Niskanen had one-year left on his seven-year deal that carried a $5.75M AAV cap hit. Niskanen was going to be 34-years-old in December but decided to call it a career after 13 years in the NHL. He totalled 72 goals and 284 assists (356 points) in 949 career NHL games with the Stars, Penguins, Capitals and Flyers.
The Flyers are having a hard time catching a break right now. Both Niskanen and Philippe Myers will be game-time decisions in Ottawa, which means Robert Hagg and a potential call-up could have to play if both are not available.
Niskanen, who has a modified no-trade clause, has two years left on his seven-year deal that carries a $5.75M cap-hit. While with Washington, Niskanen never turned out the offensive production that he did in his final year in Pittsburgh, earning himself that huge deal. Since signing with the Capitals, Niskanen is tied for 38th among defensemen with 156 points (29G / 127A) in 390 games. He had eight goals and 17 assists (25 points) in 80 games a season ago.
Niskanen has missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury but is expected to play Thursday in St. Louis. Niskanen has five goals and 10 assists (15 points) in 36 games this season.
Niskanen will miss his second straight game due to an undisclosed injury. The Capitals might get Brooks Orpik back after being sidelined long-term.
Niskanen traveled to Ottawa and was briefly on the ice for the morning skate but is not expected to play on Saturday. Madison Bowey is expected to play on the second pair and Tyler Lewington is expected to dress on the third pair.
Niskanen missed Tuesday’s game in Carolina but was back on the ice for Saturday’s practice and should play on Sunday. Niskanen scored in his last game (vs. NJD), bringing his season total to three goals and eight assists (11 points) in 27 games.
Niskanen tweaked an upper-body injury in the Capitals last game and missed the last two practices, clouding his status for Tuesday’s game. Madison Bowey will replace Niskanen in Carolina.
Niskanen has been sidelined since October 13th but will draw back into the Capitals lineup tonight in Nashville. Niskanen is expected to be eased back into the lineup and tonight he will skate with Dmitri Orlov at even-strength and take Christian Djoos’ spot on the second power-play unit.
Niskanen has been sidelined since October 13th, but has been making progress and returning to practice on Friday is a huge step. Niskanen said on Thursday that he needs a little more time before returning, so don’t expect a return until shortly after he is able to ditch the non-contact jersey.
Niskanen missed the last two games, but will back in the lineup tonight in New York. Niskanen could see a slightly reduced role after the Capitals added Kevin Shattenkirk in a trade late Monday night. Niskanen will play with his regular partner Dmitry Orlov tonight and will play alongside John Carlson on the second power play unit.
Niskanen will miss his second game in a row after suffered a lower-body injury in Philadelphia on Wednesday. With Niskanen sidelined, John Carlson will continue to see a bunch of power play time and Taylor Chorney will remain in the lineup.
Niskanen left Wednesday’s game with an upper-body injury and did not return. Niskanen will not travel to Buffalo, but the Capitals are back on home-ice on Sunday, so monitor his status prior to that meeting with the Canucks.
