Vatanen was scratched from the lineup on Thursday but is expected to draw back in tonight. Vatanen will most likely replace Mark Pysyk in the lineup and is still searching for his first point with the Stars.
Vatanen had two goals and four assists (six points) in 30 games with the Devils this season. With Jonas Siegenthaler acquired from the Capitals on Sunday, Vatanen was waived on Sunday. Dallas claiming him off of waivers could be anticipation of trading a defenseman like Mark Pysyk or Jamie Oleksiak later today.
Vatanen was "unfit to play" in Game 1 and will be a game-time decision for Thursday's Game 2. Dougie Hamilton replaced him in the lineup on Wednesday but look for Haydn Fleury to come out if Vatanen can play.
Vatanen was nearing his Hurricanes debut but head coach Rod Brind'Amour doesn't expect him to play "any time soon" after suffering a setback on Thursday.
Vatanen registered 40 points in 97 games over parts of two seasons with the Devils after being acquired from Anaheim in the Adam Henrique trade last season. Vatanen should provide some immediate relief to a Carolina blue-line that’s been plagued by injuries. He is set to become an unrestricted free-agent on July 1st.
Vatanen missed Monday's morning skate as he recovers from blocking a shot in Saturday's game vs. the Stars and will not play tonight vs. Montreal. With Vatanen out, Mirco Mueller will draw back into the lineup and Colton White was recalled to serve as the seventh defenseman.
Vatanen has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury but will play Tuesday vs. the Bruins. Vatanen, who has four goals and four assists in 15 games this season, is expected to be on the third pair and first power-play unit in his return.
Vatanen was already expected to miss Friday's game vs. the Penguins but his move to IR means he has to miss Saturday's game in Montreal as well. Colton White was called up from Binghamton (AHL) to take Vatanen's spot on the roster.
Vatanen missed Sunday and Wednesday's games with an upper-body injury that he suffered in Edmonton and will likely miss the Devils' back-to-back over the weekend. Matt Tennyson will remain on the Devils' blueline while Vatanen is out.
Vatanen missed Monday’s practice for “maintenance” but will not play Tuesday due to an illness. With Vatanen out, Egor Yakovlev will return to the blueline vs. the Blue Jackets. He is day-to-day and could be back for Friday’s game in Washington.
Vatanen was forced to leave Monday’s game in Pittsburgh following an elbow from Derick Brassard. Vatanen said he was feeling OK after the game but started showing concussion-like symptoms afterwards. There is no timetable for Vatanen’s return.
Vatanen has missed the last two games, but is expected to return to the Devils blueline on Friday afternoon. Vatanen will replace Eric Gryba in the lineup and has seven points (1G / 6A) in 17 games this season.
