Lauko has not played since December 14th but is likely nearing his return to the lineup after being activated from LTIR. The 24-year-old Czech forward is averaging 10:00 time-on-ice and has four points (2G / 2A) in 24 games this season.
Johansson exited Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers after 10:49 time-on-ice due to an upper-body injury. The 34-year-old Johansson has 16 points (5G / 11A) in 44 games this season.
Kaprizov returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday but will remain out of the lineup against the Edmonton Oilers, missing a 10th straight game. He is still considered day-to-day, but updates have been few and far between regarding his status. Before his injury, the 27-year-old Kaprizov was having an excellent campaign among the league leaders, scoring 50 points (23G / 27A) in 34 games.
Kaprizov has not played since December 23rd, missing seven straight, and will miss an eighth straight on Sunday. He is still considered day-to-day, but updates have been few and far between regarding his status. Before his injury, the 27-year-old Kaprizov was having an excellent campaign among the league leaders, scoring 50 points (23G / 27A) in 34 games.
With Brock Faber exiting Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury, and Jonas Brodin also battling a lower-body injury, Minnesota recalled Jiricek from Iowa (AHL) on Wednesday. The 21-year-old Jiricek has not played an NHL game since being acquired in a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has two points (0G / 2A) in 11 AHL games with the Iowa Wild.
Fleury is battling an illness and might not be able to serve as Filip Gustavsson's backup on Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche. If Fluery is not able to suit up, expect Minnesota to recall Jesper Wallstedt from Iowa (AHL) to serve as Gustavsson's backup.
Brodin played a monstrous 33:02 time-on-ice in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the St. Louis Blues but will not play on Thursday due to a lower-body injury. The 31-year-old Brodin is averaging 23:13 time-on-ice and has 16 points (4G / 12A) in 31 games this season. He has five points (1G / 4A) in his last four games.
Faber suffered an upper-body injury midway through the first period of Tuesday's game and was unable to return. The 22-year-old Faber is averaging 24:58 time-on-ice and has 20 points (5G / 15A) in 41 games this season. Minnesota's next game will be on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks.
Minnesota is coming off a disappointing 6-4 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday when Gustavsson allowed four goals on 18 shots (.778 SV%). Gustavsson's performance on Tuesday was a minor blip in an otherwise fantastic season, boasting an impressive 2.31 GAA and .922 SV% in 28 appearances (18-6-3). Minnesota enters the action on Thursday as +116 home underdogs against a Colorado Avalanche club defeated 3-1 by the Chicago Blackhawks last night.
Shore has been a regular in Minnesota' lineup the last month and will return from a paper transaction on Wednesday that sent him to the Iowa Wild (AHL). The 30-year-old forward is averaged 8:21 time-on-ice and scored one point (0G / 1A) in 21 games this season.
Lauko has not played since December 14th and will be out for at least another week after being placed on LTIR. The 24-year-old Czech forward is averaging 10:00 time-on-ice and has four points (2G / 2A) in 24 games this season.
Shore has been a regular in Minnesota' lineup the last month but has been reassigned to the Iowa Wild (AHL). The 30-year-old forward is averaged 8:21 time-on-ice and scored one point (0G / 1A) in 21 games this season.
With Brock Faber exiting Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury, Minnesota has recalled Jiricek from Iowa (AHL). The 21-year-old Jiricek has not played an NHL game since being acquired in a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has two points (0G / 2A) in 11 AHL games with the Iowa Wild.
Faber suffered the injury midway through the first period of Tuesday's game and was unable to return. We should get an update on his status ahead of Minnesota' game against the Avalanche on Thursday.
Dermott will take a seat on Tuesday to make way for Jake Middleton's return from an upper-body injury. Dermott is yet to register a point in 14 games this season.
Gaunce will re-enter the press box after drawing into the lineup for Saturday's game in Carolina. Devin Shore re-enters the lineup in his place.
Shore will immediately re-enter the lineup after sitting out Saturday's game in Carolina. Brendan Gaunce will sit in his place.
Middleton has not played since December 12th, missing 11 consecutive games, but will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. Before his injury, the 28-year-old Middleton was averaging a career-high 20:36 time-on-ice, recording 13 points (5G / 8A), 76 blocks, and 42 hits in 29 games this season.
