News:Nikita Nikitin will not participate in the upcoming IIHF World Championships due to foot and ankle injuries, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Jackets haven't announced whether Nikita Nikitin will need to undergo surgery yet, but either way he should have plenty of time to heal up before the beginning of the 2013-14 season. Nikitin finished the year with a line of 3/6/9 and 17 PIMs in 38 games for the Columbus.
News:Nikita Nikitin (lower body) is not expected to play Thursday against the Stars, Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin, who has missed two straight games, doesn't seem likely to return to action before Saturday's contest against the Preds.
Blue Jackets' Nikitin (Lower Body) Does Not Practice Saturday
News:Nikita Nikitin (lower body) did not practice Saturday, the Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin remains day-to-day and looks to be in danger of missing Sunday's crucial matchup against the Sharks. He left Wednesday's game early with a lower-body injury and was not able to suit up the following day.
News:Nikita Nikitin (lower body) will not play in Thursday's game against the Kings, Jeff Rimer of FOX Sports Ohio reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin, who was unable to finish Wednesday's game, is being evaluated. Consider him day-to-day for now.
News:Nikita Nikitin (lower body) was unable to finish Wednesday's game, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin left the game early in the third period and his injury will be re-assessed Thursday. It is unsure as to whether the pain stemmed from the aggravation of a previous injury or if it is an entirely new issue. We will know more after the evaluation Thursday.
News:Nikita Nikitin (general soreness) was in the lineup against the Ducks on Wednesday.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin registered a hit while skating 14:23 TOI in the Jackets' 3-2 overtime victory.
News:Nikita Nikitin (general soreness) will play Wednesday against the Ducks, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin's dealing with some general soreness, and his status for Wednesday was in a bit of doubt, but he'll be able to take the ice against Anaheim. If the soreness ends up costing Nikitin a game in the near future, the Jackets plan to slot David Savard in his place.
News:Nikita Nikitin is dealing with what is being referred to as general soreness, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: As a result, if Nikita Nikitin is unable to suit up Wednesday against the Ducks, David Savard will be called upon to fill in on the Blue Jackets' blue line.
News:Nikita Nikitin was a plus-1 in 19:58 worth of ice time in Tuesday's win over the Sharks.
Analysis: With nine points in 34 games to date, Nikita Nikitin's production is down this season, but his return after a two-game absence is good news for a Columbus squad (in terms of blue line depth) that is pushing hard to make the playoffs.
News:Nikita Nikitin (undisclosed) sat out Sunday's game against the Wild, according to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin -- who has nine points in 33 games to date -- should be viewed as day-to-day for Tuesday's game against the Sharks, given that he was a game-time decision Sunday.
News:Nikita Nikitin (undisclosed) did not skate at the morning practice and is a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Wild, Dan Kamal of FOX Sports Ohio reports.
Analysis: Check back closer to game time to confirm Nikita Nikitin's status. With Brandon Dubinsky (undisclosed) also a game-time decision, coach Todd Richards said Blake Comeau will see PK time Sunday.
News:Nikita Nikitin (undisclosed) will return to the lineup Saturday, Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: It's unclear who he's replacing, as John Moore is returning as well and Adrian Aucoin is the only blueliner that has been ruled out for Saturday by the team.
News:Nikita Nikitin is "banged up" according to Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards, but should be in the lineup Saturday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He's been a fantasy disappointment this season, with just two goals and two assists in 23 games with a minus-3 rating. There's little reason to have Nikita Nikitin on your roster right now, healthy or not.
News:Nikita Nikitin (upper body) will be a morning decision for Saturday's game against Phoenix, Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: It appears as though Nikita Nikitin's neck is still bothering him. He returned to the Blue Jackets' lineup March 7 and has played every game since. He may just need a day to rest his neck. He has four points over 23 games so far this season.
News:Nikita Nikitin (neck) will play Thursday against the Canucks, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin returns to action after missing Tuesday's game, with the timing of his re-entry to the lineup good, given that fellow blueliner Fedor Tyutin is a game-time decision for Thursday's contest.
