This is terrible timing for Rust, who has been one of the hottest players in the NHL recently, scoring eight goals with four assists (12 points) in his last four games. Jeff Carter will replace him in the lineup and Evan Rodrigues may replace him on the top line.
The Sharks are hopeful that Karlsson will be available next Tuesday, so this does not appear to be an injury that will sideline him long-term. Brent Burns will remain on the top PP unit with Ryan Merkley on PP2 on Saturday.
Karlsson suffered an upper-body injury in the third period of Tuesday's loss in Detroit. Ryan Merkley will draw into the lineup to replace Karlsson but Brent Burns will take over on PP1.
Johnsson will be replaced by Nico Hischier, who is coming back from a lower-body injury. Johnsson is expected to miss two or three games while in COVID-19 protocol.
Karlsson appeared to get hurt in the third period of Tuesday's loss in Detroit and is questionable for Thursday's game. If Karlsson can't play, look for Marc-Edouard Vlasic to draw back into the lineup and for Brent Burns to take over on PP1.
Malkin continues to practice and is nearing his season debut but it will not be Wednesday vs. the Blues. With Jeff Carter also still out, expect Evan Rodrigues to centre the second line again.
Carter will miss his second straight game but it seems likely that he could be available for Thursday's game in Philadelphia.
Carter is the latest Penguin to be added to the COVID-19 protocol list. Luckily, Evan Rodrigues was activated on the same day and will replace him on the Penguins' second line.
Bemstrom suffered an injury during the preseason and has been working his way back ever since. He scored one goal in three games during his time with Cleveland (AHL) and is finally set to make his season debut on Thursday. The 22-year-old forward had three goals and two assists (five points) in 20 games with Columbus last year.
Jarry was one of five players added to the protocol list on Monday, bringing the Penguins total to six. This group will likely miss at least the next two games. Expect Casey DeSmith to take over in net while Jarry is out.
The Predators had an outbreak before the Christmas break, so on the day where they activated six skaters, they also added three new players to the protocol list, including Novak.
Hayes left Monday's practice early after a positive set and has been placed on the COVID-19 protocol list. The Flyers are one of the few teams that actually have games this week but it looks like they will be without Hayes on Tuesday.
Lizotte has missed the last five games while in COVID-19 protocol but was activated on Wednesday and is expected to play on Thursday. He has one goal and four assists (five points) in 21 games this season.
Mantha was placed on IR on November 5th and moved to LTIR on Wednesday to make room for Nicklas Backstrom to be added to the roster ahead of his season debut.
