Dowd was a healthy scratch for the first two games of the year, but will replace Kyle Clifford in Tuesday’s lineup. The 26-year-old centre had 48 points (14G / 34A) in 58 games with the Manchester Monarchs (AHL) a season ago.
Eichel was hurt in Wednesday’s practice and the Sabres said it was a high ankle sprain but did not give a timetable for his return. On Thursday, Sabres’ GM Tim Murray said that 6-8 weeks could be a possible timetable for Eichel. The second-year forward can’t put any weight on his injured ankle, he was seen on Thursday using a scooter to get around.
Eichel suffered a high ankle sprain in Wednesday’s practice and will likely miss a minimum of 4-to-6 weeks. It could be much longer, but the Sabres have not released a timetable. Eichel’s injury means that Johan Larsson and Tyler Ennis will likely take on bigger roles.
Eichel’s leg bent backwards awkwardly and had to be helped off of the ice and appeared to be a serious amount of pain. All signs are pointing towards Eichel missing some time, but there likely won’t be an update until later today. Consider him doubtful for Thursday’s season opener.
Stone suffered a concussion during the Senators’ practice on Friday and will be held off of the ice until he is symptom free. Stone is coming off of a 23-goal, 38-assist (61 points) season and with two weeks left until the start of the regular season, he could still be ready for the season opener.
Dowd, 26, forced the Kings to give him a look this year, after collecting 48 points (14G / 34A) in 58 games with Ontario (AHL). In his brief, five-game stint with the Kings he failed to record a point. Dowd will try and crack the NHL roster in training camp, but there’s a good chance he starts the year back in the AHL.
Smith, 25, had a great debut season in Florida, registering 25 goals and 25 assists (50 points) in 82 games and an ultra-impressive eight points (4G / 4A) in six playoff games. Smith has only missed one game in his first three full NHL seasons and has already turned in two 20-plus goal seasons. He has a top-6 role for a good team and should have a shot at 30 goals in 2016-17.
Hertl, 22, is coming off of his best year as a pro, having racked up 21 goals and 25 assists (46 points) in 81 games with the Sharks. The former 17th overall pick found a nice spot on the left wing with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski and if he plays there for most of 2016-17, we could see Hertl’s first 25-goal and 50-point season.
Stone will miss his third straight game with a chest injury that he suffered in Winnipeg on a colossal hit from Dustin Byfuglien. With Stone out, Buddy Robinson has been recalled from Binghamton (AHL) and will make his NHL debut.
Stone was absolutely crushed by Jets’ defenseman Dustin Byfuglien in Wednesday’s win. Stone will miss Thursday’s game in Minnesota and heading back to Ottawa suggests that he will miss Saturday’s game in Philadelphia.
Theodore, 20, has six points (2G / 4A) in 13 games with the Ducks this season. Kevin Bieksa is not expected to play tonight because of an upper-body injury, so look for Theodore to draw in. While in San Diego, Theodore registered 31 points (8G / 23A) in 47 games.
Theodore, 20, impressed in a 13-game stint with the Ducks earlier in the season, picking up two goals and four assists. In 47 games with San Diego, the 2013 first round pick (26th overall) has 31 points (8G / 23A). He will likely replace Korbinian Holzer in the lineup on Thursday.
Dowd, 25, was a seventh round pick (198th overall) in 2009. He has collected 13 goals and 35 assists (48 points) in 57 games with Ontario this season. With Kris Versteeg out, he has been recalled for depth but could make his NHL debut on Tuesday.
Eichel missed Saturday’s game in Toronto will an illness, but it looks like he will return to the Sabres lineup on Tuesday. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate to be sure, but all signs are pointing towards him returning.
Saad skated on Friday morning, but remains day-to-day and will miss his third consecutive game with an upper-body injury. With Saad out, David Clarkson will continue to play a larger role than normal.
Sissons, 22, has one goal and one assist in 19 games with the Predators this season. He has picked up 19 points (8G / 11A) in 38 games with Milwaukee and will be in the lineup on Tuesday with Paul Gaustad out.
Saad left midway through Friday’s win over the Oilers. Following Friday’s contest the Blue Jackets traveled to Philadelphia and Saad did not travel with the team. With Saad out, Rene Bourque is expected to be in the lineup on Saturday.
