Thursday Morning News

I guess it's time for a little bit of catch-up, as there was a day off from the blog taken yesterday. Thankfully, it's been a pretty quiet last couple of days on the injury/news front. This must be what's considered the quiet before the storm, as the trade deadline is fast-approaching. I'm hoping we see something drop here pretty soon, there's nothing better than changing the dynamic of the season, if it's just by a little bit.

On Tuesday night, the Avalanche were without John-Michael Liles, one of the better assets that the Avs have in tow for this year's trade deadline. Liles sat out the game against the Senators with a hand/wrist injury and he won't be availabile for the first part of the team's six game road trip, which starts on Friday in Washington. He will likely miss at least two or three games on the trip, as he gets treatment for his injury.

Also on Tuesday night, the Leafs did not dress Vesa Toskala against the Sabres, as he is now currently out with a hip injury. Toskala is not expected to take part in the game against Columbus on Thursday night, but is expected to dress for the Hockey Day in Canada match-up against Vancouver. In his place, Justin Pogge will get the nod, as he was charged with the loss on Tuesday night.

Just when you think he's ready, you find out there is a little more seasoning that needs to be done. Karl Alzner was sent back to the minors on Tuesday after another short stint with the Capitals over the past week. Alzner's ticket was thought to have been punched for the remainder of the year, as salary cap concerns were thought to be solved due to injury, but he didn't play well enough to stay up at the moment. I would wager a guess that we will see him again before the end of the year.

On Friday, the Sabres also ended a short stint with the big club for one of their top prospects, as Nathan Gerbe was sent back down to the minors on Wednesday. In 10 games with the Sabres, Gerbe has only managed to register a single assist. There is a lot of potential and expectation on this kid and he could very well be a mainstay next season with the club, if he works for it.

Click here to see an updated injury page.