NHL Daily: Justin Abdelkader, Jack Eichel, Jori Lehtera
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Daily: Detroit Red Wings were dealt a tough blow after learning that Justin Abdelkader will miss approximately 2-4 weeks, Jack Eichel turning heads upon return to the Buffalo Sabres lineup, Jori Lehtera needs to spend a little time in the Blues press box, and more! (Morning Coffee Headlines)
Grab your morning cup of coffee and join us here at Puck Prose for a compilation of NHL daily links that will help keep you updated with everything going on in the hockey world.
Only four teams were in action Friday night. In the earlier game, Chad Johnson continued his hot play as Calgary edged Minnesota 3-2. Later on, Martin Jones out-dueled Carey Price as San Jose took a 2-1 victory at home versus Montreal.
Here is your highlight of the night:
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
Abdelkader to Miss 2-4 Weeks
Detroit Red Wings veteran forward Justin Abdelkader is expected to miss the next two-to-four weeks after suffering an MCL sprain. It’s a tough blow for Detroit with it being their 7th significant injury already. [The Hockey News]
All NHL
Eichel Turning Heads Since Returning From Injury
After making his season debut just two games ago, Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel is already turning heads with a pair of impressive performances. He has three goals and one assist in two contests and looks poised to do some catching up on the scoresheet. [Sabre Noise]
NHLPA Rejects Olympic Offer
Well, most people saw it coming. It looks as though the NHLPA has rejected the NHL‘s offer to extend the CBA in a trade for Olympic participation. The proposed deal would have been for three years, extending the CBA to 2025 (with an out clause in 2023). Looks like it’s back to the drawing board for the NHL. [Toronto Sun]
Time for Lehtera to Sit
Todd Panula over at Bleedin’ Blue thinks center Jori Lehtera is due for some in the press box as a healthy scratch. Despite a couple big games of late, his overall performance as a number one center has underwhelmed. Perhaps having him in that role in the first place is a big part of the problem? [Bleedin’ Blue]
Blackhawks Activate van Riemsdyk, Place Toews on IR
After starting the 2016-17 campaign on the IR, defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk has finally been activated. Chicago also placed captain Jonathan Toews on the injured reserve retroactive to November 25th. [NHL.com]
Islanders Back on Track
My co-expert Alyssa Naimoli touched on this very topic on Friday, as did Billy Lewis over at Eyes on Isles. It seems the Islanders are starting to put together a decent stretch of hockey, giving fans a reason to be optimistic that things can be turned around after a sloppy start. [Eyes on Isles]
NHL Daily Morning Rant
The report out of New York on Friday night was interesting. It appears the Islanders could be seeking a president of hockey operations. Currently, GM Garth Snow holds both roles, but numerous teams are switching to this new model with guys like Brian Burke (Calgary) and Brendan Shanahan (Toronto).
It’s an intriguing story because it shows that ownership has identified the problem, and it’s not Jack Capuano. Instead of relieving Garth Snow of his duties and going through the mess of finding a new General Manager, someone else can lend a hand in making some important decisions that hopefully get this organization steered in the right direction again. They need to fix things in a hurry if they want to lock John Tavares down to a long-term contract.
Next: Team Name Origins (Part Two) - Western Conference
Early rumors from Arthur Staple suggest that former NHLers Pat Lafontaine and Brad Richards are among the nominees to take over. Given his history with the club and involvement in the game since early retirement, Lafontaine is a perfect candidate. If there’s any truth to this story, it could be a major addition for the Isles.
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