Severson was a restricted free agent coming off of his entry-level contract and was able to come to terms with the Devils a few days before the start of training camp. Severson owns a big point shot and some sleeper value entering the 2017-18 season, after posting 31 points (3G / 28A) in 80 games a season ago.
Smith only played in 51 games in 2016-17, including 18 with the Rangers after being acquired at the trade deadline. He averaged a career-high 20:10 TOI/GM in New York and will be leaned on as a second-pairing defenseman in 2017-18. Smith has a career-best of 19 points (in 2013-14).
The Penguins are in Winnipeg to take on a heavy Jets team, so Gaunce has been recalled and could draw in on the third pair. The 6-foot-1, 203 lbs. defenseman has two assists in six games with Pittsburgh this season.
Severson was scratched Sunday vs. Columbus, but will draw into the lineup against them tonight. Severson has had a nice offensive season, scoring three goals with 24 assists (27 points) in 64 games.
Wood missed Sunday’s game vs. the Blue Jackets, but will play tonight. Wood has seen an increased role recently and comes into Tuesday with eight goals and seven assists (15 points) in 45 games.
Smith has spent the first six and a half seasons of his NHL career with the Red Wings but the pending unrestricted free agent has been traded because the Red Wings are selling contracts as their 25-year playoff streak appears to be coming to an end. Smith never really developed into the offensive force the Red Wings were hoping when they picked him in the first round in 2007. Smith won’t be in the lineup on Tuesday and has just two goals and three assists (five points) in 33 games this season.
Smith has been out since January 4th, but is expected to play either Friday vs. the Islanders or Saturday in Nashville. When Smith returns, the Red Wings will likely need to waive on of their nine defensemen to make room for him.
Smith has missed the last seven games with a knee injury, but returned to the ice on Thursday. Despite his return, Smith is likely a few weeks away from returning to the lineup. Look for the Red Wing defenseman to return after the All-Star break.
Werenski was held off of the ice on Wednesday and his status for Thursday’s game remains up in the air. Monitor Werenski’s status tomorrow, but because the Blue Jackets rarely hold a morning skate, there might not be an update on Werenski’s status until closer to puck-drop.
