The latest news and notes from the Atlantic Division:
- Detroit blueliner Xavier Ouellet has caught the eye of Detroit coach Jeff Blashill, notes Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News. Ouellet, whose presence in the lineup is partly due to Niklas Kronwall’s injury, has an assist in three games while averaging 15:16 of ice time per game so far this season. Once Kronwall returns, Ouellet may be relegated to the press box which isn’t ideal for a young blueliner but there is little chance that he’d make it through waivers if the Wings tried to send him to the AHL.
- Montreal Canadiens forward Andrew Shaw will meet with NHL disciplinarian Stephane Quintal following a slew footing incident last week against Buffalo, TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reports via Twitter. While Shaw won’t be suspended, Quintal is hoping to educate Shaw with regards to not crossing the line as he has done twice in the past month, the other incident coming in the preseason vs Washington. ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun adds that Quintal did this with several players last season though those were more under the radar than Shaw’s case.
- Ottawa Senators goaltender Andrew Hammond made his season debut last night in Detroit. Head coach Guy Boucher acknowledged to Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun that he intends to play starter Craig Anderson less this season in an effort to avoid some of the late season injuries that have crept up in recent years.
- Toronto winger Josh Leivo is expected to return to Leafs practice today after suffering an undisclosed injury, reports Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star. Leivo has yet to suit up this season but scored five goals in just twelve games last season and is one of many young wingers on their roster looking to make an impact. James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail adds he will likely miss the next week before returning to game action.