Ten. That’s how many games are on the NHL schedule on this fine Tuesday evening in December, as two thirds of the league will be suiting up. All eyes will be on a prime matchup between Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado, as two of the fastest and most dynamic players in the league go head to head. There is plenty of intrigue around tonight’s games, so we’re keeping track of all the minor moves made throughout the day to prepare.
- The Buffalo Sabres have sent Scott Wedgewood back to the minor leagues, meaning Carter Hutton is healthy enough to suit up tonight. The Sabres goaltending situation has been solidified by bringing in Hutton through free agency and giving Linus Ullmark a full-time role with the NHL club, and it has Buffalo in a playoff spot. The Atlantic Division is still led by the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs, but the Sabres are right there chasing them.
- Cole Schneider and Steven Fogarty are both on their way back to the AHL, given that the New York Rangers don’t play again until Friday. The team now sits with just 21 players on the active roster, and will likely make additional transactions later in the week.
- Antti Suomela has been reassigned to the San Jose Barracuda, ending his rookie season for the time being. The 24-year old Finnish forward has eight points in 27 games for the San Jose Sharks this year, his first after signing a one-year entry-level contract in the summer. Suomela will surely be up at some point in the future, but for now he’s on his way to the AHL.
- Brian Lashoff is back up with the Detroit Red Wings, his second recall in just a few days. The veteran defenseman has still not suited up for the team this season, but serves as valuable insurance while the team deals with injuries to their blue line.