Donato, 21, just wrapped up his third year at Harvard University where he collected 26 goals and 17 assists (43 points) in just 29 games. The Bruins are really banged up, so Donato could be thrust into a key role right from the get-go. The Boston native was a second round pick (No. 56 overall) in 2014.
Weber has been out since mid-December and his season officially ended on Tuesday as he underwent surgery to repair tendons in his left foot. Weber’s six-month timetable should allow him to join the Canadiens for training camp next season, as long as his rehab goes well.
Toninato was a healthy scratch on Saturday but will replace Nail Yakupov in the lineup on Tuesday. Toninato has brought no offence to the Avalanche, having picked up one assist in 30 games this season.
Grzelcyk was a healthy scratch for the last two games but with Charlie McAvoy (knee) out for the next four weeks, Grzelcyk will draw back in tonight vs. the Red Wings. He has 11 points (2G / 9A) and a plus-19 rating in 43 games this season.
Grzelcyk had just one goal in his last six games and will be replaced by the recently acquired Nick Holden tonight vs. the Penguins.
Weber recently began skating on his own, but is yet to return to practice. He has been out since December 16th and remains without a timetable for his return.
Dickinson has been a healthy scratch for the last two games, but will be back in the lineup vs. the Penguins. Dickinson has not registered a point in 12 games with the Stars. There’s no word on who will come out in favour of Dickinson, but head coach Ken Hitchcock said Dickinson will play.
Weber has been out for nearly two months with a foot injury but returned to the ice on Wednesday morning. This is obviously the next step in Weber’s recovery but he remains without a timetable for his return to the lineup.
Brossoit backed up Al Montoya on Thursday but with Cam Talbot ready to go this weekend, Brossoit returns to Bakersfield where he is 3-3-1 with a 2.65 GAA and .916 SV% since being sent down.
Toninato, 23, had one assist in eight games with the Avalanche earlier this season and could be back in their lineup on Thursday with Tyson Jost battling an undisclosed injury. During his time in the AHL Toninato has picked up seven goals and five assists (12 points) in 30 games.
Burakovsky was expected to be in the lineup last night but was a late scratch due to an illness. The Capitals elected to keep him back in Washington for Friday’s game, recalling Travis Boyd from Hershey (AHL) to serve as their reserve forward.
