P.K. Subban won't be able to suit up against his old club, but he's feeling hopeful about being able to return to game action sooner than later.
The Nashville Predators defenseman addressed the media in advance of Tuesday's much-anticipated game against the Montreal Canadiens, confirming he's making progress every day from an upper-body injury that has kept him out of game action since Dec. 15.
P.K. Subban says it's difficult to not be able to play tonight against Montreal, but he's optimistic on recovering in 2-3 weeks. #Preds
Subban added he felt the injury coming on over the course of the last five games he participated in, and the training staff advised him to shut things down after he played on Dec. 15.
Missing a home game against the Canadiens is certainly not something Subban had in mind.
Subban: "Fans are so passionate. This is a hockey town and they love the team. That's why it's so fun to play here every night." #Preds
It's all coming down in Colorado; it's an avalanche you could say.
The Denver-based club is struggling to do anything on the ice that would resonate as positive. On the other hand, the Avs are giving themselves the best chances of nabbing the first overall pick in this year's draft with the worst record in the league, having won just one of their last 10 games.
All things considered, it would appear as though the organization's mindset should be in rebuild mode. Despite boasting some great young talent, the team is underperforming and needs help all over the ice.
Rumors have begun to bubble that the team could ship out the likes of Matt Duchene and/or Gabriel Landeskog in an attempt to acquire young defensemen and draft picks.
With that in mind, here are three teams who should be calling up Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic:
Anaheim Ducks
Heading into the season, it appeared as though it would be a matter of time before the Anaheim Ducks would deal away Cam Fowler.
However, that's no longer the case as Fowler now sits tied for second in goals among defensemen while posting a respectable 22 points. Besides Fowler, the Ducks have a number of young defensemen who could be for the taking including Shea Theodore and Josh Manson.
With the Ducks in the thick of a playoff race, draft picks could also be had. The team is in the middle of the pack in terms of goal scoring and could use a boost in offense heading into the postseason.
Of course, the Ducks would likely need to shed a major contract in the deal with the team currently right up against the salary cap, according to Cap Friendly.
New York Islanders
For the sake of his job and any hopes the New York Islanders might have of making the playoffs, Garth Snow should be inquiring about Duchene or Landeskog.
The club currently sits with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference, a year after reaching the second round of the playoffs. This past year the Islanders watched as last season's second- and third-highest scorers - Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen - elected to go elsewhere.
Given that Andrew Ladd has also disappointed since signing as a free agent, the team could use more offensive help. As collateral, this past summer Travis Hamonic made headlines after reportedly requesting a trade.
Hamonic has since rescinded the request, but should talks between the two clubs take place, he could be a part of a package going back to Colorado.
Fast forward to the present and the team currently finds itself outside of the playoffs looking in.
The team has just three players who have managed double digits in goals, not including Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen who have eight and seven, respectively.
The team - and more importantly, these two - could use another offensively gifted player to help get them back on track.
It's no secret that the Predators have one of the strongest defensive cores in the entire league. They also have all their draft picks over the next few years and cap space to accommodate either Duchene or Landeskog.
All that considered, the Predators and Avalanche could feasibly be able to get a deal done.
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Tuesday, Jan. 3 (all advanced stats courtesy of Corsica.Hockeyand apply to 5v5 situations):
Triple Threat
LW Kevin Fiala (30K), C Mike Ribeiro (35K), RW Craig Smith (30K), Predators (vs. Canadiens): The Canadiens visit Nashville on the first half of a back-to-back. They dropped their most recent game and have just four wins in their past 10 games. Fiala, Ribeiro and Smith's Corsi For rating of 64.38 percent is the best of any trio the Predators have used this season.
LW Evander Kane (46K), C Sam Reinhart (52K), RW Kyle Okposo (60K), Sabres (at Rangers): The Rangers' Corsi For percentage has plummeted to 48.93, ranking 23rd in the league. The Sabres aren't much better as a team, but Kane and Reinhart have recently been united at 5v5 and Okposo joins Reinhart on the top power play unit and plays with C Jack Eichel at 5v5.
