Morning Player Notes in the Draft (Feb 15)

In last night's game between the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets, Toronto defenseman Jake Gardiner left the game with a lower-body injury and didn't return. It was revealed on Thursday morning that the injury was a muscle spasm and the training staff couldn't calm it down in time to get him back to playing shape, so he was held out of the game. He's considered to be day-to-day for now and likely on the probable side for their next game, Saturday night in Pittsburgh.

Grant's team took a bit of a hit with this injury news, but I don't believe it to be overly concerning at this point.  His 8th place team is only 10 points out of 4th place and is off to a good start in the week, already posting 11 points. 

The San Jose Sharks have reported that forward Tomas Hertl is doubtful for tonight's game against the Vancouver Canucks, because of an undisclosed injury.  Hertl was hurt in the 1st period of Tuesday night's game against the Coyotes after crashing into the boards, but there hasn't been much in the way of tangible updates.  His doubtful status will lead into a day-to-day status for right now, but it doesn't sound like the team is expecting the Czech forward to be out for very long.

Tony's team is right in the mix in 9th place, only 3 points behind Grant's team after Wednesday night's play, but his team is struggling this week, with only 4 points.  Tony's side is only 1 point clear of the current placeholder for the Basement Dweller, Wilton's team.  Clearly, this injury to Hertl won't help the cause of staying out of this dubious distinction.