News:Nikita Nikitin (neck) will not play against the Oilers on Tuesday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin's neck is still bothering him, but working in the Blue Jackets' favor on Tuesday is that fellow blueliner Jack Johnson is slated to return to action.
News:Nikita Nikitin (upper body) will take part in Tuesday morning's skate and could play against the Oilers Tuesday night, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: With John Moore now on IR the Jackets need Nikita Nikitin to return as soon as possible. He's been erratic this season, but the club isn't exactly flush with options in the minors and Nikitin should rejoin Fedor Tyutin on the Jackets' top pairing as soon as he's ready to play.
News:Nikita Nikitin suffered an upper-body injury Sunday against the Avs, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reported Friday.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin saw 14:30 worth of ice time before exiting Sunday's game. Consider him day-to-day until more info about his injury is revealed.
News:Nikita Nikitin (lower body) made it through a full practice Wednesday and is probable for Thursday's game against the Flames, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He'll rejoin Fedor Tyutin on what should be the Jackets' top blue line pairing, and provide some stability for a unit gutted by injuries at the moment.
News: The Blue Jackets have placed Nikita Nikitin (upper body) on IR, retroactive to January 29, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin, who has two assists in seven games to date, is expected to be sidelined approximately one week with his (thus far) unspecified injury. To replace him in the meantime, the team has recalled defenseman Nick Holden from AHL Springfield.
News:Nikita Nikitin, whose injury is now being described as to the "upper body" rather than as a concussion or head injury, could be back in the lineup on Tuesday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: James Wisniewski went down with his own head/concussion/upper body injury on Saturday, so the club will wait to see how Nikita Nikitin is feeling before deciding whether to call up another defenseman or not.
News:Nikita Nikitin (head) will not play Thursday against the Blues, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: It's unclear if Nikita Nikitin has a concussion or just a contusion on his head, so consider him day-to-day until an update on his status is revealed. In the meantime, with fellow blueliner Adrian Aucoin (lower body) also out Thursday, Denis Savard and AHL Springfield callup Tim Erixon will see some ice time against the Blues.
News:Nikita Nikitin left Tuesday's game early in the third period with a head injury after getting boarded by the Wild's Darroll Powe, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: There's no word yet on the severity of the injury or how long he might be out, but if Nikita Nikitin has a concussion he could be on the shelf for a while.
News:Nikita Nikitin will open the season skating with Fedor Tyutin as the Blue Jackets' second blue-line pairing, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: After being acquired by Columbus last season, Nikita Nikitin flourished skating next to Tyutin while piling up 32 points (7 G, 25 A) over 54 games after struggling to earn regular minutes in St. Louis. In leagues that count plus/minus, he could remain something less than of asset (minus-5 after the trade last season), but Nikitin may be underrated as a steady two-way blueliner with a booming shot that could lead him to additional opportunities with the man advantage.
News:Nikita Nikitin has signed a lockout contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, R-Sport reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin spent seven years with Avangard, his hometown club, before moving to North America in 2010. The 26-year-old has recorded 41 points in 102 career NHL games.
News:Nikita Nikitin had surgery on his left thumb to repair a ligament tear he suffered early last season, but is expected to ready for camp, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reported Friday.
Analysis: The defenseman will keep his thumb in a brace for the next four weeks, but he should be fine for the start of next season. The 26-year-old will look to improve on his numbers from 2011-12, when he put up 32 points (7G, 25A) over 61 games.
News:Nikita Nikitin has signed a two-year, $4.3 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets, The Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin recorded 32 points (25 assists) in 54 games for the Jackets last season, good enough for second most by a defenseman on the team. He is inked to earn $1.8 million this season and $2.5 million in 2013-14.
News: The Blue Jackets have made a qualifying offer to Nikita Nikitin, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: This is just a formality, as the club is already negotiating with Nikita Nikitin on a new contract.
News:Nikita Nikitin scored two goals, including the game winner, and added an assist in Columbus' 4-1 win over Florida on Friday night.
Analysis: It was his third multi-point game in his past five games during which time he's put up eight points (2G, 6A) and a plus-4 rating. Nikita Nikitin is worth a look in deeper leagues as he has some offensive upside and is playing over 20 minutes a night for the Blue Jackets.
