Another day, another win for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have now won their last eight games. That’s sent them flying back into the playoff race, and made the Metropolitan Division even tighter. Just seven points separate first and fifth in the division, meaning the last few weeks could change everything in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. As always, we’ll keep track of all the minor moves around the league right here.
- The Ottawa Senators have recalled Jim O’Brien and Patrick Sieloff from the minor leagues, sparking some controversy among their fans. Sieloff is best remembered for injuring Clarke MacArthur in training camp, giving him another concussion and almost ending his career. In that incident Bobby Ryan came to MacArthur’s defense and fought Sieloff, and once again this past September there were reports of Sieloff getting into it with Mark Stone at practice. Though the 23-year old defenseman has played two years now in the Senators organization, this would be his first opportunity in the NHL.
- The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled Andreas Martinsen, and it looks like he’ll make his debut tonight against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. Martinsen was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens earlier this season in exchange for Kyle Baun (who has since been flipped to Toronto) and has spent the entire year with the Rockford IceHogs. In 119 career NHL games, Martinsen has just 18 points.
- Curtis McKenzie is on his way to Dallas, as the Stars have recalled the 27-year old forward. McKenzie has played in just four games for Dallas this season, instead spending his year in the AHL where he once again is a top scorer. With 45 points in 45 games, McKenzie trails only Travis Morin in scoring for the Texas Stars.
- Andy Welinski made his NHL debut this season for the Anaheim Ducks, and is on his way back to the team after being recalled. Though this likely means that Josh Manson is out after suffering an upper-body injury, Welinski has done more than enough to deserve the call-up. The 24-year old defenseman has 34 points in 51 games in the minor leagues, and continues to show why the Ducks selected him 83rd-overall in 2011.
- The Boston Bruins have assigned Anton Blidh back to the AHL, while recalling Jordan Szwarz and Paul Postma under emergency conditions. The Bruins are dealing with several injuries throughout their lineup, and are trying to find fits while they wait for players like Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy to return.