Smith, 25, had a great debut season in Florida, registering 25 goals and 25 assists (50 points) in 82 games and an ultra-impressive eight points (4G / 4A) in six playoff games. Smith has only missed one game in his first three full NHL seasons and has already turned in two 20-plus goal seasons. He has a top-6 role for a good team and should have a shot at 30 goals in 2016-17.
Hertl, 22, is coming off of his best year as a pro, having racked up 21 goals and 25 assists (46 points) in 81 games with the Sharks. The former 17th overall pick found a nice spot on the left wing with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski and if he plays there for most of 2016-17, we could see Hertl’s first 25-goal and 50-point season.
Stone will miss his third straight game with a chest injury that he suffered in Winnipeg on a colossal hit from Dustin Byfuglien. With Stone out, Buddy Robinson has been recalled from Binghamton (AHL) and will make his NHL debut.
Stone was absolutely crushed by Jets’ defenseman Dustin Byfuglien in Wednesday’s win. Stone will miss Thursday’s game in Minnesota and heading back to Ottawa suggests that he will miss Saturday’s game in Philadelphia.
Theodore, 20, has six points (2G / 4A) in 13 games with the Ducks this season. Kevin Bieksa is not expected to play tonight because of an upper-body injury, so look for Theodore to draw in. While in San Diego, Theodore registered 31 points (8G / 23A) in 47 games.
Theodore, 20, impressed in a 13-game stint with the Ducks earlier in the season, picking up two goals and four assists. In 47 games with San Diego, the 2013 first round pick (26th overall) has 31 points (8G / 23A). He will likely replace Korbinian Holzer in the lineup on Thursday.
Dowd, 25, was a seventh round pick (198th overall) in 2009. He has collected 13 goals and 35 assists (48 points) in 57 games with Ontario this season. With Kris Versteeg out, he has been recalled for depth but could make his NHL debut on Tuesday.
Eichel missed Saturday’s game in Toronto will an illness, but it looks like he will return to the Sabres lineup on Tuesday. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate to be sure, but all signs are pointing towards him returning.
Saad skated on Friday morning, but remains day-to-day and will miss his third consecutive game with an upper-body injury. With Saad out, David Clarkson will continue to play a larger role than normal.
Sissons, 22, has one goal and one assist in 19 games with the Predators this season. He has picked up 19 points (8G / 11A) in 38 games with Milwaukee and will be in the lineup on Tuesday with Paul Gaustad out.
Saad left midway through Friday’s win over the Oilers. Following Friday’s contest the Blue Jackets traveled to Philadelphia and Saad did not travel with the team. With Saad out, Rene Bourque is expected to be in the lineup on Saturday.
Pietrangelo missed nine games with a knee injury but will be back in the lineup tonight in Carolina. The Blues played well without Pietrbngelo, but they come in having lost three in a row. Pietrbngelo has three goals and 20 assists (23 points) in 55 games this season and his return means Robert Bortuzzo will be a healthy scratch.
Sissons, 22, has appeared in 19 games for the Predators in 2015-16, notching a pair of points (1G /1A) and a 59 percent success rate in the face-off circle, best among all NHLers taking at least 100 draws. He has also served as the youngest captain in Milwaukee Admirals history this season, amassing 16 points (6G / 10A) in 33 games.
Pietrangelo suffered a knee injury in the Blues win over the Wild on Saturday. He was hurt on a knee-on-knee collision with Charlie Coyle and will miss at leas three weeks. He will be reevaluated at that time and provide an update on his status.
Theodore, 20, was the 26th overall pick in 2013 and has 16 points (4G / 12A) in 27 games with his first full season with San Diego (AHL). With Cam Fowler out, Theodore was recalled and will make his debut tonight in Calgary.
Cam Fowler was injured on Sunday, so the Ducks have recalled Theodore and he could make his NHL debut on Tuesday. The 2013 first round pick has recorded 16 points (4G / 12A) in 27 games with San Diego this season.
