There are just a few days left before the All-Star break, but the NHL is still furiously scheduling to try and keep things on track. Despite two football matches that will likely dominate the ratings in North America, seven hockey games are on the docket. That includes a Los Angeles Kings-Pittsburgh Penguins match this afternoon, where newly-extended Jeff Carter will take on his former team once again. As they and others prepare for action, we’ll keep track of all the minor league and taxi squad shuffling.
Atlantic Division
- The Ottawa Senators have recalled Cole Reinhardt to the taxi squad from the AHL, and moved Mark Kastelic and Lassi Thomson to the taxi squad from the active roster. Kastelic, 22, made his NHL debut yesterday, playing just over six minutes and recording three hits.
- With Paul Byron and Brendan Gallagher expected to return for the Canadiens today, Lukas Vejdemo, Sami Niku, and Josh Brook have all officially joined the Laval Rocket. Montreal is now without David Savard for eight weeks, meaning the team may end up needing Niku again at some point.
- Florida Panthers defenseman Chase Priskie continues his up-and-down slide this year, as the team’s loaned him to the taxi squad. Goalie Spencer Knight was also brought up to the taxi squad after some time with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.
Metropolitan Division
- The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Kasper Bjorkqvist, and Michael Chaput to the taxi squad, as they prepare for this afternoon’s game. The Penguins have just one game after today before the All-Star break, after which the taxi squad is scheduled to dissipate.
Central Division
- With Marcus Foligno unavailable for tonight’s game versus the Islanders, the Minnesota Wild recalled forward Kyle Rau from the taxi squad today. Rau will slot into the lineup as Foligno sits out with an upper-body injury.
- Defenseman Cam Dineen is joining the big club again, heading up to the Arizona Coyotes taxi squad today from the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners. Dineen is in the midst of his best professional season, notching four assists in his first 14 NHL games and five points in six AHL games.
Pacific Division
- The Vancouver Canucks have returned Spencer Martin to the AHL, after he gave them some very valuable minutes. With Thatcher Demko and Jaroslav Halak both hitting the COVID list at the same time, Martin stopped 113 of 118 shots in three appearances, continuing what has been an outstanding campaign for the 26-year-old netminder.
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