Smith has missed the last seven games with a knee injury, but returned to the ice on Thursday. Despite his return, Smith is likely a few weeks away from returning to the lineup. Look for the Red Wing defenseman to return after the All-Star break.
Werenski was held off of the ice on Wednesday and his status for Thursday’s game remains up in the air. Monitor Werenski’s status tomorrow, but because the Blue Jackets rarely hold a morning skate, there might not be an update on Werenski’s status until closer to puck-drop.
Smith has missed the last 12 games with a knee injury, but will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Sabres. Smith is expected to replace Ryan Sproul and comes in with two goals and two assists in 20 games this season.
Gudbranson suffered a wrist injury last week and will undergo wrist surgery. The Canucks will not release a timetable until after the surgery is completed. With Gudbranson out, Alex Biega will remain in the lineup for the foreseeable future.
Gudbranson is banged up and will be evaluated before Friday’s game, which leaves him as a game-time decision. Luckily for the Canucks, they will be getting Chris Tanev (ankle) back tonight.
Heinen appeared in just one game during his call-up and was a healthy scratch for the last two games. The 21-year-old has 13 points (7G / 6A) in 13 games with Providence this season.
Heinen has spent the majority of the year with Providence, where he has picked up seven goals and six assists (13 points) in 13 games. He has failed to record a point in seven games with Boston, but will draw back into the lineup tonight vs. Toronto.
Wood, 21, was a fourth-round pick (100th overall) in 2013. The American-born winger has picked up three goals and three assists (six points) in 14 games with Albany. Wood will be at practice on Monday and could make his season debut this week.
Smith was injured midway through the Red Wings’ overtime loss to the Canadiens on Saturday. The Red Wings are already without Alexey Marchenko, so expect them to recall a defenseman from Grand Rapids (AHL), but for Xavier Ouellet to get back into the lineup for Tuesday’s game.
Smith was a healthy scratch for the last two games, but he will re-enter the lineup tonight with Alexey Marchenko out with an upper-body injury. Smith has had a tough season so far, collecting just four points (2G / 2A) in 17 games.
Heinen failed to record a point in seven games with the Bruins. Heinen played in the top-6 with regularity, but could produce offensively. With David Pastrnak ready to return from suspension, the Bruins will roll with Austin Czarnik instead of Heinen.
Fasching played just one shift before leaving Sunday’s game vs. the Jets. Head coach Dan Bylsma didn’t have an update on Fasching after the game, but said they will likely have another forward at practice on Monday, which suggests that Fasching will miss some time.
Wood, 21, had no points in two games with the Devils to start the season and with Sergey Kalinin returning to the lineup on Saturday, Wood has been sent to Albany. He had 35 points (10G / 25A) in 37 games with Boston College last year and should have no trouble picking up points in the AHL.
Heinen has yet to record a point in four games with the Bruins this season and tonight he will come out of the lineup and Ryan Spooner will be back in.
Monahan, 21, scored 27 goals with 36 assists for a career-high 63 points in 2015-16. The 2013 sixth overall pick has had an outstanding start to his NHL career—his 58 goals over the last two years is good for 16th in the NHL over that span. Monahan is easily a No.2 fantasy centre with No.1 upside.
Gudbranson missed the last three games of the regular season, but will be back in for the start of the playoffs. Gudbranson doesn’t do much in the way of offence, but he is a big, physical defenseman who will play a big part in a playoff series for the Panthers.
Gudbranson will miss his third consecutive game on Saturday, but should be ready for game 1. Gudbranson probably could have played tonight but there is no need to risk him getting hurt for the playoffs.
