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.
Aho did not appear in a game during his call-up and goes back to the AHL with the Islanders off until Saturday. He could return to the team before their game vs. the Bruins but he's going to the Sound Tigers to get some playing time. He has two goals and 18 assists (20 points) in 34 games this season.
Lizotte was forced to leave Wednesday's game vs. Dallas early in the first period and did not return. The 22-year-old's absence allowed Michael Amadio to move up to the third line and Matt Luff will draw in on the fourth line in Vegas.
Rakell has missed the last six games but is expected to play tonight vs. the Blue Jackets. Rakell had two goals and four assists in seven games before getting hurt and will likely be back on the top line with Ryan Getzlaf on Tuesday.
Crosby is on the Penguins road trip and skated before the morning skate and also took part in the team session ahead of Tuesday's game in Vegas. It's a great sign that he was able to skate with the team again today but he will remain out of the lineup for at least one more game.
Crosby has been out since November 9th after undergoing surgery for a nagging sports hernia but it looks like he'll be back in the lineup at some point this week. The Penguins are in Vegas on Tuesday, so monitor Crosby's status if they elect to hold a morning skate.
Bemstrom has been sidelined by an upper-body injury since December 7th but has been activated from IR prior to Saturday's afternoon game. It remains to be seen if Bemstrom will play against the Sharks.
With Adam Pelech out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury, Aho comes up from Bridgeport for the first time this season. The 23-year-old defenseman has two goals and 18 assists (20 points) in 34 games.
Clifton suffered an upper-body injury early in Sunday's game vs. the Sabres and will not play against the Devils tomorrow. With Clifton and Charlie McAvoy definitely out and Torey Krug not expected to travel, look for the recently recalled Jeremy Lauzon to play with Matt Grzelcyk.
Rakell will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury that he suffered against the Islanders last Saturday. With Rakell out, Max Jones is expected to remain in the Ducks lineup.
Mantha was body-slammed by Jake Muzzin in the Red Wings loss to the Maple Leafs and suffered an injury to his rib cage that will keep him out of a minimum of four weeks. Mantha had a terrific start to the season but injuries have completely derailed a career-year.
This leaves the Ducks without three of their top-6 forwards because both Ryan Getzlaf and Jakob Silfverberg are out with the flu. The Ducks recalled Daniel Sprong to fill one of the spots but the other will likely go to Jaccob Larsson and they will dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards.
Mantha engaged with Jake Muzzin after a hit in the third period and ended up getting body-slammed to the ice by the Leafs' defenseman. Mantha's head hit the ice and remained down for a few minutes before being helped off of the ice. Sunday is the Red Wings' final game before the Christmas break, so it's entirely possible that he could be back for next Saturday's game in Florida but that is pure speculation at this point.
