Mantha is coming off of his best season as a pro, scoring 24 goals with 24 assists (48 points) in 80 games. The 23-year-old, former first-round pick has 30-30 potential and is a key part of the Red Wings’ future and rebuild. Mantha is locked into a top-6 spot in Detroit and graded out as the No.31 RW in the NHL—meaning he is a low-end first-liner/high-end second-liner as he enters his third NHL season.
Rust has become a valuable middle-6 winger for the Penguins, scoring 13 goals with 25 assists (38 points) in 69 games this past season. Rust occasionally sees time on a line with Evgeni Malkin but is equally effective in a checking-line role. He grades out as the No.52 ranked RW in hockey according to Corsica Player Ratings.
The Senators did not give a reason for Karlsson not travelling with the team but you have to assume it is related to the recent death of his son. The heartbreaking loss will keep the Senators’ star out for at least one more contest.
Karlsson has missed the last two games following the death of his son. Despite the tragedy, Karlsson wants to play tonight against the Hurricanes, so he will replace Marian Gaborik as the Senators go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Karlsson has been hot as of late, picking up 20 points (3G / 17A) in his last 17 games.
Karlsson missed Monday’s practice and Tuesday’s morning skate, so he will not be available for tonight’s game vs. the Panthers. There’s no word what is ailing Karlsson, but it is expected to be short-term. Pat Sieloff was recalled from Belleville (AHL) and will play tonight with the Swede out.
Aho played Sunday vs. the Hurricanes but will come back out of the lineup tonight vs. Pittsburgh. Aho has just one goal and three assists in 22 games with the Islanders this season, but has sit far more often than he’s played.
Rust has missed the last two games with a concussion that he sustained in Philadelphia last Wednesday. Rust is expected to replace Josh Jooris on the Penguins fourth line and comes into tonight with 33 points (10G / 23A) in 57 games this season.
