The NHL has just four games on the schedule tonight, including one between the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild that could have important playoff implications in both conferences. The Bruins find themselves just two points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs and three points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division playoff race after their recent hot streak, while Minnesota has lost seven of their last ten and has slipped down into a wild card position. As those teams prepare for action, we’ll keep track of all the minor league shuffling:
Atlantic Division
- The Boston Bruins have recalled Jack Studnicka from the AHL, while assigning newly signed Marc McLaughlin to the Providence Bruins to start his pro career. Studnicka has played in ten games for the Bruins this season, registering two points, but has been nearly a point-per-game player in the minor leagues.
Metropolitan Division
- Maxwell Willman has been recalled by the Philadelphia Flyers, giving them another forward for tomorrow’s matchup against the Nashville Predators. The Flyers have lost three in a row, seven of their last ten, and appear poised to trade their long-time captain in the coming days. The 27-year-old Willman has earned plenty of NHL action in this disappointing Flyers season, making his debut and playing in 34 games.
- Morgan Barron has been returned to the AHL, after the New York Rangers acquired Frank Vatrano earlier today. Barron, a sixth-round pick from 2017, has one assist in 13 games for the Rangers but remains a bottom-six option because of his size, physicality and ability to play center.
Central Division
- The Winnipeg Jets have assigned Ville Heinola to the minor leagues once again. The 21-year-old defenseman continues to be left out of the NHL lineup, and has played just eight games this season for the Jets. The 2019 first-round pick has 18 points in 31 games for the Manitoba Moose, where he’s headed now.
Pacific Division
- Christian Wolanin has been sent back to the AHL, his third transaction in as many days. The depth defenseman continues to be bounced up and down between leagues while his waiver status allows it, this time as Alex Edler returned to practice for the Los Angeles Kings. Wolanin, 26, has been all over the place this season, playing 24 games with the Ontario Reight, eight with the Kings, and one with the Buffalo Sabres during a short period between waiver claims.
- Sheldon Rempal and Noah Juulsen have been loaned to the Abbotsford Canucks, as the Canucks continue a homestand that will last through the weekend. Juulsen hasn’t played in over a month and has just seven games for Vancouver on the year, while Rempal played just his first game of the season a few days ago.
- With Kris Russell nearing a return, the Edmonton Oilers have sent Philip Broberg back to the AHL. The top prospect played just 11:48 last night in the win over Detroit and has averaged just over 13 minutes in 22 appearances this season.
This page will be updated throughout the day