The Penguins signed Casey DeSmith to a two-year deal worth $1.3M ($650K AAV).
Dallas Stars News
The Panthers have inked Alex Petrovic to one-year extension worth $1.85M.
Despite appearing in just 49 games last season, Petrovic nearly topped his career-high in points, posting 14 points (1G / 13A) with the Panthers. Petrovic is a solid third-pairing defenseman on a talented Panthers’ back-end, but won’t have a fantasy impact.
The Stars have signed Esa Lindell to a two-year extension worth $4.4M ($2.2M AAV).
Shortly after they announced that they will be buying out goalie Antti Niemi, the Stars used some of that cap-space to lock up Lindell for the next two years. The 23-year-old defenseman had 18 points (6G / 12A) in 73 games in his first full NHL season—a year after he had 42 points (14G / 28A) in 73 AHL games. He has a healthy amount of offensive upside and should factor into fantasy circles in 2017-18.
The Stars select Jake Oettinger with the 26th overall pick.
The Dallas Stars have selected Miro Heiskanen with the 3rd overall pick.
Heiskanen is a smooth skating two-way defenseman, who recorded 10 points (5G / 5A) in 37 games with HIFK Helsinki in Finland’s top league. Heiskanen was one of, if not the best defenseman at the U18 World Championship this spring.
Benn (eye) will be back in the Stars lineup on Monday.
Benn missed Friday’s game with an eye injury that he suffered in a fight on Thursday. He was back on the Stars’ top line this morning and will play tonight. He has 24 goals and 39 assists (63 points) in 66 games this season.
Benn left Thursday’s game with an upper-body injury and did not return.
Benn decided to drop the mitts with 6-foot-7, 265 lbs. defenseman Nikita Tryamkin and was hurt in the tilt. Probably not the best idea to take on a monster and it forced Benn to miss the third period. With the Stars on a back-to-back, Benn is questionable for Friday’s game.
Faksa (lower-body) will return to the Stars lineup on Tuesday.
Faksa missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, but will be back in tonight vs. Toronto. Faksa has six goals and 16 assists (22 points) in 48 games this season.
Faksa (lower-body) was back at practice on Monday.
Faksa missed the Stars’ final two games before the All-Star break, but his availability for Monday’s practice suggests that he might be in the lineup when the Stars take on the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate.
Petrovic (ankle) will return to the Panthers’ lineup on Thursday.
Petrovic has been out since November 15th because of an ankle injury, but the 24-year-old is set to return to the lineup on Thursday. Petrovic scored one goal with four helpers in 16 games earlier in the season and should replace Jakub Kindl on the blueline.
Duchene (illness) will return to the Avalanche lineup on Wednesday.
Duchene missed Monday’s game with an illness, but returns to the lineup tonight vs. the Canucks. Duchene has two goals and two assists in his last four games and comes in with 28 points (15G / 13A) in 40 games this season.
Seguin (illness) will be in the lineup on Tuesday.
Seguin was a question mark for Tuesday’s game because of an illness, but was on the ice for the morning skate and will play tonight vs. the Wild. Seguin has two goals and four assists (six points) in his last eight games and 45 points (16G / 29A) in 48 games this season.
Faksa (lower-body) will miss the Stars’ next two games.
Faksa was hurt in Saturday’s loss to the Capitals on Saturday and will miss the final two games before the All-Star break. This is a tough break for Faksa, who was playing some of the best hockey of his young career—he had one goal and eight assists in his last nine games.
Benn (foot) will return to the Stars lineup on Thursday.
Benn has missed the last four games with a foot injury, but will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Red Wings. Benn has scored 10 goals with 24 assists (34 points) in 38 games this season and will be looking for a stronger second half, starting tonight vs. Detroit.
Benn (foot) will not play on Tuesday.
Benn will miss his fourth consecutive game with a foot injury, but head coach Lindy Ruff said Benn is at about 80 percent and he’ll know when he’s ready and when he’s ready he will play. Monitor his status prior to Thursday’s game vs. the Red Wings.
Benn (foot) will not play on Saturday; doubtful for Monday and Tuesday.
Benn (foot) will not play on Wednesday.
Benn missed Tuesday’s practice because of a foot injury and it will keep him out of the lineup tomorrow. Benn is listed as day-to-day and while he is sidelined Patrick Sharp will move up to the Stars’ top line with Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza.
Duchene (concussion) will return to the Avalanche lineup on Monday.
Duchene has missed the last four games with concussion-like symptoms, but will return to the lineup tonight in Columbus. Duchene, who will skate on a line with Carl Soderbergh and Andreas Martinsen, has 11 points (6G / 5A) in 13 games this season.