Novak has not played since December 31st, missing two games, but will likely return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets. The 27-year-old Novak only has nine points (5G / 4A) in 31 games after scoring 45 (18G / 27A) in 71 games last season.
Brendan Smith will draw back into the Stars' lineup on Tuesday against the New York Rangers, sending Dumba to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. Dumba is averaging 15:37 time-on-ice, his lowest total since his rookie season in 2014-15, recording one point (0G / 1A), 20 blocks, and 33 hits in 22 games this season.
Ryan Reaves will draw back into Toronto's lineup on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers, replacing Robertson. The 23-year-old Robertson is averaging 12:02 time-on-ice and has 10 points (6G / 4A) in 34 games this season.
Novak was a surprise scratch on Friday, with the Predators not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Fedor Svechkov will draw into the lineup in his place.
Pickering has missed the last three games due to a concussion but will return to the lineup on Friday against the Florida Panthers. The 20-year-old Pickering is averaging 15:47 time-on-ice, scoring two points (1G / 1A) in 14 games in his first NHL season. Ryan Shea will be a healthy scratch to accommodate Pickering's return.
Thatcher Demko exited Vancouver's previous game due to back spasms and will not dress on Friday against the Nashville Predators. Silovs began the season in Vancouver but has been in the AHL since Demko debuted. The 23-year-old Silovs has a 2.44 GAA and .900 SV% in five games with Abbottsford (AHL).
Letang practiced on Friday but will miss a third straight game due to a lower-body injury on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The veteran defenseman is averaging 23:24 time-on-ice and has 16 points (7G / 9A) in 34 games this season.
Pickering has missed the last three games due to a concussion but will re-enter the lineup on Friday against the Florida Panthers. The 20-year-old Pickering is averaging 15:47 time-on-ice, scoring two points (1G / 1A) in 14 games in his first NHL season. Ryan Shea will be a healthy scratch to accommodate Pickering's return.
Walker Duehr will draw into the lineup on Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks, sending Kuzmenko to the press box as a healthy scratch. Kuzmenko has struggled to produce this season, scoring only 10 points (1G / 9A) in 29 games this season. He has only one point (0G / 1A) in his last 13 games.
Pickering is progressing towards a return from his concussion but will remain out of the lineup for a third straight game on Tuesday when they Penguins visit the Detroit Red Wings. The 20-year-old Pickering is averaging 15:47 time-on-ice, scoring two points (1G / 1A) in 14 games in his first NHL season.
Dumba has not played since December 8th, missing the last eight games. The 30-year-old Dumba has not acclimated to Dallas' system as anticipated, spending lots of time on the third defensive pair after beginning the campaign playing alongside Miro Heiskanen. Dumba has one point (0G / 1A) and is averaging 15:33 time-on-ice, his lowest total since his rookie season. Lian Bichsel was reassigned to Texas (AHL) on Monday, making room for Dumba's return to the lineup.
Letang was not at practice on Tuesday and will miss a second consecutive game on Tuesday due to an undisclosed injury. The veteran defenseman is averaging 23:24 time-on-ice and has 16 points (7G / 9A) in 34 games this season.
Gustafsson will slot in for Mason Appleton, who was a late scratch due to an undisclosed injury. Gustafsson has appeared in just five games this season and is yet to register a point.
Lapierre was a surprise scratch, with his absence not being announced prior to warmups. Lapierre is yet to score a goal in 26 games this season.
