Holmberg was held without a point through seven games with the Maple Leafs this season, averaging 8:45 time-on-ice and has now been loaned to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. Most recently, Holmberg was skating on a line with Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok. In a parallel move, the Maple Leafs have recalled Nick Robertson from the Marlies.
Robertson has been off to a blistering start at the AHL level this season, tallying 11 points (5G / 6A) in nine games with the Marlies and now, with Pontus Holmberg being loaned to the Marlies, will likely get his chance to make his season debut with the Maple Leafs. Last season, Robertson had five points (2G / 3A) in 15 games with the Maple Leafs before having season-ending shoulder surgery.
Strome missed the Ducks' last game due to an illness but he'll be back in the top-6 for Sunday's game vs. the Golden Knights. Strome has had a strong start to the season, picking up 11 points (2G / 9A) in his first nine games.
Spurgeon skated in a non-contact jersey on Sunday and will travel with the team on their three-game road trip, but head coach Dean Evason was unsure when he'll be back in the lineup. Spurgeon's season debut is on the horizon, so monitor his status throughout the upcoming week.
Mangiapane will miss Tuesday's game vs. the Predators but is eligible to return Friday in Toronto. With Mangiapane out, look for Dryden Hunt or Adam Ruzicka (if he's healthy) to draw into the lineup on Tuesday.
Vanecek allowed three goals on 25 shots in the Devils' win in Minnesota on Thursday. Vanecek was given a night off on Friday but will be back in the crease Sunday in Chicago. Vanecek comes in riding a three-game winning streak despite allowing a combined 10 goals on 86 shots (.884 SV%). Vanecek and the Devils are late -205 favourites, so he makes for a great start even with the Devils missing Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.
Hughes suffered an upper-body injury during Friday's loss in St. Louis after crashing into the end-boards in the first period. As previously reported, Hughes avoided the worst-case scenario but is still expected to miss time. While meeting with the media on Sunday, head coach Lindy Ruff called Hughes week-to-week. Expect Dawson Mercer to centre the Devils' top line with both Hughes and Nico HIschier out.
Tinordi played in five straight games but will come out of the lineup for Sunday's game vs. New Jersey. Alex Vlasic (concussion) will return to the lineup to replace the veteran blueliner.
Vlasic missed the last two games in concussion protocol but will replace Jarred Tinordi in the lineup on Sunday vs. the Devils. Vlasic has picked up three assists, eight SOG and a plus-4 rating in eight games so far this season.
Soderblom was pulled after allowing seven goals on 22 shots in the Blackhawks blowout loss in Arizona on Tuesday. After a strong start to the season, where he stopped 65 of 68 shots in his first two starts, Soderblom has been torched for 12 goals on 46 shots (.739 SV%) in his last two starts. Tonight he'll face a Devils team that will be without Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, but Soderblom and the Blackhawks are still +179 underdogs.
Hughes left Friday's game after a heavy collision with the end-boards and did not return. While there's been no official update from the team, words is Hughes is expected to "miss some time" but the "worst-case scenario has been avoided." With Hughes out, the Devils recalled Maxwell Willman from Utica (AHL).
