Eastern Conference News: Bruins, Blue Jackets, Devils, Islanders and Maple Leafs
Nikita Zaitsev and Auston Matthews
On the Boston Bruins …

Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports: Defenseman Adam McQuaid could be cleared to return to the lineup as early as tonight. If he doesn’t get into the lineup tonight, he should be ready later this week.

“I don’t know if Monday he’ll be cleared, but he’s getting close. He’s practicing with us, so it’s imminent for him. I just don’t want to pinpoint an exact day,” said Cassidy of McQuaid.

McQuaid has been out since October 19th and has missed the past 24 games with a broken right fibula.

On the Columbus Blue Jackets

Aaron Portzline: The Blue Jackets recalled forward Sonny Milano and defenseman Cameron Gaunce.

Aaron Portzline: The Blue Jackets assigned forward Jordan Schroeder and defenseman Gabriel Carlsson to the AHL.

On the New Jersey Devils …

Andrew Gross: Coach John Hynes said that Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri would return to the lineup tonight. Marcus Johansson hasn’t been ruled out.

On the New York Islanders …

Arthur Staple: Defenseman Calvin de Haan will be evaluated today.

On the Toronto Maple Leafs …

Dave McCarthy: Coach Mike Babcock said that Nikita Zaitsev would be out for at least two weeks with a lower-body injury. He blocked a Niklas Kronwall shot on Friday.

Kristen Shilton: Babcock said that Auton Matthews is progressing, but he’s not sure when he’ll get back into the lineup. They aren’t thinking of shutting him down.

Kristen Shilton: Babcock on Matthews: “I thought he should be at practice today, but that’s why they don’t let me make any decisions for the medical department.”