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Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan was dealt another does of bad news today.
Callahan underwent another surgical procedure on his hip on Tuesday. The Lightning have ruled Callahan out indefinitely.
Callahan has played in only 18 games this season.
You have to think that Callahan is done for the rest of the season.
Callahan, 32, has been a leadership stalwart on Tampa's two consecutive Easter Conference Finals teams. Callahan is a gritty, resourceful forward who rises to the occasion in the postseason.
Callahan and Tampa Bay are married for another three seasons at a $5.8M AAV.
Bolts GM Steve Yzerman said just a few days ago that he was operating under the assumption that Callahan and Steven Stamkos would be back in the lineup at some this season before the playoffs begin. Callahan' cap hit will likely be moved to the LTIR side of the ledger which would give Yzerman currency to buy another top six forward at the March 1 NHL trade deadline.
The Bolts are not guaranteed an Eastern Conference wild card berths.
Tampa is one of seven teams that is within six points of a wild card berth. When the music stops, only two teams will earn their way to the Stanley's Cup playoffs.
Will Yzerman be a buyer on March 1? Or, will he sell off his pending UFAs, trade Ben Bishop and vets with term on their current deals for a lottery pick in a weak 2017 NHL Drft?
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According to Elliotte Friedman, the Los Angeles Kings have placed goalie Jeff Zatkoff on waivers today.
Are the Kings contemplating a trade for Ryan Miller?
The NHL trade deadline is on March 1 and Miller is a pending UFA in Vancouver. Miller has a no move clause that features a list of five teams that he would accept a trade to. Los Angeles is on Miller's list of five teams. Miller, 36, has been a reliable goalie for Vancouver this season and has given his team a chance to win in the majority of nights when he starts the game. In 37 games played, Miller has a 2.17 GAA and .917 save percentage.
The Canucks may be ready to move Miller for compensation before he leaves in a July 1 for free. Jacob Markstrom has proven to be a quality start for the Canucks posting a 2.63 GAA and .910 save percentage in his 26 starts. The Canucks can promote prospect Thatcher Demko to backup
Markstrom in the event that Miller leaves at the trade deadline.
Is the Zatkoff waiver a sign that Jonathan Quick returning from injury sooner than expected?
It's not likely that Quick is ready to return. He is expected to return mid-March.
Are the Kings about to call up Jack Campbell from AHL Ontario?
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