LW Ondrej Palat (60K), C Tyler Johnson (59K), RW Nikita Kucherov (66K), Lightning (vs. Jets): Tampa Bay's second-most common trio for the season is the top active threesome. Palat, Johnson and Kucherov have a CF% of 51.42 together with 2.94 expected goals for per 60 minutes, compared to just 1.95 expected goals against. All three are on the top power play unit.
Goalie Breakdown
TARGET - Andrei Vasilevskiy (94K), Lightning (vs. Jets): The Jets are expected to score just 2.07 goals per 60 minutes of 5v5 play while on the road, the fourth-lowest rate in the league. Vasilevskiy stopped 26 of the 27 shots he faced his last time out, ending a stretch of three games with at least three goals allowed. Ownership will be moderate at worst.
BARGAIN - Cam Ward (78K), Hurricanes (vs. Devils): The disparity between Ward's home and away splits continues to be a major theme for the Hurricanes and for daily fantasy bargain seekers. He has a sparkling goals against average of 1.91 and a save percentage of .931 while at home. The Devils average just 6.78 scoring chances per 60 minutes on the road.
FADE - Braden Holtby (103K), Capitals (vs. Maple Leafs): Holtby has allowed one or fewer goals in three of his past four starts, but the Maple Leafs have the second-highest expected goals for rate of all road teams this season. The Leafs' defense and goaltending still take plenty of hits, so Holtby may get the win, but he could be pulled if the Leafs capitalize early.
CONTRARIAN - Robin Lehner (88K), Sabres (at Rangers): The Rangers have scored six goals in each of their past two games, with four goals scored in each of the two preceding games. Lehner made at least 30 saves in eight of 10 December games, but he went just 3-7. Whenever he gets credited for a victory, he's usually the top option of the night.
Bargain Plays
C Sam Gagner (25K), Blue Jackets (vs. Oilers): Gagner finished December with six goals and nine assists for 15 points in 14 games. He topped 15 minutes of ice time just twice, as he skates on the fourth line at 5v5. He jumps up to center the top power-play unit, giving him extremely favorable competition and situational play. He shouldn't be at the minimum salary.
LW Marcus Foligno (27K), Sabres (at Rangers): A matchup against G Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers is less than desirable, but Foligno is expected to skate with Eichel aboard the Sabres' top line. He has just five goals and seven assists on the season but the increased ice time and opportunity beside his team's top player makes him a quality choice at a low cost.
RW Marian Gaborik (32K), Kings (at Sharks): Gaborik remains on the Kings' top line, while RW Dustin Brown is expected to jump up to join him and C Anze Kopitar. Brown's best days are well behind him but the new look can't hurt the team with the fourth-fewest goals scored this season. Gaborik has just three points in December, but he totaled seven SOG in his final three games.
Top Fades
D Shea Weber (54K), Canadiens (at Predators): Weber finished December with just three points, and he totaled just five shots on goal in the final three games. His lone goal came on the power play. His ice time remains extremely high, as he totaled 28:42 in his most recent game, which included an overtime session. His TOI has routinely been lower in the first half of a back-to-back.
C Joe Pavelski (81K), Sharks (vs. Kings): Pavelski recorded at least one point in all but three of his 13 games in December. He totaled just five SOG in his past three games, while playing just 18 minutes in each of his two most recent games. He isn't worthy of being the most expensive player on Squad Up against a Kings team allowing just 2.38 goals per game.
LW Jonathan Drouin (57K), Lightning (vs. Jets): Though he tallied three shots on goal and scored in his most recent game, Drouin played just 13:48. He has been dropped back to Tampa Bay's third line, limiting his offensive opportunities. He still works the point on the second power play unit, but his salary isn't reflective of his decreased opportunity.
Contrarian Options
C Nicklas Backstrom (59K), Capitals (vs. Maple Leafs): Backstrom hasn't scored in six consecutive games, and he has gone without a shot in each of his past two outings. The Maple Leafs' high pace gives them projected goal totals of 2.72 for and 2.80 against per 60 minutes of 5v5 play while on the road. The higher pace should boost Backstrom's floor.
LW Filip Forsberg (61K), Predators (vs. Canadiens): Forsberg has scored in five of his past six games, but he had just one assist in December. Anyone facing Canadiens G Carey Price is always a risky pick, but Forsberg is shooting at an increased rate of late and has been immune to tough goaltender matchups during his streak.
