After a stint with the Cleveland Monsters (AHL), posting 14 points (10G / 4A) in eight games, Bemstrom will return to the Blue Jackets lineup for the first time since November 14th. Before his demotion to the AHL, Bemstrom had four points (3G / 1A) in 12 games with the Blue Jackets. He is expected to skate on the third line alongside Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson.
Novak has not played since November 11th, battling an upper-body injury, but is expected to make his return on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Before his injury, Novak had 12 points (6G/ 6A), averaged 16:02 time-on-ice, and played predominantly on a line with Kiefer Sherwood and Luke Evangelista.
Skinner will make his sixth straight start as he goes for his fifth consecutive win Wednesday as he takes on Carolina at home. The 25-year-old has improved his play of late but still has some ugly season totals with his 8-7-1 record, 3.16 GAA and .881 SV%. He will host the Carolina Hurricanes, who have lost two of their last three games but lead the NHL in shots on goal per game (34.5).
Amidst a flurry of roster moves Wednesday Emil Bemstrom was recalled from Cleveland (AHL) and is expected to appear in the Blue Jackets game Thursday. The 24-year-old returns to the Blue Jackets for a second time this season having picking up three goals, four points, four PIMs and a -7 plus/minus through 12 NHL games.
Skinner will make his sixth straight start as he goes for his fifth consecutive win Wednesday as he takes on Carolina at home. The 25-year-old has improved his play of late but still has some ugly season totals with his 8-7-1 record, 3.16 GAA and .881 SV%. He will host the Carolina Hurricanes, who have lost two of their last three games but lead the NHL in shots on goal per game (34.5).
Skinner will look for his fourth straight victory as he prepares to be the starting goalie for the Oilers on Thursday. His current stretch marks his second three-winning streak this season, and he has played significantly better as a whole, dating back to the firing of Jay Woodcroft and Jack Campbell being reassigned to the AHL. In his last three games, Skinner has saved 69 of 75 shots (.920 SV%). The Oilers are -114 road favourites against a Winnipeg Jets team that was shutout 2-0 by the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.
Rust was a full participant at practice on Tuesday and skated with the top powerplay unit. He will return to the lineup after a three-game absence. After a down 2022-23 campaign, was in the process of having a terrific rebound season, tallying 16 points (9G / 7A) in 17 games thus far.
Dumba did not play on Saturday but is expected to return to the Coyotes' lineup on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Dumba has four points (2G / 2A) in 19 games this season and will likely play alongside Travis Dermott on the third defensive pair.
Skinner has remained inconsistent since the demotion of Jack Campbell but has had significantly more good than bad in recent games, including saving 46 of 48 shots (.958 SV%) over his last two games (2-0-0). Skinner and the Oilers are -145 home favourites against a Vegas Golden Knights team that has struggled lately and played last night, losing 2-1 in overtime to the Calgary Flames. Both teams are trending in opposite directions as the Golden Knights have lost four of their last five (1-2-2) while the Oilers have won two straight, outscoring their opposition by a whopping 13-2 margin.
Rust was a full participant at practice on Tuesday and skated with the top powerplay unit. Rust hasn't played the last three games, but after a down 2022-23 campaign, was in the process of having a terrific rebound season, tallying 16 points (9G / 7A) in 17 games thus far.
Aho exited Friday's contest against the Ottawa Senators with an upper-body injury and then did not play on Saturday and has subsequently been placed on injured reserve. Aho has four points (0G / 4A) and 26 blocks, averaging 14:11 time-on-ice and will miss at least one week.
Aho exited the Islanders' previous game Friday vs. Ottawa after just 1:28 TOI and will be out Saturday vs. Philadelphia with no timetable for his return. The 27-year-old Swedish defensemen has yet to score this season but has four assists, 18 SOG, six PIMs and a -3 plus/minus in 19 games prior to his injury.
The Islanders lost both Aho and Adam Pelech on Friday, and both are questionable to play Saturday. Depending on their availability, the Islanders may be forced to make some roster moves in order to have six defensemen.
