After an interesting weekend around the NHL, teams like the Winnipeg Jets are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory. The Canadian team is in first place in the Central Division, leapfrogging the St. Louis Blues and tying the Tampa Bay Lightning for the best record in the league. In the East, the Montreal Canadiens are flying up the Atlantic Division while the Pittsburgh Penguins are back to their winning ways.
As teams continue to push towards the Christmas break, we’ll keep an eye on all the minor transactions of the day.
- The Buffalo Sabres have recalled Evan Rodrigues from Rochester, sending down Kyle Criscuolo in his place. Rodrigues was expected to make an impact at the NHL level this season, but missed the first part of the year with an injured hand. Suffering the injury in the preseason, he’s only been back in AHL game action for the last few weeks. With 10 points in eight games he’s ready to contribute to the Sabres once again.
- Tampa Bay has sent defenseman Jamie McBain back to the AHL, after just a few days with the club. McBain was called up over the weekend to give the team some insurance after Braydon Coburn wasn’t able to dress, but never got into the lineup. The veteran has 11 points in 21 games for the Syracuse Crunch this season. (Update 7:45pm: McBain has been called back up by the team, as both Coburn and Jake Dotchin are still unable to return).
- Dominic Toninato has been sent back to the San Antonio Rampage by the Colorado Avalanche, ending his short stint with the team. The 23-year old forward played eight games for the club and registered one point, but wasn’t effective enough to deserve regular minutes. The team has called up Rocco Grimaldi in his stead, though Colin Wilson is also set to return from injury.
- Mark Stepneski of NHL.com reports that the Dallas Stars have assigned Jason Dickinson to the AHL, meaning the 22-year old will have to wait for another chance at his first goal this season. In four games Dickinson was held scoreless and will return to the minor leagues to continue his development. A first-round pick by the Stars a few years ago, he still has a bright future in the organization.