Milano has not played since December 10th, missing 22 games with an upper-body injury, but appears to be nearing a return to the lineup imminently. Milano had been held to only one point (1G / 0A) in his last nine games before his injury, firing only six shots on goal and averaging 11:19 time-on-ice.
Hughes has not played since January 5th but has a chance to return to the lineup this week as he is considered day-to-day. Regardless of his exact return date, his presence as a full participant at practice on Tuesday is an encouraging sign for a Devils club that has struggled in his absence. Hughes has been limited to only 32 games in an injury-plagued 2023-24 campaign but has 45 points (15G / 30A) in that span.
Nosek has been out since November 18th after a foot injury and subsequent surgery but will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche after being a full participant at the morning skate. The 31-year-old failed to pick up a point in his six games before his injury.
Kochetkov has missed the last seven games with a concussion but will likely return to the crease on Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks. The 24-year-old Kochetkov was playing tremendously in the games leading up to his injury, allowing two or fewer goals in four straight (4-0-0), posting a dazzling .936 SV%. The Hurricanes, riding a three-game winning streak, are -141 home favourites against the Vancouver Canucks, who lead the Pacific Division and have points in 11 straight (9-0-2).
Vanecek will start for the third time in the last four games for the Devils in a challenging matchup against the high-scoring Colorado Avalanche. The Devils have lost two straight, and Vanecek has allowed four or more goals in each of his last two starts. That said, Vanecek and the Devils will be facing off against an Avalanche club that lost a hard-fought battle last night, 2-1 versus the New York Rangers in overtime.
Luukkonen and the Sabres will return to the ice on Tuesday for their first game since the All-Star break. In his last outing, Luukkonen saved 23 of 25 shots in a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks and has generally been the more relied-upon Sabres' netminder lately, starting seven of the last eight games (4-3-0). The Sabres are +144 home underdogs on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars, who have points in five straight games (4-0-1).
Nosek has been out since November 18th after a foot injury and subsequent surgery, but his return to the lineup appears imminent after being a full participant at practice on Tuesday. The 31-year-old failed to pick up a point in his six games before his injury.
Svechnikov will likely miss his fifth straight game on Tuesday as the talented winger's injury-plagued season continues. Before this most recent injury, Svechnikov was on a roll, scoring 19 points (10G / 9A) in his last 13 games.
After serving a three-game suspension, Lockwood sat out the last game for the Panthers due to a concussion. Through 23 games this season, Lockwood has one point (0G / 1A), 42 hits, and 14 penalty minutes while averaging 8:22 time-on-ice.
Mackey made his season debut with the Rangers before the All-Star break but will return to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, where he has spent most of the season. The undrafted 27-year-old has nine points (2G / 7A) in 31 games with Hartford this season.
Skinner will start a monumental game for the Oilers, their first game back from the All-Star break, as they search for their 17th straight victory. Skinner saved 28 of 29 shots (.966 SV%) in his last outing and has been nearly unbeatable during the Oilers' 16-game winning streak, allowing more than two goals only once and posting a tremendous .950 SV% in 12 contests (12-0-0). The Oilers are -147 road favourites against a Vegas Golden Knights squad with points in six of their last seven games (5-1-1).
Bolduc will sit out Monday's game against the Maple Leafs as both Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech make their return to the Islanders' lineup. Bolduc has one goal and two assists in 33 games this season.
Aho will sit out Monday's game against the Maple Leafs as both Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech make their return to the Islanders' lineup. Aho has one goal and five assists in 40 games this season.
Pelech did not play in the Islanders' last game before the All-Star break but will draw back into the lineup on Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 29-year-old defender has four points (0G / 4A), 19 hits, and 42 blocks in 25 games this season.
Pulock suffered a lower-body injury on December 7th and has been on long-term injured reserve since. After missing 24 games, Pulock will draw back into the lineup on Monday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has six points (2G / 4A), 37 hits, and 66 blocks in 25 games this season.
Beckman went pointless in nine games with the Wild last season and is yet to play an NHL game in the 2023-24 season. The 22-year-old winger has nine goals and ten assists in 37 AHL games this season.
Georgiev will return to the crease for the fifth straight game on Monday night when the Avalanche face off against his former team, the New York Rangers. Georgiev is riding a three-game winning streak, saving 85 of 92 shots (.924 SV%) and has been stellar in limited action against his former team, posting a 1.38 GAA and .960 SV% in two contests (1-0-1). The Avalanche have won three straight but are slight -102 road underdogs on Monday.
Quick started the final game before the All-Star break for the Rangers and will return to the crease in their first game back on Monday evening. The consecutive starts likely correlate to Igor Shesterkin participating in the All-Star game, but even so, Quick has played well lately. In his last two outings (1-1-0), the 38-year-old Quick has 53 of 57 shots, posting a stellar .930 SV%. The Rangers are slight -115 home favourites against an Avalanche club riding a three-game winning streak.
Malinski missed one game for the Avalanche as he was returned to the Colorado Eagles (AHL) but has been recalled again Monday. The 25-year-old was having an impressive season in his first taste of the big leagues, with three goals, 10 points, 29 SOG, and a +4 plus/minus in 22 games played.
McMann missed the Maple Leafs' previous game due to an undisclosed injury but was activated off the Injured Reserve Monday and is expected to be in the lineup Monday vs. the New York Islanders. The 27-year-old center is in his second career NHL season and has set career highs already in almost all categories with two goals, seven points, 33 SOG, 26 PIMs and a -4 plus/minus in 23 games played prior to the injury.
