Minor Transactions: 02/08/18

The NHL has nine games on tap for this evening, including some great Western Conference matchups between the Golden Knights-Sharks, Blackhawks-Stars and Avalanche-Blues. With things so tight in the wildcard playoff races, every point counts. Like always, we’ll keep track of all the minor moves of the day right here.

• The New Jersey Devils have ended Jimmy Hayes’ conditioning stint, as the forward will rejoin the team today. Since conditioning loans don’t remove you from the active roster, the Devils do not need to make a corresponding move to fit him in. Instead, he’ll become an extra option should they feel they need a change in the bottom-six.
• Adam Erne has been recalled by the Tampa Bay Lightning, as they look for a spark in their lineup. Erne hasn’t played in the NHL this season, but scored three goals in 26 games last year for the Lightning.
• With Jason Demers set to return to the lineup, Kyle Capobianco is on his way back to the AHL. The young defenseman has still played in just a single NHL contest, but has considerable upside for the Arizona Coyotes.
• The New York Rangers have recalled Neal Pionk from the AHL according to Steve Zipay of Newsday. Pionk was signed out of the University of Minnesota-Duluth last offseason, and has 17 points with the Hartford Wolf Pack this season. Pionk has a bomb of a shot, and could be given powerplay time if he makes it into the Rangers lineup down the stretch.
• With Mark Stone still out for the Ottawa Senators, the team has recalled Mike Blunden from the AHL. The Senators will play with 11 forwards and seven defensemen tonight against the Nashville Predators.
• The Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with injuries to Patric Hornqvist and Tom Kuhnhackl, meaning they needed another body from the minor leagues. It turns out that will be Teddy Blueger, who is expected to make his NHL debut just in time for the team’s annual “Dads’ Trip.” Blueger was selected in the second round of the 2012 draft, and has 26 points in 45 games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season.