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Columbus Blue Jackets News

Nichushkin (groin) is questionable to return on Tuesday.

Nichushkin has missed the last nine games, but was on the ice for Stars practice this morning after a two-game conditioning stint with Texas (AHL) over the weekend. Head coach Lindy Ruff said whether or not he plays will be based on his conditioning, but considering he just returned from a conditioning stint, it would seem likely that he will play.

Valeri Nichushkin
The Stars have activated Valeri Nichushkin from IR and loaned him to Texas (AHL) on a conditioning assignment.

Nichushkin has missed the last seven games while recovering from a groin injury. His assignment will likely last the weekend as he gets back up to speed and will be recalled to join the Stars for next week. He has no points in two games this season.

Valeri Nichushkin
Nichushkin (groin/hip) was back at Stars' practice on Monday.

Nichushkin has missed the last six games with groin/hip injuries, but was back on the ice this morning. Despite returning to practice, Nichushkin skated on the Stars 'fifth-line' which suggests he is nearing a return, but it will not be on Tuesday vs. St. Louis. After tomorrow, Dallas is off until Friday, that seems like a more realistic return date.

Valeri Nichushkin
The Wild have signed Charlie Coyle to a five-year deal with $16 million ($3.2M AAV)

Coyle, 22, was set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason (per nhlnumbers.com) but is now signed through the 2020-21 season. The 6-foot-3, 221 lbs. winger has one goal and one assist through four games this season and was recently bumped up to the second line with Mikko Koivu and Thomas Vanek. This is his third full NHL season; he played 37 of 48 games in the lockout shortened season.

Charlie Coyle
Nichushkin (groin) will "sit for about a week" said Stars GM Jim Nill.

Nichushkin, 19, has been dealing with the nagging injury for about six weeks and it has not improved, so the Stars will shut him down for "about a week" and let it heal. With Nichushkin out, Colton Sceviour got a chance on the Stars top line on Tuesday and produced one assist, three shots and a plus-3 rating. The Stars believe there is a seven to 10 day window before Nichushkin rejoins the team for practice.

Valeri Nichushkin
Monahan (illness) will be a game-time decision tonight.

Monahan is sick and will not practice this morning, so the Flames will see how he is feeling later before making a decision whether or not to get him in the lineup tonight in the Flames' season opener vs. Vancouver. Monahan was set to centre the Flames top line with Curtis Glencross and Jiri Hudler on his wings.

Sean Monahan
Nichushkin (illness) back on the Stars' top-line this morning.

Nichushkin had been feeling under the weather the last few days which prompted the Stars to have him practice on the fourth line with Colton Sceviour taking his spot on the top-line. Nichushkin was shifted back to the right wing with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin and should be there for the season opener tomorrow. He has a ton of size and skill and two awesome linemates, all things point towards a huge year for Nichushkin.

Valeri Nichushkin
The Panthers have signed restricted free agent Erik Gudbranson to a two-year contract.

Gudbranson, 22, had just nine points (3G / 6A) and a minus-7 rating in 65 games with the Panthers last season. While those numbers don't jump off the board at you, he led the Panthers in PIMs (114), hits (158) and was fifth in blocked shots (91). He put up decent offensive numbers in juniors, but has yet to show he can score consistently in the NHL.

Erik Gudbranson