With Jenner out for a month, Nathan Horton out with a back injury and Ryan Johansen still unsigned, the Blue Jackets entire projected first line is unavailable. Jenner, 21, had 16 goals and 13 assists (29 points) in 72 games in his rookie season. The 6-foot-2, 204 lbs. forward is a great goal scorer and was poised for a breakout season, but it will have to wait one month before it starts.
Gudbranson, 22, had just nine points (3G / 6A) and a minus-7 rating in 65 games with the Panthers last season. While those numbers don't jump off the board at you, he led the Panthers in PIMs (114), hits (158) and was fifth in blocked shots (91). He put up decent offensive numbers in juniors, but has yet to show he can score consistently in the NHL.
Coyle appeared to be having a tough time receiving passes and stick handling in the Wild's OT loss last night that ended their season, but that would make sense given the status of his shoulders. Coyle had three goals and four assists (7 points) in 13 playoff games. It was a solid postseason for the 22-year-old who had 30 points (12G / 18A) in 70 games this season. The 2010 first round pick, should see consistent top-6 minutes in 2014-15.
Gaudreau, who signed with the Flames earlier in the week, was the 2014 Hobey Baker Award winner. The fourth-round pick (104th overall) in 2011 scored 36 goals with 44 assists (80 points) in 40 games with Boston College this season. The under-sized, 20-year-old forward is expected to have his BC linemate Bill Arnold on his line in Vancouver tonight.
Gudbranson has missed the last nine games, but should be back in tonight. Great timing for the Panthers as they just found out Tom Gilbert is done for the season. Although the games don't mean much anymore, Gudbranson says he’s bound and determined to finish up strong heading into the offseason. He has two goals and five assists in 56 games this season.
Gudbranson injured in knee in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Bruins. Mike Mottau has been recalled and is expected to be in the lineup tonight vs. Phoenix. Expect Gudbranson to miss close to nine games with the knee injury.
Fasching, 18, was a fourth-round pick (118th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He is a 6-foot-2, 213 lbs. winger who has 12 goals and 15 assists (27 points) in 31 games with the University of Minnesota. He had an excellent tournament with Team USA at the World Juniors this season.
Gudbranson served as a healthy scratch for three consecutive games, but will slide back onto the Panthers' blueline tonight. Gudbranson has two goals, five assists and a minus-7 rating in 46 games this season.
Gudbranson missed the last five games after undergoing surgery to repair a broken orbital bone. He will be paired with Ed Jovanovski tonight in Montreal. He has seven points (2G /5A) and a minus-7 rating in 37 games.
Gudbranson has missed the last five games after undergoing surgery on a broken orbital bone. The Panthers could use Gudbranson on the road-trip because Dylan Olsen and Alex Petrovic will not be available. If he can't go tomorrow, Mike Mottau would enter the lineup for the first time since December 3.
Gudbranson has struggled to two goals and five assists with a minus-7 rating in 37 games. The Panthers have recalled Alex Petrovic from San Antonio.
Monahan missed the last seven games with a fractured foot, but gets back in the lineup for TJ Galiardi today vs. the Sabres. The rookie has nine goals and six assists in 24 games.
This is great news for the Flames, because the rookie has been one of their best offensive players this season. He has nine goals and 15 points in 24 games. His 15 points has him tied for second on the team in scoring and fifth amongst NHL rookies. He is likely still at least a week from returning to the Flames lineup.
Speculation is that Mikael Backlund will get more opportunities in wake of the Monahan injury. Given his history, look to your waiver wire first before jumping on Backlund.
Jenner could see increased opportunity with Gaborik out 4-6 weeks. Consider him a deep league flier at this point.
Coyle missed 11 games with a knee injury but returned on Friday, before re-aggravating it and missing Sunday's contest. He appears as if he will be back in the lineup tonight after participating in the morning skate on a line with Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise. Coyle had 14 points (8G / 6A) in 37 games last season, but if he can stick on the top-line - he should drastically improve on those numbers.
Coyle returned on Friday after missing 12 games with a broken jaw, but is already day-to-day again. The Wild didn't specify what is ailing Coyle, but reports are that he is just 'banged up'. Carson McMillan who was called up this morning will enter the lineup.
Coyle had missed 11 games because of a sprained knee. Thursday, he centered a line with Zach Parise and had Justin Fontaine and Dany Heatley taking turns on the right side. Coyle also worked with the first power-play unit, joining Parise and Mikko Koivu with Ryan Suter and Jason Pominville at the points.
The Blue Jackets have a home-and-home with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday and Saturday. He could return on Tuesday against the Senators.
Jenner's leg injury caused him to miss Sunday's contest, and he is questionable to be ready for Friday's matchup with the Penguins.
