Smith had a rough year in 2013-14, but should be in line for a bounce-back season. He is a good goalie on a defence-first team, which makes him a reliable fantasy option. The 2.64 GAA he posted last season, was the worst GAA he has posted in his three years in Arizona, so expect that number to creep closer to 2.40 in 2014-15. He starts the season with a nice matchup vs. Winnipeg.
Kapanen, 18, was the 22nd overall pick in this summer's draft. He had one goal on six shots in four preseason games, but will head back to KalPa Kuopio in Finland, a team he had seven goals and seven assists (14 points) in 47 games with last season.
Murray was placed on injured reserve on Sunday which means that he will miss at least the first two games of the season. The face that he is back on the ice this morning is a good sign that he could be back next Tuesday vs. Dallas, the first game he will be eligible to return from IR.
Murray is definitely out for the season opener and the second game of the season on Saturday, but his status beyond that remains unknown. The start of the season will be difficult for Columbus due to a multitude of injuries. Expect solid offensive numbers from Murray when he returns to the blueline.
Skinner sustained the concussion on a hit by Matt Niskanen in Sunday's preseason game vs. the Capitals. Skinner has had concussion issues in the past, so this is not the way he or the Hurricanes wanted to start the season.“He will continue to be monitored by our team doctors and go through proper protocols in the coming days," said GM Ron Francis. Don't expect to see Skinner in the season opener vs. the Islanders.
The deal means that both sides will avoid an arbitration hearing for the 26-year-old blueliner, who was a restricted free agent. Last season, Demers had a career-high 34 points (5G / 29A) in 75 games. Demers was fourth amongst Sharks D-men in power-play time per game and with Dan Boyle new in New York, Demers should move up one spot in the pecking order.
Murray's return to the lineup would certainly bolster the Blue Jackets' D for a pivotal Game 5.
Murray missed Game 4 with an undisclosed injury and will likely miss Game 5. Coach Richards, however, does expect Murray to play again this series.
The Coyotes have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, so Smith will probably be done for the rest of the season. There is no sense rushing him back for a meaningless game. Look for Thomas Greiss to close out the season for the Coyotes.
Smith will miss his eighth straight game on Thursday, and he is desperately hoping that Thomas Greiss can pull out the W to keep the Coyotes alive. Phoenix has a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, monitor Smith's status heading into the weekend.
Thomas Greiss will get another start for Phoenix as Smith remains sidelined with a knee injury. There was no real update other than he is still day-to-day. Monitor his status before Thursday's game vs. Nashville.
Smith has been out since March 24th after suffering a knee injury that night in New York. He has been skating over the last week, but this morning was his first full practice since getting hurt. The Coyotes are in a tough fight for the last Wild Card spot in the West, so getting Smith back would be a huge boost for the team. They have four games remaining, starting tomorrow vs. Columbus. There is no word if Smith will be ready, but he is definitely nearing a return. Monitor his status in the morning skate tomorrow.
Kane served as a healthy scratch on Saturday night, but will be back in the Jets' lineup tonight vs. Minnesota. Kane has not scored a goal in his last seven games, but will look to finish the season strong; starting tonight.
Henrique left Friday's game early and did not return. He will not play tonight vs. Carolina. He will be replaced by Damien Brunner on the second line.
When asked why Kane was being scratched, head coach Paul Maurice simply stated it was "coach's decision". The Maple Leafs catch a break with one of the Jets most dynamic players out of the lineup.
Kane was one of the last players off of the ice at the Jets' morning skate which suggests that he will be a healthy scratch tonight vs. the Maple Leafs. Kane has two goals and five assists in his last 10 games. This could be fallout from the assault accusations that were slapped on him during the week.
Smith will miss his sixth straight game tonight, but the Coyotes are likely to have more information before next week's road-trip (Tuesday-Thursday).
Murray has been out since March 3rd after undergoing knee surgery. Nick Schultz will likely come out of the lineup with Murray back in. He has 20 points (3G / 17A) in 61 games this season.
A Vancouver-area resident, is seeking unspecified financial damages in a statement of claim filed last week in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. He alleges he was jumped by Kane one evening last August as he was walking home from a bar where he was working in promotions. He claims he suffered a concussion and numerous injuries to his head, neck, back, shoulders, chest, ribs and leg that are causing ongoing headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and insomnia as a result.
