VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Lane Lambert sounded optimistic Monday about Cal Clutterbuck’s possibilities of enjoying the Islanders’ match Tuesday evening in opposition to the Canucks. The appropriate winger however remained out for the 6-2 victory with a proper finger harm.
“He’s getting nearer,” Lambert mentioned following the Islanders’ morning skate, wherein Clutterbuck participated. “We’ll see as this journey goes alongside.”
The Islanders play back-to-back in Edmonton and Calgary beginning Thursday earlier than they’ve three days off upon returning dwelling. Clutterbuck took line rushes with Aatu Raty and Matt Martin on Monday.
Of the 5 Islanders at present coping with accidents, Clutterbuck, who hasn’t performed since Dec. 16, is the closest to returning.
Kyle Palmieri (higher physique) has been skating, however has not been going full throttle in practices. He was on the ice for an non-compulsory skate Tuesday morning. Simon Holmstrom (knee), Adam Pelech (higher physique) and Oliver Wahlstrom (head) didn’t journey with the staff. Semyon Varlamov (groin) was activated on Monday.
The Islanders have some connections with wing Jakub Vrana, who was shockingly positioned on waivers Tuesday morning by the Crimson Wings. Lambert coached Vrana as an assistant with the Capitals and Vrana’s agent, J.P. Barry, additionally represents Mathew Barzal.
The Islanders might deal with Vrana’s $5.25 million cap hit in the event that they selected to select up the previous 25-goal scorer off waivers.
Vrana entered the participant help program in October and was within the midst of a conditioning stint with AHL Grand Rapids earlier than being waived. He has performed two video games this season and has an harm historical past, present process shoulder surgical procedure final season.
Whether or not or not common supervisor Lou Lamoriello can be prepared to miss these points to carry Vrana to Lengthy Island is just not clear. However on paper, Vrana is the form of aim scorer the Islanders might use of their prime six.
Lambert mentioned he didn’t handle the staff about Damar Hamlin, the NFL Payments security who collapsed through the recreation Monday in Cincinnati, however gamers have mentioned it amongst themselves.
“All people … is aware of what occurred,” Lambert mentioned. “Definitely, I feel they positively made the best name in doing what they did by way of the sport. The blokes have talked about it for positive.”