Nashville selected Novak all the way back in 2015 as a third-round pick. After finished his four years at the University of Minnesota, Novak joined the Predators AHL affiliate in Milwaukee where he eared an NHL contract by finishing second on the team in assists (31) and third in points (42) in 60 games.
Clifton has been out since December 29th but he will play Tuesday in Philadelphia with Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo both out with upper-body injuries. Clifton skated with Matt Grzelcyk in Monday's practice and comes into Tuesday's game with just two goals in 30 games.
Clifton skated in two games with Providence this weekend but returns to the Bruins where he has just two goals in 30 games this season.
As expected, Mantha will return to the Red Wings lineup on Tuesday. Mantha will replace Robby Fabbri, who is out with a jaw injury, and should skate on the top line with Dylan Larkin. Mantha has scored 12 goals with 12 assists (24 points) in 29 games this season.
Mantha suffered a couple of injuries, including a punctured lung, back on December 21st but will be back in the lineup in Buffalo. At this time, there's no word on who Mantha will replace in the lineup.
Mantha will not play this afternoon vs. the Bruins but head coach Jeff Blashill is hopeful that he'll return Tuesday in Buffalo. Mantha's return to the lineup would obviously be huge for the Red Wings, as he leads the team in points-per-game (0.83), scoring 12 goals with 12 assists (24 points) in 29 games this year.
Aho has been recalled numerous occasions this season but has yet to play in an NHL game this year. He has 23 points (2G / 21A) in 39 AHL games and had one goal and three assists in 22 games with the Islanders last season.
Mantha passed the concussion test and was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Mantha is also dealing with fractured ribs and a punctured lung, so he's still going to be sidelined for about one more week. Mantha hopes to be back before February 15th.
Lizotte has been out since January 8th but went to Ontario (AHL) over the bye week and is set to play on Wednesday. The rookie centre has scored four goals with 11 assists (15 points) in 45 games this season.
Mantha, who has been out since December 21st, will be sidelined until at least late February. Head coach Jeff Blashill did not rule out the possibility of Mantha missing the rest of the regular season, especially when you consider that the Red Wings season is effectively over.
Jones has spent time between the AHL and NHL this season, scoring three goals with 11 points in 14 games in Bakersfield and three assists in 23 games with the Oilers. Jones projects to be a third-pairing defenseman heading into 2020-21, so this is a great cap-hit for the Oilers.
Lizotte stayed back in Los Angeles during the start fo the Kings road-trip and head coach Todd McLellan told reporters that he will remain at home for the duration of the trip. Jaret Anderson-Dolan is expected to remain with the Kings while Lizotte is out.
Crosby has missed the last 28 games after undergoing core muscle surgery to repair a nagging sports hernia in mid-November. Crosby was back on the top line (with McCann and Simon) and top power-play unit and comes in with 17 points (5G / 12A) in 17 games this season.
Crosby will remain sidelined Sunday in Arizona. He was a full participant in Saturday's practice but still isn't ready to go. Monitor his status as the Penguins return home for Tuesday's game vs. the Wild.
Crosby was scheduled to skate today but wasn't feeling well, so he will not play in Colorado. The Penguins will stick with the same lineup as Tuesday.
