Columbus Blue Jackets News

After giving Valeri Nichushkin the night off against Colorado Tuesday, Stars head coach Lindy Ruff has the 18-year-old rookie back on the ice Thursday against the Sharks at American Airlines Center. Ruff will move Nichushkin from the right wing to the left wing and play him with two veterans in Shawn Horcoff and Erik Cole. The line makes sense, in that Nichushkin will probably have to simplify his game on the left side and he’ll be supported by two veterans. In the first four games, he has wandered in his assignments and has just one shot on goal from the right side.

Nichushkin dazzled in the preseason but has been dropped to the fourth line and has yet to record a point in four games.

This is a huge blow for Coyle and the 0-0-2 Wild. Coyle won the second-line center position early in an outstanding training camp, one in which he scored three goals in five exhibition games. "It's not an ideal situation, but I'm fortunate it's nothing worse than it is," Coyle said. "I'm going to keep a positive mindset and I'm looking forward to recovering and doing everything I can to be healthy again."

He was injured on a hit from Andrew Cogliano last night and did not return. Coyle is not expected to miss an extended period of time.

Monahan recorded one assist and two shots on goal in 11:40 of ice time in his NHL debut.

We will get an update on Monahan's status for tonight's game.

For what it is worth, through three preseason games the 2010 third overall pick has three goals and three assists. He is currently tied with PK Subban and Dennis Wideman for the most points by a defenseman. Gudbranson could finally be ready for a breakout season.

“For such a young centreman, I think he’s adapting real well to NHL hockey,” head coach Bob Hartley said at the morning skate. “He still has things to learn which is perfectly normal for any kids that age. He doesn’t get rattled. He’s very poised . . . we have big plans for this young man." It sounds like Monahan has a good shot at making the Flames opening night roster.

"He skated today, will skate [Monday] and I'm hoping he'll be ready Tuesday,'' Dineen said.

Ouch. Coyle is not expected to miss any games.

He has just 4 assists this season and is minus 17

Gudbranson missed Saturday's game against NJ due to illness as well.

Gudbranson has four assists in 22 games this season. Monitor his status prior to puck-drop. If your lineup locks at the first game, I would sit Gudbranson as he likely won't play with Kulikov returning to the lineup.

Wild wanted a right-shot winger to replace Clutterbuck, it reassigned rookie Johan Larsson and recalled rookie Charlie Coyle, who impressed during a recent five-game callup.

Coyle had 0 points and was a -1 in 5 games with the WIld.

The former #3 overall pick is a good NHL D-man but not a good fantasy player. This will be a welcomed addition to the Panthers lineup but don't go running to the waiver wire to pick him up.

Coyle played 12:44 in his first game yesterday but didn't register a point. After just one game he is already getting moved up to the first line in place of Dany Heatley who will be bumped to the second line. This is a great opportunity for the young winger who will play with two great players in Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise.

Gudbranson hasn't played yet this season since off season shoulder surgery, an injury he suffered while wake boarding. He was suspended and sent to the AHL where he recently played two games, he has yet to practice with the Panthers but could very well be in the lineup tonight.

Gudbranson can be a good fantasy option when he puts it all together. He can score, hit and racks up PIM's. However he is expected to miss the first three games of the year. Not a good start.

Gudbranson isn't expected to be fantasy relevant this season but now we have a timetable for his return.