Just four games are on the NHL schedule this evening, though this will kick off with a bang when Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche visit Adam Fox and the New York Rangers. The best two defensemen in the league–according to Norris Trophy voting last season–the pair of dynamic blueliners are having repeat performances, scoring more than a point-per-game for each of their sides. Born just eight months apart, Fox and Makar will likely be rival superstars for a long time. As they and others prepare for action, we’ll keep track of all the minor shuffling around the league.
Atlantic Division
- With Christian Dvorak dealing with an injury, the Montreal Canadiens have recalled Jesse Ylonen from the AHL. Ylonen was practicing on the fourth line alongside Michael Pezzetta and Cedric Paquette today, as Ryan Poehling slides into the second-line center position.
- The Ottawa Senators have sent Lassi Thomson back to the Belleville Senators, though he’ll certainly be back at some point. The young defenseman has shown flashes of strong play for the team but still needs some polish at the minor league level before he is given a full-time NHL roster spot.
Metropolitan Division
- After he cleared waivers, the Columbus Blue Jackets have sent Scott Harrington to the minor leagues, clearing room for Emil Bemstrom to return to the NHL roster. Bemstrom, 22, was out with an oblique injury for the first part of the year but is healthy enough to contribute once again.
Central Division
- After playing with just ten forwards last night, the St. Louis Blues have triggered an emergency roster exemption that allows them to recall a player without his cap hit. Nathan Walker is that player, as it needed to be someone with a hit of $850K or less. Walker’s two-year, two-way deal comes with an average annual value of just $750K at the NHL level.
- The Winnipeg Jets have recalled Ville Heinola, giving the team another defenseman while they deal with Neal Pionk’s absence. Heinola, a first-round pick from 2019, has 14 points in 18 games for the Manitoba Moose this season.
- The Colorado Avalanche have returned Justus Annunen to the Colorado Eagles. The goaltender made his NHL debut earlier this week but with Darcy Kuemper ready to return tonight, he’s no longer needed with the big club for the time being.
Pacific Division
This page will be updated throughout the day.