Butler scored a goal in Saturday’s game against the Blackhawks, but will return to San Antonio. The 31-year-old defenseman had eight goals and 21 assists (29 points) in 61 games with the Rampage as season ago.
Gambrell had a sensational season debut with the Barracuda, scoring two goals and one assist. With Joe Thornton landing on IR, Gambrell has been recalled and will be a bottom-6 option on Monday afternoon vs. the Islanders.
Thornton’s injury is not structural but rather an infection in his knee. This should come as a relief for Thornton owners, as the veteran will be put on antibiotics and hopefully make a quick recovery. Joe Pavelski will shift to centre and Melker Karlsson will be bumped to the top-line for the time being.
Budaj was placed on waivers in order to send him to Ontario, but was quickly recalled after Jonathan Quick (lower-body) landed on IR. Budaj will backup Jack Campbell tonight and for the foreseeable future while Quick is sidelined.
Quick has been ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. the Red Wings and his move to IR means that he will have to miss at least one week. Jack Campbell will step in as the Kings’ temporary No.1 netminder with Peter Budaj serving as his backup until Quick is set to return. There’s no word on how long the Kings expect their veteran netminder to be sidelined.
Campbell appeared in five games for the Kings last season, going 2-0-2 with a 2.48 GAA and .924 SV%. He has spent most of his career in the AHL and was 11-10-1 with a 2.83 GAA and .912 SV% in his most recent season. With a soft opponent on home-ice, Campbell is an intriguing spot-start for owners desperate for some goaltending help on the final night of the week.
Ward allowed four goals on 30 shots in the Blackhawks overtime win in St. Louis. Ward is off to a 2-0 starts despite allowing a combined seven goals on 55 shots (.873 SV%). He is a bad option tonight vs. a strong Maple Leafs team, especially on no rest.
Bernier was 19-13-3 with a 2,85 GAA and .913 SV% in 37 games with the Avalanche last season. Bernier inked a deal with the Red Wings this season and will start tonight vs. the team that drafted him back in 2006. The Red Wings have a very inexperienced blueline in front of him, making the 30-year-old a risky option on the last night of the week.
Mrazek allowed two goals on 20 shots in the Hurricanes overtime loss to the Islanders on Thursday. Mrazek was given the Hurricanes’ second game off, but will draw back back between the pipes this afternoon vs. the Rangers. New York has a thin roster but Mrazek is always a risky option.
Getzlaf suffered a lower-body injury in the third period of Saturday’s win over the Coyotes and did not return. Head coach Randy Carlyle did not have an update on Getzlaf post-game, but Getzlaf was seen favouring a leg while walking around. Consider him questionable for Monday’s game against the Red Wings.
Luongo got tangled up with teammate Frank Vatrano while trying to make a save on Saturday and was forced to leave the game with a right knee injury. Luongo will undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury, but early indications are that it is not serious. James Reimer will take over as the Panthers’ No.1 and Michael Hutchinson will be recalled to replace Luongo while he is out.
