Nichushkin is questionable for Saturday with a lower-body injury.
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Colorado Avalanche News
The Canadiens have acquired Brett Kulak from the Flames for Rinat Valiev and Matt Taormina.
Kulak was a fourth-round pick (No.105 overall) in 2012 and has appeared in 101 career NHL games with the Flames. The 24-year-old is coming off of a season in which he scored just two goals and six assists (eight points) across 71 games.
The Flames re-signed Brett Kulak to a one-year deal worth $900K.
The Islanders signed Brock Nelson to a one-year deal worth $4.25M.
The Sharks signed Ryan Merkley to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The Stars have signed Valeri Nichushkin to a two-year deal worth $5.9M ($2.95M AAV).
Nichushkin was drafted No.10 overall in 2013 and recorded 64 points (23G / 41A) in 166 career NHL games before leaving for the KHL. The 23-year-old had 27 goals and 24 assists (51 points) in 86 games with CSKA Moscow during his two years in Russia. Nichushkin returns to the NHL, where he projects to be a middle-6 winger.
The Sharks select Ryan Merkley with the No.21 overall pick.
Suspension
Kadri was suspended three games for his hit on Tommy Wingels; won't play in Game 2 on Saturday.
Line Change
Roy was recalled from Charlotte (AHL) on Friday and will make his NHL debut on Saturday.
Roy, 21, was a fourth round pick (No.96 overall) in 2015 and has picked up 37 points (10G / 27A) in 68 games with the Checkers this season. Roy will make his debut on the fourth line with Joakim Nordstrom and Valentic Zykov.
Kamenev will be back in Colorado’s lineup on Thursday.
Kamenev will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday.
Kamenev played just 10:03 in his return to the Colorado lineup on Sunday but will be replaced by Colin Wilson (head) tonight in Chicago.
Kamenev will be back in the Colorado lineup on Sunday.
The Lightning have signed Alex Barre-Boulet to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Barre-Boulet, 20, is an undrafted free agent in his fourth season in the QMJHL. The undersized forward (5-foot-9 / 167 lbs) isn’t the first small, undrafted free agent the Lightning have signed in years past. Barre-Boulet has picked up an impressive 49 goals and 55 assists (104 points) in just 57 games with Blainville-Boisbriand this season.
The Kings have re-assigned Wedgewood to Ontario (AHL).
Waiver Move
The Kings have placed Wedgewood on waivers.
The Kings have acquired Wedgewood and Tobias Rieder in exchange for Darcy Kuemper.
Mackinnon will return to the lineup Sunday against the Oilers.
Mackinnon was back skating with Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen at practice on Saturday. He has 61 points in 49 games for the Avalanche this season (24G/37A). Colorado went 4-4 without Mackinnon in the lineup.
Mackinnon (shoulder) will not play in Winnipeg on Friday.
Mackinnon appeared to be ready to return as he was a full participant at Thursday's practice, but shortly after the Avs announced he would not be travelling to Winnipeg. His next chance to return is Sunday vs. Edmonton.
Goalie Start
Wedgewood will start Tuesday in San Jose.
MacKinnon (shoulder) returned to practice in a no-contact jersey on Tuesday.
MacKinnon is two weeks into a 2-4 week timetable, so he appears to be right on track in his recovery. The next step is for MacKinnon to ditch the no-contact sweater, which could happen later this week. MacKinnon will need a few practices before he’s set to return to the lineup.