the Red Wings' playoff games.

Niederreiter has had some issues in New York since being selected fifth overall in 2010. He scored 28 goals and added 22 assists (50 points) in 74 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL.

The Blackhawks will rest a lot of their star players tonight.

Lowry is not expected to play a role with the Jets this season