The Penguins could be getting some more help from the infirmary. Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review notes that center Nick Bjugstad is on the verge of returning to the lineup and should be available to play on Thursday night against Buffalo where he’s likely to suit up on the third line. The 27-year-old has been out for more than three months due to a core muscle injury, one that caused him to miss some time in October as well. Bjugstad has since recovered from his surgery and while it would be difficult to expect him to contribute too much offensively after being out for so long, he should at least be able to provide a physical presence while he gets back up to speed.
Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference:
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports in his latest 31 Thoughts that the Maple Leafs center Jason Spezza has yet to have discussions about a possible contract extension with the Leafs. He’s playing for the league minimum of $700K this season and will need to take a similar deal if he wants to have a chance to stay in Toronto given their contract structure despite producing relatively well given his low ice time with 25 points in 55 games while playing under 11 minutes a night.
- Although Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky wasn’t at practice today, he is still an option to play on Thursday, relays George Richards of The Athletic (Twitter link). He was a surprise scratch on Sunday due to a lower-body injury. If he can’t go, Chris Driedger is expected to be available after returning from his conditioning stint on Tuesday.
- Islanders center Casey Cizikas is getting closer to returning. GM Lou Lamoriello told reporters, including Arthur Staple of The Athletic (Twitter link) that the rugged forward is about a week away from getting back on the ice and likely two weeks from returning to the lineup. Cizikas has been out since suffering a lower-body injury against Philadelphia back on February 11th.
I understand that it would go against basic bargaining procedure, but hear me out. With regards to Spezza I believe there’s only one way to approach it as the Maple Leafs’ front office. They have to just give Spezza the opportunity to say what he would need (dollar wise) to re-sign in Toronto. “The Number”, if you will. Then the front office accepts or moves on. No dickering. I think Spezza must basically understand the situation. His production probably does warrant more than $700k and the Leafs probably could go ever so slightly higher. Time will tell. IMO he has been worth probably twice his salary already this year. I hope he’s back.
agree with this. spezza has been a great signing for the league minimum. that being said, as you point out knowing the situation is key. he doesn’t have to take less money of course but there are veterans each year playing on min or near min contracts whether because of buyout or previous season numbers.
if spezza wants more like a million he has probably earned that but is replaceable.
Jumbo Joe for example likely will be no more than 900k next year.
I highly highly doubt Joe Thornton comes back next year, even more so on a team that isn’t San Jose or Boston.
@tmlmikey, @MoneyBallJustWorks – that makes three of us, regarding Spezza. Makes for bad radio, eh? But, just think how different his scenario would be if Babs was still there. Spezz’ would’ve been forced into mutual contract termination-ville, for his own sanity. I hope he gets a fair offer to stay, as I’m not sure if Kyle & Shanny realize his true value as the venerable “veteran presence.” Unless somebody has first-hand experience to the contrary, I would describe Jason as a “true pro.”
Would like to see team friendly deal as a veteran he can help the young guys as a leader on this team , but must decide on mutual amount on deal , to keep him , in Toronto , wish some others would have taken team friendly deals, no names mentioned, as lot of veteran players including Thornton.