Morning Player Notes in the Draft (Dec 22)

The Chicago Blackhawks are keeping busy on the roster front these days. They will close out the week tomorrow night with the Avalanche in town and there's a chance that Corey Crawford will return to the net, as he was activated from the IR on Wednesday. Marian Hossa appears to be questionable for Friday, as he left Tuesday night's game against the Senators with an upper-body injury in the 1st period, not to return. I don't think they would necessarily rush him back with the holiday coming up. Just in case Hossa can't go, the Blackhawks called up forward Tanner Kero on Thursday morning and placed Artem Anisimov on the IR, retroactive to the 19th, to make room for him on the roster. Anisimov won't be eligible to play on Friday, but could come back for the 27th, at home to Winnipeg.

So, to recap for the pool, Marcin gets some good news, intermingled with some bad news, as both Crawford and Anisimov are on his roster, one returns and one will stay on the injured list for a little while longer, at least.  Grant could miss some time from Hossa, but that isn't necessarily guaranteed right now, but something he must consider heading into the holiday.

There appears to be a solid chance that Columbus forward Cam Atkinson could miss one or both games before the holiday break, as he may have suffered a significant foot injury on Tuesday night against the Kings.  Atkinson was seen blocking a shot during the game and then leaving the game in a walking boot, but for some of these guys, it could be precautionary.  The Jackets have called up Oliver Bjorkstrand, just in case he can't go in tonight's game, at home to Pittsburgh and/or Friday's game at home to Montreal.

Cam's 6th place team in the standings has relied heavily on his namesake in Columbus, as Atkinson has been his best forward, so far, picking up 33 points in 30 games this season.  The smallish forward currently ranks 16th overall in pool scoring, which a redraft would mean he's a 1st round pick, but if he misses any significant time, that will drop fast.  Nevertheless, a bargain pick for the 169th overall selection.