There has been plenty of roster movement between NHL teams and the taxi squad on a daily basis this season. Although some major names may be highlighted in separate articles, this is where you’ll find the majority of that shuffle news each day.
Central Division
- Givani Smith’s recent shuffle continues as the Red Wings announced (Twitter link) that they’ve sent the winger back to their taxi squad. Smith played 12:29 for Detroit last night against Tampa Bay and has two assists in five games so far this season.
- The Nashville Predators have returned Mathieu Olivier to the taxi squad along with fellow forward Eeli Tolvanen. To make room on the taxi squad list, forward Sean Malone has been assigned to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, one of the two minor league clubs tied to the Predators this season in lieu of their own missing affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.
- The Dallas Stars have swapped out some of their forward options as they continue to work out their best cominations early on this season. Heading to the active roster is rookie Ty Dellandrea as well as Tanner Kero, while Nick Caamano and Joel L’Esperance will take their places on the taxi squad. Dellandrea and Kero have a combined four points in 12 games so far while Caamano and L’Esperance have been held scoreless in a combined 11 games, thereby earning the former pair another shot.
- Zach Werenski has hit the injured reserve for the Columbus Blue Jackets with an undisclosed lower-body injury, but the defenseman is only expected to miss a week or two. Taking his roster spot for now is young forward Liam Foudy, the team announced.
East Division
- The Penguins announced (Twitter link) that they have recalled winger Drew O’Connor from the taxi squad. The 22-year-old has played in four games so far with Pittsburgh this season, recording one assist. The Pens also activated defenseman Mike Matheson off IR.
- The Rangers have sent goaltender Keith Kinkaid to AHL Hartford from the taxi squad, per the AHL’s Transactions list. The veteran signed a two-year deal with New York this past offseason though he has yet to suit up this season. Adam Huska has been recalled to the taxi squad in a corresponding move.
North Division
- The Canucks have recalled winger Justin Bailey from the taxi squad, the team announced via Twitter. Going down to make room for Bailey is defenseman Olli Juolevi. Bailey has yet to play this season while Juolevi has played in seven games with Vancouver, scoring once while averaging just under 13 minutes per game.
- Calgary has opted to bypass the taxi squad for their latest recall, announcing (Twitter link) that center Byron Froese has been recalled from AHL Stockton. There’s an opening in the lineup following Derek Ryan’s injury and Froese could fill that spot if the Flames opt to hold out Sam Bennett in the hopes of finding a suitable trade for him.
- The Canadiens have once again recalled winger Corey Perry from the taxi squad, per CapFriendly. He has suited up in the last six games for Montreal, recording a goal and two assists.
- Ethan Bear has been placed on injured reserve by the Edmonton Oilers with an undisclosed injury that has kept him out of action since late last month. Combined with the loss of Troy Grosenick on waivers, the Oilers had two open spots on the roster. They have recalled Stuart Skinner to replace Grosenick as backup goaltender until Mike Smith becomes available, while forward Jujhar Khaira has been added as well to provide depth up front.
- After he cleared waivers, the Winnipeg Jets have activated forward Dominic Toninato from Long-Term Injured Reserve and assigned him to the taxi squad. The free agent addition is coming off a career season with the Florida Panthers but has his work cut out for him to find his way into a deep Winnipeg forward corps.
West Division
- With the St. Louis Blues placing Tyler Bozak on injured reserve, the team created a second open spot on the active roster. To fill those holes, they have recalled forward Mackenzie MacEachern and defenseman Jake Walman from the practice squad. Both are expected in the lineup for the Blues on Saturday afternoon.
This post will be updated throughout the day.