Sheet Player News (Feb. 25)

The Buffalo Sabres called up forward Corey Tropp on Friday to take the place of injured forward Brad Boyes, who suffered an undisclosed injury on Tuesday night.  The nature and the severity of the injury is still not known, as of Saturday morning, which has to be a little bit concerning for those parties involved.  Boyes has only played in 47 games this season, thanks to a knee injury, which also cost him 13 games this season.  In the time that he has been healthy, Boyes has scored 3 goals and 10 assists.  He was originally taken in the draft this season and was dropped in the first waiver draft, not to be picked up again.

It is somewhat unclear what is going on with Canadiens' Box 24 forward Mathieu Darche, as there have been reports that he left Tuesday night's game in Dallas with dizziness, but the reason for the light-headedness was not disclosed.  Generally, when you think of dizziness, you would assume that there may be a concussion lurking in the waters, but there is some thought that it could be an illness holding him back.  Until there is a real update, it's certainly hard to confirm what is going on.  We'll say day-to-day with dizziness for the moment, but that could change over the weekend.A

As expected, with the last couple games being spent in the press box, Box 14 defenseman Ryan Ellis was demoted to the AHL on Friday, to make sure his development stays on track with more ice time. Since the acquisition of Hal Gill, the Predators have shored up a bit more size in their line-up and with offense already coming in by the bushel, Ellis was not needed by the team at the time. I would have to believe that he will be the first one called up, if and when one of the current roster defensemen fall to injury, but who knows when that will be?

A tough week for Josh Bailey, who has been experiencing some back spasms and missing some time.  Bailey started experiencing the spasms on Tuesday night, against the Rangers and that forced him out of skating and practices through the rest of the week and on Friday night, he was unable to dress for the club.  He is considered to be day-to-day at the moment.  In 60 games, Bailey only has 6 goals and 8 assists, quite a ways from where his offensive potential would have had him by now in his career.  It would surprise me if Bailey was a part of a deal out of town, possibly closer to the draft, rather than at the deadline.

With Bailey being injury, be sure to get a look at Casey Cizikas, who has been called up to play in his spot.

The trade rumours continue to swirl around Box 21 forward Mike Knuble, as the Washington Capitals again decided to scratch the veteran forward. In 57 games, Knuble only has 12 points (3 goals and 9 assists), which is a far cry from where we would normally see his numbers.  The Capitals are currently on the outside looking in on the Eastern Conference playoffs and with the trade deadline approaching, I'm sure there would be a number of teams that would have a good look at Knuble, possibly in a deal that would help both parties.