Eastern Conference News: Bruins, Blue Jackets, Panthers, Canadiens, Devils, Rangers, Flyers, and Lightning
Chris Kreider cleared to get off blood thinners and hopes to practice today
On the Boston Bruins …

Joe McDonald: Defenseman Kevan Miller was wearing a no-contact jersey again at practice yesterday.

Joe Haggerty: Miller (upper-body) is expected to travel with the team on their Western Canada road trip that gets underway this weekend.

On the Columbus Blue Jackets …

Brian Hedger: The Blue Jackets loan defenseman Andre Benoit to Bridgeport of the AHL.

On the Florida Panthers …

Irfaan Gaffar: Roberto Luongo said that he wanted to play against the Canucks but feel like he still has a little way to go before he ready. He’ll talk with the coaches and trainers today.

On the Montreal Canadians

SportsCentre: The Canadiens signed goaltender Charlie Lindgren to a three-year contract extension. It is a one-way deal.

Pierre LeBrun: The three-year deal is for $750,000 per season.

On the New Jersey Devils …

Andrew Gross: Coach John Hynes on Brian Boyle (shoulder) and John Quenneville (knee): “Just day to day right now, doesn’t seem like anything major there. Hopefully, they’ll be back here sometime soon.”

On the New York Rangers …

Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Forward Chris Kreider is hoping to return to practice today.

“I don’t know if there is a specific timetable for me to be get back in the lineup, but I can tell you this as a fact: I am going to play this year.”

Kreider was cleared to get off his blood thinners yesterday.

On the Philadelphia Flyers …

Dave Isaac: Goaltender Brian Elliott had abdominal surgery yesterday morning and he’ll be out for five to six weeks.

On the Tampa Bay Lightning …

Caley Chelios: Goaltender Peter Budaj has been out for almost seven weeks with a lower-body injury. Coach Jon Cooper: “He’s getting there. I hate to say this, but I almost wish there was a break in there instead of a sprain. It’s amazing to say that, but they’re way worse.”