Drouin got crunched by Islanders’ defenseman Calvin de Haan and was forced to leave the game and did not return. The hit was to Drouin’s head, so there is some immediate concussion concern, but the Lightning have not released any information on his condition.
Parise missed Saturday’s game vs. Dallas and is listed as week-to-week with a foot injury. Head coach Bruce Boudreau said that he thinks Parise is ahead of schedule and could be back sooner than originally expected. Monitor Parise’s status as the week progresses.
Wood, 21, had no points in two games with the Devils to start the season and with Sergey Kalinin returning to the lineup on Saturday, Wood has been sent to Albany. He had 35 points (10G / 25A) in 37 games with Boston College last year and should have no trouble picking up points in the AHL.
Nichushkin was unhappy with his playing time in Dallas and the 21-year-old restricted free agent has decided to return to Russia for the 2016-17 season. Nichushkin was the 10th overall pick in 2013 but has yet to develop into the scoring power-forward that he was expected to become. He had just 29 points (9G / 20A) in 79 games last season and 64 points (23G / 41A) across 166 career NHL games.
Vesey, 23, opted not to sign with the Predators after finishing up his college career at Harvard and also decided not to sign with Buffalo after his rights were acquired in June. He became a free agent last Tuesday and his lengthy process finally ended with him signing with the Rangers. The reigning Hobey Baker award winner is coming off 24 goals and 22 assists (46 points) in 33 games with Harvard.
MacKinnon, 20, was the first overall pick in 2013 and is coming off of three strong seasons to start his NHL career. In 2015-16, MacKinnon had 21 goals and 31 assists (52 points) in 72 games. He has missed 28 games over the three years, but has scored at a strong pace—22 goals, 35 assists per 82 games. Entering his age 21 season, expect MacKinnon to take another step forward.
It was believed that Helm’s time with the Red Wings had come to an end and he was going to hit free agency, but Detroit came in with a five-year deal in the final hour to lock the 29-year-old up through the 2020-21 season. Helm is coming off of a sub-par year, having posted just 13 goals and 13 assists (26 points) in 77 games.
There were reports that Parise will miss an extended period time, but the Wild confirmed that he will not travel to Dallas for Game 1 or 2 of their first round series with the Stars. With Parise out, Jason Zucker will play on the top line and Chris Porter will move into the top 6.
Parise was diagnosed with a herniated disk that was pressing on a nerve in January and aggravated the injury last week. Parise was listed as day-to-day on Monday, but it’s looking more like he will miss a few games or even the entire first round with a debilitating back injury.
Parise missed the Wild’s season finale on Saturday as well as today’s practice, so his status for Game 1 remains up in the air. The Wild have another practice on Wednesday, if he isn’t there for that session then he is likely to miss game 1 of the playoffs. Monitor his progress as the week continues.
Parise missed Friday’s practice and is not expected to be in the lineup in the season finale. With the Wild locked into the playoffs, there is no reason to risk an injury to their top forward. Jason Zucker will take his spot on the top line.
What a crazy season for Drouin. He was sent down, didn’t report, got suspended, didn’t get traded and now he’s back with the Lightning. During his time in Syracuse, Drouin collected 11 goals, two assists and a minus-9 rating. With Steven Stamkos and Ryan Callahan out, the Lightning need some help up front. He has eight points (2G / 6A) in 19 NHL games this season.
The Avalanche announced earlier in the week that MacKinnon would be shutdown for the week and reevaluate his status on Sunday. It doesn’t sound like he has improved as he and Matt Duchene will miss the Avs’ two-game road trip in Nashville and St. Louis.
Wedgewood stopped the first 25 shots he faced before giving up a goal in overtime in Friday’s 1-0 loss to the Capitals. He has been sensational since being recalled from Albany, going 2-0-1 with a 0.66 GAA, .978 SV% and one shutout. He will look to keep things rolling against a Hurricanes team on a back-to-back, that has gone 1-2-4 while averaging 2.14 goals per game in their last seven.
Wedgewood stopped all 39 shots that he faced in the Devils shutout win over the Penguins last night. Despite a heavy workload, he will start again tonight vs. the Capitals. He has won each of his first two NHL starts while sipping 66 of 67 shots (.985 SV%). He faces a Washington team that has won three of their last four.
