Although there aren’t any games on the schedule with the All-Star Skills Competition on tap tonight, there will still be some roster moves around the league as players get sent back to play while the NHL is off. We’ll keep tabs on those moves here.
- The Maple Leafs announced that they have returned winger Kasperi Kapanen to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. His stint with the big club didn’t last very long as he was only recalled back on Tuesday although there is a good chance he’ll be recalled in advance of their next game on Wednesday. Kapanen has two goals in eight NHL games so far this season while adding 22 points (10-12-22) in 27 minor league contests, earning himself an All-Star nod at that level. However, despite being sent down today, Kapanen has been replaced by teammate Andreas Johnsson for the AHL All-Star Classic which takes place Sunday and Monday.
- Tampa Bay has flipped minor league goalies, recalling Connor Ingram from AHL Syracuse while sending Louis Domingue down, per the AHL’s Transactions page. The shuffle will allow Domingue to play a game to stay in game shape before they resume their schedule next week while Ingram’s addition keeps the Lightning at the minimum two goalies on their roster.
- After clearing waivers (per Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston on Twitter), the Blue Jackets have assigned winger Jordan Schroeder to Cleveland of the AHL, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports (Twitter link). It’s the second time that Schroeder has cleared waivers this season but since he has been up for more than a month under non-emergency conditions, he had to pass through once again. The 27-year-old has a goal and an assist in 21 games with Columbus this season while adding eight points (3-5-8) in 15 minor league appearances. Taking Schroeder’s place on the Columbus roster is defenseman Andre Benoit who has a goal and four assists with Cleveland in 31 games and last saw NHL action with St. Louis back in 2015-16. His recall is likely just to keep the team at the minimum 20 players on the roster.