Over three career starts against the Devils, Smith holds a 1-0-2 record with a 2.53 GAA and .925 SV%.
Look for Demers to be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game. Through five games this season, the Dorval, Quebec produced two assists with a minus-4 rating.
Through four games against the team that drafted him, Smith holds a 2-0-2 record with a 2.68 GAA and .897 SV%.
The team remains coy with their decision on Nugent-Hopkins but it sounds like he will stay. Through his first seven games he scored five goals and seven points.
Smith has given up just four goals in his past three starts. [PhoenixCoyotes.com]
There was some speculation Nugent-Hopkins would sit in favor of Sam Gagner. Looks like the current first overall has more-than-earned his role with the team. The rookie currently has four goals and five points over his first six NHL games.
Demers, Colin White or Marc Eduoard Vlasic could sit tonight in favor for Braun. Considering the recent callup is a more offensive player, Demers sounds like the most logical choice to sit.
Ekholm loses all of his immediate fantasy hockey value by returning to the SEL.
In his first two games this season, Henrique was held pointless with a minus-2 rating. He likely gets the first crack at replacing Jacob Josefson down the middle.
Although coach Trotz hedged on his earlier comments regarding Ekholm, it likely means he draws out of the lineup the next time the Preds hit the ice. For the most part, the Swedish defender remains on the roster because of his options overseas. Jack Hillen probably becomes the sixth defenseman as Ekholm gets his feet wet in a smaller rink.
Over six games against the Kings, Smith holds a 5-1-0 record with a 1.51 GAA and .943 SV%.
Over 10 career starts against the Jets, Smith holds a 6-4-0 record, 2.58 GAA and .907 SV%.
Henrique needs more ice time as an offensive player. His demotion is a coy move by the Devils even though he loses all of his immediate fantasy hockey value.
Ekblom could fill in for Teemu Laakso on the blue line tonight. Last season he scored 10 goals and 33 points through 55 games with Brynas IF Gavle of the SEL. He could boost the team's offense from the third defensive pairing.
Over three career starts against the Stars, Smith holds a 2-0-1 record with a 3.30 GAA and .878 SV%.
Probably a safe pick to grab if still available in your league. His center-only position is the only thing that may hurt his immediate fantasy hockey value.
Smith holds a career 2-2-0 record with a 3.56 GAA and .877 SV% against the Sharks. He allowed five goals on 39 shots in his only appearance in the HP Pavilion.
Ekholm sticks in the NHL as a bottom-pairing defender. Last season he scored 10 goals and 33 points through 55 games with Brynas IF Gavle of the SEL. Look for him to get his feet wet at the NHL level.
RNH starts the year on a nine-game tryout. If he sticks for the full season, there is no reason to believe he cant match the 22 goals and 42 points Taylor Hall put up last season.
Smith, as the team's top free agent signing, gets the first crack at the starting goalie role. Last season he posted a .899 SV% and 2.89 GAA over 22 games with the Lightning. He should improve on his totals with coach Dave Tippett behind the bench.