Three games are on the NHL schedule this evening, including a key Western Conference matchup between the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild. The Ducks have maintained their grip on second place in the Pacific, while the Wild have dropped down to fourth in recent weeks in a competitive Central. With their eyes set firmly on the postseason, both teams will be preparing for tonight’s matchup closely. As they and others make changes, we’ll keep track of all the minor league and taxi squad shuffling right here.
Atlantic Division
- The Ottawa Senators have sent Jacob Bernard-Docker back to the taxi squad, given it is an off day. The young defenseman could be back up tomorrow, but sending him down for the day will save the team a bit of money. The 21-year-old has played in four games so far this season, recording one point.
- The Montreal Canadiens have assigned Laurent Dauphin and Corey Schueneman to the taxi squad, as they have a few days off before their next game. Montreal will take on the Arizona Coyotes on Monday, a battle of the two worst teams in the league.
- The Florida Panthers have returned Aleksi Heponiemi and Owen Tippett to the AHL, raising some eyebrows about the latter’s future with the team. Tippett, 22, has 11 points in 33 games with the Panthers this season but will now have to continue his year in the minor leagues.
Metropolitan Division
- The Washington Capitals have recalled Hunter Shepard from the AHL to the taxi squad, giving them an extra practice goaltender. Shepard, 26, has spent more time in the ECHL than the AHL since turning pro, including nine games for the South Carolina Stingrays this season.
- The New Jersey Devils have sent Nolan Foote back to the AHL from the taxi squad, where he can continue his sophomore season. The 21-year-old has just ten points in 22 games for the Utica Comets.
Central Division
- Hunter Miska has been recalled to the Colorado Avalanche taxi squad, as the team prepares for action tonight against the Arizona Coyotes. Colorado will be heading to Arizona for the second half of the home-and-home tomorrow night.
- The Chicago Blackhawks have sent Josiah Slavin, Ian Mitchell, and Nicolas Beaudin back to the AHL, giving the Rockford IceHogs a boost before their games against the Cleveland Monsters today and tomorrow. Slavin, the younger brother of Jaccob Slavin, made his NHL debut this season and has played in ten games for the Blackhawks.
- The Winnipeg Jets have reassigned Arvid Holm, Simon Lundmark, Jeff Malott and Austin Poganski to the AHL, giving the Manitoba Moose a bit of a boost. Mikhail Berdin meanwhile has been added to the taxi squad.
Pacific Division
- The Los Angeles Kings have moved Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Samuel Fagemo, and Jacob Moverare to the taxi squad from the active roster while recalling Jacob Ingham and Austin Strand from the Ontario Reign. Fagemo, 21, made his NHL debut last night, recording one shot in just under 12 minutes of ice time.
- Nick Merkley has been sent to the AHL, ending his time with the San Jose Sharks for the time being. With Nick Bonino back, the Sharks didn’t really have room for Merkley on the roster and the taxi squad isn’t really important while the team is at home. Merkley has 16 points in 19 games so far this season with the San Jose Barracuda.
- The Anaheim Ducks have recalled Lukas Dostal from the taxi squad. He’ll serve as the backup goalie tonight against Minnesota with John Gibson not yet ready to return. Dostal won his NHL debut on Sunday against Detroit.
This page will be updated throughout the day