Colorado avalanche
Valery Nichushkin did not play for the Avalanche against the New Jersey Devils on Friday due to a lower-body injury.
The forward is tied for fourth in the NHL with 12 points (seven goals, five assists) and has one point in each of Colorado’s seven games this season.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said Nichushkin is day-to-day and will travel to Finland with the team.
Following Friday’s game, the Avalanche will face the New York Islanders on Saturday before traveling to Finland for the 2022 NHL World Series against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Nov. 4-5.
Martin Kault replaced Nichushkin on the second row with forwards Alex Newhook and Evan Rodrigues.
Pittsburgh penguins
Jake Guentzel practiced with the Penguins in an optional morning practice, but won’t play the Vancouver Canucks on Friday (10 p.m. ET; SN360, SN1, ATTSN-PT, ESPN+, SN NOW).
The forward has missed the last three games after being hit in the ear by a shot from the Pittsburgh defender Kris Letang in a 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on October 20.
“Not sure. No idea yet,” Guentzel said if he could return Saturday against the Seattle Kraken. “I feel good. It’s exciting to get back out there and get some contact and just be out there with the guys.”
Guentzel, the left winger on the front line with Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell, has five points (three goals, two assists) in four games. He led Pittsburgh with 40 goals in 76 games last season, the second time he has scored 40 goals in six NHL seasons.
Arizona Coyotes
Jakob Chychrun suffered a setback in his recovery from wrist surgery, and the Coyotes defenseman is considered week after week.
“He went to see his doctor in New York,” chief executive Bill Armstrong said Thursday. “We’ll deal with him week by week and we’ll deal with him. He’ll join the team as soon as he’s cleared and he’ll step in and train hopefully, but we’ll deal with him week by week for him.
“We’re thrilled to have him back in the lineup. He’s a big piece for us.”
Chychrun underwent wrist surgery in the offseason and has not played since March 12, when he suffered a season-ending ankle injury.
The 24-year-old had 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 47 games last season. He had 41 points in 56 games in 2020-21, including 18 goals to lead NHL defensemen. –Dan Rosen
New York Rangers
Philippe Chytil suffered a training setback on Friday and will not travel with Rangers on their two-game trip this weekend.
The forward missed two games with an upper-body injury sustained in the first period of a 5-1 loss to the Blue Jackets on Oct. 23.
The Rangers visit the Dallas Stars on Saturday and the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday.
Forward Vitaly Kravtsov could return after missing a 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders on Wednesday with an upper-body injury.
bison sabers
Defenders Mattias Samuelson and Henri Jokiharju were placed on the injured list on Thursday and each is expected to be out for a few weeks.
Samuelsson, who signed a seven-year, $30 million contract (average annual value of $4.29 million) on October 12, suffered a lower-body injury in a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. He has no points in five games this season.
“It’s going to take a few weeks, but maybe it’s better than we initially thought,” Sabers general manager Kevyn Adams said. “So a few weeks and then we’ll go from there. He’s going to be out for a while, but not terrible.”
Jokiharju was injured when a puck hit him in the face in a 6-3 win over the Calgary Flames on Oct. 20. He’s missed the last two games and has one assist in four games this season.
“A little fracture that doesn’t change his progression too much or anything,” Adams said. “The good news for him is he’s feeling a lot better, he’s making progress. … The fact that he had a better day today is a good sign. You’ll probably see day by day here, but [we’ll] see if he gets back on the ice a bit next week. Probably more week to week for him.”
Buffalo recalled its defenders Laurent Pilut and Kale of Rochester of the American Hockey League. With two more Rochester defenders injured, the Sabers could make additional moves, if needed.
“For the past two days we’ve been looking at all the options,” Adams said. “What we won’t do is make a big reaction or emotional type move. But if we think something makes sense, we could provide a bit more depth to the organization, not at a cost where we’re giving up assets or whatever, so maybe that’s something we’ll be looking to do.” –Heather Engel
Chicago Blackhawks
Tyler Johnson was placed on the injured list with a left ankle injury.
The striker was injured when he awkwardly entered the boards after a blow from the center of the Panthers Alexander Barkov in the third period of a 4-2 victory on Tuesday.
Johnson had played in all six Blackhawks games before a 6-5 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday and was their leading scorer with six points (two goals, four assists).
“Ankle sprains are pretty common these days, especially with the stiff boots and skates they wear,” Chicago coach Luke Richardson said before the game. “I saw the replay, and it’s a big man who got knocked down on him, so we’re lucky it’s hopefully short-term. He’s playing so well too. We’ll miss him That’s really good news (that Johnson didn’t go on IR long term) because it could have been worse.”
Johnson underwent artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery on December 3 before returning on March 3.
“It’s tough, he was playing so well,” said Blackhawks forward Sam Lafferty said. “He brings us so much to the table, so much energy and so much talent. He scores, he makes plays, he punches. He does everything.” –Bruce Miles
Ottawa Senators
Marc Kastelic signed a two-year, $1.67 million contract with the Senators on Thursday. It has an average annual value of $835,000.
“I knew it was coming but we finalized it last night and I couldn’t be more excited to be here another two years after this season,” Kastelic said on Thursday. “I’ve had so much fun so far and I hope this is just the beginning. … Now that I’ve signed, I don’t see anything changing. I’m going to keep putting my head down, working and trying to enjoy every day and earn every day here.”
The 23-year-old forward has scored two goals in seven games this season and is third in the NHL in faceoff percentage (66.1%, minimum 50 faceoffs). He is expected to take on a bigger role with the center Josh Norris sidelined long-term with a shoulder injury.
“He’s tall, strong (6-foot-3, 233 pounds), obviously tough, but also his face-offs, he’s responsible, and then his ability to hold the pucks in the [offensive] zone, check yourself forecheck,” said Senators coach DJ Smith. “His game has really improved. And I think as he gains more confidence he will get better and better.”
Selected by Ottawa in the fifth round (125th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft, Kastelic has six points (four goals, two assists) in 23 games.
“Mark has worked tirelessly to deserve everything that’s happened to him since he was selected late in the round three years ago,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said. “He is reliable, competitive, takes exceptional pride in his physical condition and regularly shows a willingness to take on any challenge. He sets a very good example for young players and hopefuls throughout the organisation.” — Callum Fraser
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