NHL rumors: Latest buzz around trades, coach firings, signings
By Brian Rauf, Chat Sports
We’re almost at the midpoint of the NHL season as we approach the All-Star break, and the Stanley Cup contenders have started to separate themselves from the pack. The Washington Capitals are atop the Eastern Conference, while the Chicago Blackhawks, who are on a 12-game winning streak, lead the West.
Check out the latest NHL news and rumors below.
Disagreement between Drouin, Lightning reaches point of no return
• The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that forward Jonathan Drouin has been suspended indefinitely without pay after failing to show up for an AHL game. Drouin requested a trade from the Lightning in early January.
• Forward Daniel Paille has signed with the New York Rangers, reports Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News.
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• The Carolina Hurricanes announced that they have placed goalie Cam Ward on injured reserve with a concussion.
• Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Reinhart sustained an upper body injury in the team’s loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday and will be re-evaluated on Thursday, reports John Vogl of The Buffalo News.
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• The Anaheim Ducks have sent goalie Anton Khudobin to the AHL with fellow goalie Frederik Andersen returning from an upper body injury, reports Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register.
• The Vancouver Canucks announced the signing of forward Mike Zalewski for the rest of the season and have recalled him from the team’s AHL affiliate.
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• Canucks TV analyst John Garrett blasted the NHL for “disrespecting” Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin.