Everett’s roster is beginning to sort itself out, and the Tips just might be able to field a first-choice lineup for the first time this season during the coming weekend, when Everett faces the daunting task of a three-in-three against the U.S. Division’s top three teams. Here’s how things shook out today:
– Everett reassigned center Teal Burns to the BCHL. The 19-year-old Burns was acquired in November from Prince Albert in exchange for a sixth-round bantam pick. Burns played in just 15 games with the Tips tallying two goals and one assist.
– The reassigning of Burns frees up a roster spot for center Manraj Hayer to come off the long-term injury list. Hayer, who’s been out with a broken fibula, appears set to make his season debut Friday night in Portland. Winger Zach McPhee remains on the long-term injury list as he recovers from knee surgery, but he’s on the brink of returning, too.
– Goaltender Austin Lotz returned today from his stint with Team West at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge. However, he picked up a bit of a groin injury, meaning called-up netminder Andy Desautels is still with the team for the time being.
– No word yet on whether defenseman Brennan Yadlowski is getting suspended for his match penalty for kicking against Seattle on Wednesday. I would have expected a decision to have come down by now, so I suspect there may be some dispute going on.
– Finally, rumor has it Tips captain Ryan Murray is meeting the team in Portland tomorrow. Murray is fresh off winning a bronze medal with Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships this afternoon. Usually Canadian World Juniors players get a little time off after the tournament to go home, since they missed the holidays. However, Murray went home when he was out with his ankle injury and the team was on its eastern swing, so apparently he’s headed straight back. He may not be thrust straight into the lineup, but it seems he’ll get game action sometime this weekend. Also, winger Vladimir Dolnik is expected back Saturday after playing for Slovakia at World Juniors.
Everett still has some roster sorting to do. Even with Burns being reassigned the Tips have 28 players on the roster, which is three more than allowed. Desautels will return to his junior A team once Lotz is healthy, so that’s one spot. But with 16 forwards and nine defensemen, something’s got to give. It’ll be a busy few days for Everett general manager Doug Soetaert between now and Tuesday’s trade deadline.
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