NHL rumors: Latest buzz, news from around the league
By Tom Downey, Chat Sports
With just four days left in the NHL regular-season, only a few playoff spots remain unclaimed. The Western Conference field is set, although the exact seeding has yet to be determined. In the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins are tied for the final wild-card spot.
Check out the latest NHL rumors below.
• The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled forward Jonathan Drouin from the AHL, the team announced. The Lightning are without forward Steven Stamkos because of a blood clot. Drouin requested a trade earlier this season after being sent to the AHL in early January.
• The Dallas Stars might not have forward Tyler Seguin for the start of the playoffs. Head coach Lindy Ruff told the Stars’ team website that it’s “too early” to tell if Seguin will be recovered from the cut to his Achilles tendon he sustained March 17.
• The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled forward Bryan Bickell from their AHL team, reports the Chicago Tribune. The Blackhawks are battling injury issues at the forward position.
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• Colorado Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy told 1043 The Fan in Denver that missing the playoffs is “unacceptable.”
• Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz was voted best coach by his peers in a poll conducted by TSN. Gerard Gallant of the Florida Panthers was runner-up.
• St. Louis Blues goalie Brian Elliott left practice early Wednesday with a hand injury after being hit by a puck. Elliott told the Blues’ website, however, he’s “totally fine” and will play Thursday.
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• The Blues will continue to be without forward Steve Ott now that he’s been diagnosed with Colitis, an inflammation of the colon. The club announced he’ll be re-evaluated in two weeks. He’s missed the past 53 games after undergoing hamstring surgery in early December.