Kraken defenseman Justin Schultz has left the team for personal reasons, relays Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times. However, head coach Dave Hakstol is hopeful that the veteran will be able to rejoin the team in the coming days on their four-game road trip. The 33-year-old is having a bit of a quieter year offensively with just 16 points in 42 games so far; he had 34 in 73 contests last season. Seattle is still trying to climb back into the playoff picture but if they wind up selling closer to the deadline, Schultz could be an interesting addition to the market as a right-shot blueliner on a $3MM expiring contract.
Elsewhere around the NHL:
- The long-running arena saga in Arizona could be taking another direction. PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan reports (video link) that a local government source suggested that a new arena deal in North Phoenix could be wrapped up in the next three months. Their situation was discussed in an executive session (not open to the public) at a council meeting earlier this week with the meeting believed to have gone well. While there’s a long way to go before shovels are in the ground, it’s possible that the Coyotes could wind up with a new arena plan in the near future which could delay any potential talk of relocation.
- The Blue Jackets announced (Twitter link) that forward Yegor Chinakhov left tonight’s game versus Tampa Bay with an upper-body injury. After a slow start to his campaign following his early-November recall, the 23-year-old has become a capable contributor for Columbus, notching 14 goals and 10 assists in 39 games heading into tonight’s action.
- Following their loss to Florida, the Avalanche announced (Twitter link) that they’ve returned defenseman Sam Malinski to AHL Colorado. The 25-year-old was recalled on Tuesday and played that night but was scratched for their past two games. Malinski has 10 points in 23 games with the Avs so far while logging a little over 14 minutes a night and will likely be brought back up again in the coming days.
No mention of the Rielly/Greig situation on evening notes?
I gotta think 4-6 games.
Normally I’d agree, but Leafs usually get fines and not suspended.
Also shouldn’t there have a hearing announcement by now?
Way after the whistle – with lots of time before delivering the head shot! Has to be at least 4 games
The Leafs have 2 days off and it’s Superbowl Sunday so they’re likely taking it slowly and not trying to steal the NFLs thunder.
There it is. In person hearing.
Malinski has been, points wise anyhow, a revelation for the Avs. Love these stories.