RW Kyle Palmieri (68K), Devils (at Hurricanes): A matchup with the aforementioned Ward warrants some hesitation with Palmieri, but other than recording five shots in his most recent game, he totaled just five shots in his previous five outings. He had a 18.2 shooting percentage in December.
Latvia isn't known as a sporting superpower, but the country boasts a budding NBA star in Kristaps Porzingis and a decent NHL skater in Zemgus Girgensons. With the latter's Buffalo Sabres in NYC on Tuesday, it was a meeting of Latvian muscle.
Every Tuesday, theScore's editors will examine the fortunes of the north's seven NHL franchises. Welcome to "O Canada."
Calgary Flames
Plus: Matthew Tkachuk is the latest Canadian club rookie to make noise in the Calder race. The Flames youngster is playing his most consistent hockey to date, riding a six-game point streak.
Minus: Tkachuk is fortunately picking up the slack for Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, who've both gone quiet after enjoying hot streaks. The duo has combined for just three points over Calgary's last five games - all coming off the stick of Gaudreau.
Take: Having allowed two goals or fewer in five of his last six appearances, Brian Elliott is finally starting to come around. If Elliott can keep it up, it's the boost Calgary needs to remain in a playoff spot.
Edmonton Oilers
Plus: Following a mini-slide, the Oilers have recovered to go 4-0-2 in their last six games, pulling to within two points of top spot in the Pacific.
Minus: The team could use a little more offense to start the new year. Last month, the Oilers scored more than three goals in a game just twice over 14 contests.
Take: They've hit their bumps in the road, but the Oilers remain firmly in a playoff spot. Barring a major meltdown, Edmonton should finally end its 10-year postseason hiatus.
Montreal Canadiens
Plus: With points in five of his last seven games - and now up to 15 goals and 15 assists - Max Pacioretty is playing some of his most inspired hockey of the year.
Minus: The Canadiens have come back down to earth, going 1-2-2 in their last five games. Their perch atop the Atlantic Division appears safe, but the team - including Carey Price - has shown they are certainly beatable.
Take:Alex Galchenyuk still sits tied for third in team scoring despite being out of the lineup since Dec. 7. While his return gets closer with each passing week, the Canadiens could still use more production from their collective.
Ottawa Senators
Plus: The Senators may have found a diamond in the rough in Ryan Dzingel. The 2011 seventh-round pick has found a home on the top line, using his wicked speed to post an admirable 20 points, including six over his last nine games.
Minus: Scoring continues to be an issue, as the Senators test the waters for another forward. That being said, they could use a bump from Derick Brassard.
The 29-year-old has just 17 points to date, on pace for his lowest total since the 2013 lockout season.
Take: With whispers that the Senators could trade away a defenseman for help up front, it's nice to know they have prospect Thomas Chabot coming up the pipeline.
Ottawa's 2015 first-round pick has been stellar on Canada's blue line at the world juniors, posting seven points in five games, and at least one in every contest.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Plus: Auston Matthews. We all know what he did at the Centennial Classic, and after being named first star of the week and sitting second league-wide in goals with 20, it's safe to say the kid is scorching.
Minus: While the Maple Leafs are riding a five-game winning streak, Sunday's outdoor game saw the club give up yet another third-period lead.
Things are looking good, but Toronto needs to be more polished in the final 20 minutes, lest they give away meaningful points.
Take: The Maple Leafs are right in the thick of the playoff hunt, with games in hand on every Atlantic club minus the Buffalo Sabres. More inspired hockey could vault the club up the standings.
Vancouver Canucks
Plus: Expected to continue as bottom feeders, a four-game winning streak has put the Canucks within a single point of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Minus:Loui Eriksson continues to struggle. The 31-year-old has just two goals over his last 16 games and has lost his spot next to the Sedins. In turn, the team has experimented with Jayson Megna on its top line.
That's a bad sign, especially considering Megna has just three goals in 22 games. Eriksson must be better.
Take: For a team whose best interest would be to bottom out for a top draft pick, Vancouver's latest surge keeps fans happy - for now - but could hurt long-term.
