Miro Heiskanen may be headed for another night out, and the Dallas Stars are preparing accordingly.
Head coach Glen Gulutzan told NHL.com’s Robert Tiffin that Heiskanen is “doubtful” for Saturday’s matchup with the San Jose Sharks. The defenseman already missed Thursday’s loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets after leaving Tuesday’s game early with an upper-body injury, and that absence snapped his streak of appearing in every Dallas game this season.
Without Heiskanen on Thursday, the Stars leaned on Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist as their top defensive pair in a shootout loss. The two were on the ice for one goal-for and no goals-against.
Rookie Trey Taylor also got a look, sliding into the third pair alongside Tyler Myers and logging 10 minutes. It was only the second NHL game of Taylor’s career.
He has four points in nine AHL games this season and remains on the Dallas roster, with a chance to play in his third NHL game if Heiskanen sits again Saturday.
Toronto may be getting a key piece back. John Tavares is expected to return to the Maple Leafs’ lineup on Saturday after missing the last nine games with a lower-body injury, according to NHL.com’s Dave McCarthy. Before getting hurt, Tavares had seven points in seven games.
His absence forced Zack MacEwen and Nick Paul further up Toronto’s center depth chart, while reigning first-overall pick Gavin McKenna moved onto the top power-play unit. With Tavares back, both of those players will slide down.
McKenna is set to become the focal point of the second power-play group as he looks to add to his 11 points in 17 games to open his NHL career. Toronto went 5-4-0 and averaged 3.78 goals per game without Tavares, and his return could give an offense that’s starting to click another lift.
Minnesota is also waiting on a pair of familiar names. The Wild will be without brothers Nick Foligno and Marcus Foligno for Friday’s game against San Jose, but head coach John Hynes told play-by-play broadcaster Joe O’Donnell that both could be back Saturday.
The brothers have played only three and four games this season, respectively, and neither has suited up since October 8th. Both are working back from upper-body injuries.
When they return, they’ll settle back into Minnesota’s depth chart and likely push Nico Sturm and Tyler Pitlick out of the daily lineup.
In Other News...
Wild Give A Familiar Forward Another Chance To Stick
Mason Shaw is getting another look from the organization that has already given him his NHL chances, with Wild general manager Bill Guerin announcing the forwards recall from Iowa on Friday. Shaw has been a steady presence for the Iowa Wild as their captain and has produced 10 points in 11 games this season, putting himself back in the conversation after opening the year in the American Hockey League.
For Minnesota, the move brings back a familiar depth option with NHL experience only in a Wild sweater, the kind of call-up that reflects both trust and need. The Iowa Wild also made a corresponding move of their own, bringing in Blake Biondi from the Jacksonville Icemen, as the club continues to juggle its roster at both levels. [Read more 🡒]
Wild Create A New Lineup Question Before Tonights Game
The Wild added a fresh wrinkle to their lineup picture before facing the Sharks later tonight, with general manager Bill Guerin bringing up forward Mason Shaw from Iowa. Shaw has been one of the more reliable pieces for the Wilds AHL affiliate, where he has worn the captains letter and produced offense at a steady clip while also giving Minnesota a familiar option with NHL experience already on his rsum.
For a team still sorting through its best mix on the fly, Shaws recall creates another decision point as game time approaches. Minnesota does not have long to settle on how it wants to use him, but the move at least gives the Wild a player who knows the organization and has handled a leadership role in the minors, which can matter when a roster needs a quick answer. [Read more 🡒]
Brock Fabers Return Raises One Big Question For The Wild
Brock Faber is back on the ice and back around the Wild, a welcome sight after the young defensemans recovery from the kind of injury that can easily linger well beyond the initial scare. He has resumed skating following surgery for a fractured skull and said the progress has come faster than expected, though hes still taking a measured approach as he works toward full game shape.
For Minnesota, the immediate news is encouraging even if it does not change the lineup right away. Faber will not play in the upcoming games against San Jose and Tampa, but he is traveling with the team on the next road trip, which at least keeps him close to the group as the Wild wait to see how his return to contact and game pace unfolds. [Read more 🡒]