Snapshots: Stafford, Bruins, Coyotes

News and notes from around the NHL this evening:

• Winnipeg Jets forward Drew Stafford suffered a lower body injury in the second period of a mid-afternoon game against the St. Louis Blues. He did not return for the third period. Stafford is struggling this season, posting only 4G and 8A in 33 games so far. The veteran forward is playing just under 14 minutes a night which is three minutes less than he’s averaged over the past five years. Stafford becomes a free agent this summer, but he’ll have to turn things around if he wants to earn more than his current $4.35MM a year.
• The Boston Bruins sent down forward Anton Blidh to the Providence Bruins today. The move follows Blidh’s healthy scratch last night. The Swedish forward has 1G and 1A in 19 games for the Bruins, and 6G and 4A in 21 games for Providence. This is Blidh’s second full season in North America, but its unclear whether he offers enough to stick with Boston for longer than a few games. Blidh may need more time in the NHL to acclimate to the North American game
• Arizona Coyotes prospect Christian Fischer makes his NHL debut tonight, reports AZCentral’s Sarah McLellan. Fischer, Arizona’s 2nd round pick in 2015, is lighting up the AHL this season. He has 16G and 16A in 31 games for the Tucson Roadrunners, and his call-up was all but certain. Expect the Coyotes to be patient with Fischer. The team is out of playoff contention and will use this opportunity to see what they have in their prospects.