Winnipeg Jets
Plus: The trio of Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine, and Nikolaj Ehlers has continued providing the bulk of the offense for the Jets. The trio has combined for 44 goals and 95 points.
Minus: Goaltending.Be it Connor Hellebuyck or Michael Hutchinson, the team is not getting any help from its last line of defense, and in turn has the fourth-highest goals against in the league, giving up an average of nearly three per game.
Take: The Jets are an anomaly. The team rattled off four wins in five games in late December, but now enters 2017 on a two-game losing streak after a humiliating 6-2 loss to the New York Islanders.
Winnipeg can turn it on when it wants, but lacks consistency, likely putting the team on pace for a spot outside the playoffs, but also outside a top-5 pick in next year's draft.
The 28-year-old missed Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning with what the team called an illness, leaving equipment manager Jorge Alves to serve as Cam Ward's backup.
For Lack, this marks the second time this season he has been diagnosed with a concussion. He was placed on the injured reserve with his first on Nov. 10 and was not activated until Dec. 21.
In wake of the news, the Hurricanes have recalled goaltender Daniel Altshuller from the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League.
The 2017 Winter Classic in St. Louis on Monday boasted an announced attendance of 46,556, continuing a run of great success for the NHL.
Total attendance for the NHL’s 21 regular-season outdoor games now stands at 1,140,999 – an average of 54,333 per game. #WinterClassicpic.twitter.com/wNfvdXL18j
The NHL schedule has regularly featured outdoor games since the inaugural Winter Classic hosted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2008, while the first regular-season contest was played at the Heritage Classic in Edmonton back in 2003.
The Stadium Series has since been added to the rotation, with the Centennial Classic on Jan. 1 serving as a one-time event.
Here are the five highest attended outdoor games:
2014 Winter Classic - Toronto at Detroit, Michigan Stadium (105,491)
2008 Winter Classic - Pittsburgh at Buffalo, Ralph Wilson Stadium (71,217)
2015 Stadium Series - Los Angeles at San Jose, Levi's Stadium (70,205)
2011 Winter Classic - Washington at Pittsburgh, Heinz Field (68,111)
2016 Winter Classic - Montreal at Boston, Gillette Stadium (67,246)
One outdoor game remains on the 2016-17 schedule, with Pittsbuegh set to host Philadelphia in a Stadium Series contest Feb. 25 at Heinz Field.
Sergey Kalinin added an insurance goal early in the third period and set up Taylor Hall's empty-netter as the Devils won for only the third time in 13 games (3-9-1).
Tuukka Rask had 23 saves for the Bruins, who lost to New Jersey for only the second time in eight games (6-2).
Schneider was the difference in picking up his second shutout of the season, and second in his last four starts. He stopped a power-play redirection in front by Tim Schaller with 1:20 left in the first and made an outstanding stick stop on a rebound try by Patrice Bergeron with 3.3 seconds left in the period following a giveaway by Parenteau.
The puck lay on the goal line for a second or so before Schneider slapped his glove on top of it inches from being a goal. The play was reviewed and the no-goal ruling was confirmed.
Parenteau put the Devils ahead 4:12 into the game with the help of just recalled rookie defenseman Steven Santini and Hall, who returned to the lineup after missing the last two games with a lower-body injury.
Santini, a former Boston College product playing in his second NHL game and first this season, took a shot from the right point. Rask pushed the rebound to the left circle and Hall shot it off the goalpost. Parenteau swatted the loose puck off the post and then into the net for his 11th goal. It was Santini's first NHL point.
Kalinin gave New Jersey breathing room 1:44 into the third period. Miles Wood, another Boston College player, set up the goal with a rush along the right boards into the Bruins' zone. Kalinin took his centering pass and beat Rask in close for his second goal.
NOTES: Bruins RW David Backes missed his second straight game with a concussion. ... This was first of five of six on the road for Bruins. ... Torey Krug and Ryan Spooner had five-game point streaks snapped. ... Boston killed off all six New Jersey power plays. ... Devils centers Travis Zajac and Jacob Josefson were out because of illness. D John Moore missed the game with a concussion.
