NHL Player News

Bjugstad (upper body) won't return to Tuesday's game versus the Bruins.

Bjugstad was injured in the second period. He logged two hits, two blocked shots and two PIM in 7:31 of ice time prior to his exit. If he misses time beyond Tuesday, Hugh McGing would likely get into the lineup for a Blues team that is suddenly getting thin up front due to injuries.

Norris missed Tuesday's game versus the Oilers due to both illness and soreness, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic reports.

Norris apparently isn't feeling well, though the soreness could be a lingering concern given his injury history. The 26-year-old can be considered day-to-day for now, and it's unclear if he'll play Thursday in Vancouver.

Necas (illness) will be in the lineup versus the Predators on Tuesday, per the NHL media site.

Necas' ability to stay in the lineup despite feeling a little under the weather earlier in the day will delay the return of Gavin Brindley (lower body). Expect Necas to fill his usual top-line role with a spot on the first power-play unit.

Norris (undisclosed) won't play Tuesday versus the Oilers.

Norris was in warmups and expected to play, but he ultimately was scratched right before puck drop. It's a tough break for the oft-injured 26-year-old, though the team has not revealed the reason for his absence. Tyson Kozak will move up to the second line to cover Norris' absence.

Catton (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

Catton was deemed week-to-week as of Monday, so his placement on injured reserve is no surprise. Ben Meyers was called up from AHL Coachella Valley to occupy the open roster spot. Catton was reportedly in contention for a World Juniors roster spot with Team Canada, but this injury will likely also keep him out of that tournament.

Meyers was recalled from AHL Coachella Valley on Tuesday.

Meyers will take the roster spot of Berkly Catton (upper body), who is out on a week-to-week basis. In nine appearances with the Kraken this year, Meyers has earned three assists, eight shots on net and 14 hits while averaging 9:39 of ice time. The 27-year-old will be a candidate for fourth-line minutes.

Kotkaniemi (lower body) won't play Tuesday versus the Blue Jackets, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

Kotkaniemi played in two games after returning from an ankle injury, but he's sustained another issue that will force him to miss time. Mark Jankowski is back in the lineup as the fourth-line center and will likely stay in that role while Kotkaniemi is again on the mend.

McMann was suspended one game Tuesday for high-sticking Oliver Bjorkstrand in Monday's contest versus the Lightning.

McMann will be out Thursday versus the Sharks and will return versus the Oilers on Saturday. His absence will open the door for Nicholas Robertson or Matias Maccelli to get back in the lineup.

Sissons (illness) will return to the lineup against the Islanders on Tuesday, per SinBin Vegas.

Sissons will return to action after missing the last two games. He has contributed one goal, two assists, 21 shots on net, 12 blocked shots and 28 hits through 24 appearances this season. Brandon Saad will be a healthy scratch to make room for the return of Sissons.

James (undisclosed) won't play against Montreal on Tuesday, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

James will miss his second straight game, and it's unclear when he will be ready to return to the lineup. He has provided two goals, three assists, 20 shots on net and 28 hits through 19 outings this campaign.