Filatov added an assist through his first two games as a Sen but hasn't taken the leap as a reliable two-way player. Coach MacLean is hoping this benching will help him improve in his own end.
Stalberg getting back on the ice is a good sign for fantasy hockey owners. He could return to one of the top two lines and push Brandon Saad back to Juniors upon his return.
Smith skating with the team is an encouraging sign although he still has not been cleared for contact. Expect the team to ease him back into the lineup, likely starting him on the fourth line.
Crawford is likely taking yet another maintenance day as the Blackhawks don't play until Thursday. Expect him to get back onto the ice tomorrow.
Saad skated on the fourth line, an indicator he may be scratched or demoted next game. He was held pointless over his first two games and could be sent back to Juniors following his ninth game.
Over 13 career appearances against the Cats, Fleury holds a 6-6-0 record with a 3.10 GAA, .901 SV% and one shutout.
Parse was recently called out by coach Terry Murray, so he likely stays in his doghouse. Until he can provide consistent scoring at the NHL level, he will continue to be a spare part.
Gagne has one assist through his first two games as a King. He certainly seems to be helping out Anze Kopitar in the early going, which leads to the team not changing anything up. Look for him to return to the 60-point range if he sticks on the top line over a full season.
When Penner does return, look for him to wing Mike Richards and Dustin Brown on the second line. His fantasy hockey value is directly correlated to his playing time and location in the lineup so continue to monitor this situation.
No immediate fantasy hockey value while on waivers.
McGrattan should be used as a spare forward on the fourth line. No need to roster him until he proves he can play a full shift.
If healthy, Kadri should take Tyler Bozak's spot on the top line.
Nystrom holds no immediate fantasy hockey value while on waivers.
Avery has no fantasy hockey value while in the AHL.
Chorney has some potential as he was the fastest skater last season for the Oilers. His career high of eight goals came with the University of North Dakota in his sophomore season. Don't expect too much from the speedy d-man.
The perenially day-to-day defenseman was officially placed on IR. He was held scoreless in his first game. Expect him to miss at least a week, which is roughly 3-4 games.
Over 26 career starts against the Pens, Theodore sports a 19-4-1-2 record with a 2.32 GAA, .917 SV% and four shutouts.
Over two career starts against the Sens, Backstrom sports a 0-1-0 record with a 4.21 GAA and .837 SV%.
At this point, Crosby seems a few weeks away from returning. His skating certainly remains encouraging but the Pens continue to say they won't rush him.
With Orpik out, Deryk Engelland stays on the top defensive pairing. Expect him to remain day-to-day with a return in the horizon.
