Jets send Scheifele down … Connolly closer, Reimer doubtful … Struggles in Montreal and Columbus … Doughty could return this week
  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: With the addition of winger David Booth, the Canucks will likely shift Cody Hodgson back to his natural position and center the 3rd line. Chris Higgins will likely shift to right wing and play with Ryan Kesler and Booth.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs forward Tim Connolly believes he’s much closer to making his Leafs debut. He’s been cleared for contact. Connolly said:

    “I had a few contact drills and some one-on-one stuff in the corners with some of our bigger defencemen.

    “I’ll probably have to do a few more contact days and kind of work into it and after that I should be ready to go. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow and do a little bit more and get bumped a little bit harder. Today was a step in the right direction for me.”

    He probably won’t get into any games during this 4 game road trip. Tyler Bozak is being bothered by a bone bruise after blocking a shot on Thursday.

  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: It’s looking like Jonas Gustavsson will be starting for the Maple Leafs tonight against the Flyers. Coach Ron Wilson said that James Reimer is day-to-day but could be ready for Thursday’s game against the Rangers. Ben Scrivens will probably be called up to be the backup. Michael Traikos via twitter: Reimer is doubtful for tonight, will be re-evaluate today.
  • David Alter via twitter: Lines at Maple Leafs practice yesterday: Lupul-Lombardi-Kessel;MacArthur-Grabovski-Kulemin;Kadri-Steckel-Frattin;Dupuis-Brown-Rosehill;Connolly-Orr-Bozak.
  • Jack Todd in the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens only have 4 points after 7 games. If they continue to struggle Todd can see them firing coach Jacques Martin. GM Pierre Gauthier may fire Martin to save his own job.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are off to a 0-7-1 start and there are questions surrounding the team. “How many more can this team lose? How much longer can coach Scott Arniel keep his job? For that matter, what about GM Scott Howson? Is a trade shake-up coming?” James Wisniewski will return from suspension on Tuesday. Jeff Carter could play this week.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: Kyle Turris was never apart of the Canadiens-Coyotes trade talks before they made the small trade over the weekend.
  • Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Jakob Markstrom will start in net for the Panthers tonight in Montreal. Jose Theodore left Saturday’s game with a lower body injury.