Player Notes in the Draft (Jan 4)

The Edmonton Oilers were surprisingly without Jordan Eberle on Friday night, as they were in Anaheim facing the Ducks. Eberle was held out with an undisclosed injury, which was reportedly suffered the night before in San Jose, when he took a hit from Sharks forward Logan Couture.  The Oilers superstar is listed as out day-to-day with his undisclosed injury, with no set timetable for a return, but it doesn't sound like it will be too long.

Eberle is a key part of the 3rd place team, after Friday night, which belongs to Stacey C. this year.  Stacey is currently tied for 3rd place, but has the tie-breakers in his favour, and only sits 5 points out of 2nd place.  With how tight the pool has been and is getting again, an injury to a key forward like Eberle could be very harmful to his placing.

On New Year's Eve, New Jersey Devils captain Patrik Elias was hit hard early in the 1st period by the Pittsburgh Penguins' Tanner Glass, catching awkwardly trying to play a puck in the neutral zone.  Elias was not available for Friday night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, as he is dealing with some "total body soreness."  Elias is also expected to miss the Devils' game on Saturday, away in Buffalo, and will be considered day-to-day after the fact.

This is another key injury in the prize area of the standings, as Chris, our 2nd place team, has Elias this season and has enjoyed some success with him, 25 points in 33 games played.  As you saw above, Chris only has a 5-point cushion on two teams tied for 3rd below him and is already working on a Basement Dweller week, with only 8 points through five nights.