Rust is being evaluated by the Penguins' training staff Tuesday for a lower-body injury and is considered out until there are more updates. If he is forced to miss a chunk of time it would be a shame as the 31-year-old winger is on pace for career highs in almost all categories as he has nine goals, seven assists, 55 SOG, and a +10 plus/minus through 17 games played.
Rakell has struggled so far in 2023-24 with no goals and only four assists, 44 SOG, two PIMs, and a -2 plus/minus in 17 games but will now be forced out long-term with an upper-body injury. The 30-year-old right winger joins Bryan Rust, and Chad Ruhwedel on Pittsburgh's growing injury report Tuesday.
Girard is a surprise scratch for Monday's game against the Predators, presumably due to an undisclosed injury. Girard has one goal and three assists across 15 games with the Avalanche this season. Josh Manson (upper-body) makes his return to the Avalanche lineup in place of Girard.
Lizotte will not play on Monday due to an undisclosed injury that will force him to miss approximately a little more than a week. Lizotte has been a regular in the Kings lineup, tallying seven points (4G / 3A) in 16 games, playing predominantly alongside Trevor Lewis and Carl Grundstrom. Jaret Anderson-Dolan will draw back into the Kings' lineup during Lizotte's absence.
Kuzmenko exited the game in the third period in obvious discomfort on Wednesday after taking a puck to the face against the New York Islanders and did not play Thursday vs. Calgary. The second-year NHLer has picked up where he left off the 2022-23 campaign, being consistent all season, potting 14 points (3G / 11A) in 16 games.
Van Riemsdyk has been out of the lineup since November 4th with a lower-body injury. He has one point (0G / 1A) in 10 games, averaging 17:35 time-on-ice, primarily skating alongside Rasmus Sandin before his injury.
Kuzmenko exited the game in the third period in obvious discomfort on Wednesday after taking a puck to the face against the New York Islanders and will miss Thursday vs. Calgary. The second-year NHLer has picked up where he left off the 2022-23 campaign, being consistent all season, potting 14 points (3G / 11A) in 16 games.
Bemstrom has cleared waivers and will join the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. He had four points (3G / 1A) and a -7 plus/minus rating while averaging 13:45 time-on-ice through 12 games with the Blue Jackets this season.
Kuzmenko exited the game in the third period in obvious discomfort on Wednesday after taking a puck to the face against the New York Islanders. The second-year NHLer has picked up where he left off the 2022-23 campaign, being consistent all season, potting 14 points (3G / 11A) in 16 games.
Malkin did not practice on Wednesday due to an illness but will be available for the Penguins on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. The 37-year-old has yet to lose a step, tallying 17 points (8G / 9A) while playing an average of 17:56 through 14 games this season, predominantly alongside Rickard Rakell and Reilly Smith.
Girard missed Colorado's previous game due to an undisclosed injury but is expected to return to the Avalanche lineup Wednesday vs. Anaheim. The 25-year-old defensemen is in his seventh NHL season and has an assist, 13 SOG, and a -8 plus/minus through 13 games played so far this season.
Bemstrom has only played two of the last six games for the Blue Jackets and after being held without a point and posting a -2 plus/minus rating, has been placed on unconditional waivers. He has four points (3G / 1A) and a -7 plus/minus rating while averaging 13:45 time-on-ice through 12 games this season.
Malkin's availability for Thursday's contest against the New Jersey Devils will be determined closer to game time as he did not practice on Wednesday due to an illness. The 37-year-old has yet to lose a step, tallying 17 points (8G / 9A) while playing an average of 17:56 through 14 games this season, predominantly alongside Rickard Rakell and Reilly Smith.
Jones played sensational in his one game showing with the Avalanche after he picked up an assist and +1 plus/minus in 15:42 TOI in his debut Monday but will head back to the Colorado Eagles (AHL) Tuesday. The 26-year-old will be called upon for depth when needed but for now returns to the minors where he had six assists, and eight PIMs in 12 games prior to his call up.
Novak's absence for the next four to six weeks will be a huge blow to the Predators as he ranked second on the team with 12 points (6G / 6A) in 14 games. Novak was a regular contributor to the Predators' top powerplay unit while regularly playing in the top six at even strength. Cody Glass will likely see his duties elevator while Novak is unavailable to play.