News:Nikita Nikitin had two assists and was a plus-2 in Friday's 5-1 romp over the Hurricanes.
Analysis: With James Wisniewski potentially out for the rest of the year, Nikita Nikitin is now pairing with Jack Johnson, and the two looked pretty good together on Friday. Nikitin could be in line for a nice finish to the season.
News:Nikita Nikitin, who had been slowed by bruised foot, saw 21:06 worth of ice time Sunday against the Blues.
Analysis: Though he checks in with a minus-6 rating, Nikita Nikitin has carved out some value in deeper leagues, having recorded 22 points in 41 games with the Blue Jackets since coming over from the Blues.
Jackets' Nikitin Returns Thursday But Leaves Early
News:Nikita Nikitin (bruised foot) was back in the lineup Thursday but was forced to sit out the entire third period, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Fedor Tyutin suffered a broken hand in Thursday's game and could be lost for the season, so expect Nikita Nikitin to try and play through his foot injury as best he can.
News:Nikita Nikitin (lower body) is expected to be able to suit up for Thursday's game against the Kings, the Blue Jackets' official site reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin, who was hobbled after blocking a shot in the second period of Tuesday's game, skated Wednesday morning, which bodes well for his Thursday status.
News:Nikita Nikitin suffered a lower-body injury Tuesday against Phoenix and will not return, the Blue Jackets' official site reports.
Analysis: No word on the severity of the injury or exactly how it happened.
News:Nikita Nikitin picked up an assist in Sunday's loss to the Penguins, his second point in three games since rejoining the lineup.
Analysis: He's now got 18 points (two goals, 16 assists) in 34 games since coming over to Columbus from the Blues earlier in the season. His minus-8 rating during that time isn't exactly helpful for his fantasy owners, but not surprising given the team around him though.
News:Nikita Nikitin played 21:54 in Tuesday's win over San Jose, posting an assist in his first game since missing 12 contests with a knee injury.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin had been missed by the Jackets, as he is a productive, yet inconsistent scorer from the backend. Nikitin has 19 points in 32 games, giving him a solid points-per-game rate, but he can disappear at times despite being one of the Jackets' better scoring options.
News:Nikita Nikitin (knee) will play against San Jose on Tuesday, Columbus Dispatch writer Aaron Portzline reports.
Analysis: With 18 points (two goals) in 31 games with the Blue Jackets, Nikita Nikitin is a justifiable start in plenty of formats.
News:Nikita Nikitin (knee) is expected to play against San Jose on Tuesday, Columbus Dispatch writer Aaron Portzline reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin is in the midst of a breakout season for Columbus and posted four points in the five games before suffering the injury. His production with the Blue Jackets gives reason to believe he'll be a viable fantasy option starting Tuesday.
News:Nikita Nikitin (knee) practiced Thursday, but may not be ready to return to the lineup until early next week, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He'll be re-evaluated Friday and hasn't yet been ruled out for Saturday's game, but a return next week seems the safer bet.
News:Nikita Nikitin (knee) could be back in the lineup Tuesday night against the Blues, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: We should get confirmation of his status after the morning skate. Nikita Nikitin has been valuable since joining Columbus from St. Louis, and if he's playing you'll probably want him active.
News:Nikita Nikitin (knee) should return to action in about a week, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets blue line has been gutted by injuries recently, but the cavalry is on its way. Nikita Nikitin should quickly regain his previous value (he had a goal and three assists in the five games before he got hurt) and you'll probably want to activate him as soon as he's back in action.
News:Nikita Nikitin (knee) was placed on IR retroactive to Jan. 21 on Thursday, BlueJackets.NHL.com reports.
Analysis: It's still not clear what sort of prognosis Nikita Nikitin is looking at, but the initial fears of the injury being serious have not yet been substantiated.
News:Nikita Nikitin (knee) will miss the Jackets' next two games and will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin suffered a left knee injury after hitting a wall at full speed during Saturday's game. He will miss a minimum of two games and will most likely miss more, as this injury is considered serious.
News:Nikita Nikitin's injury may be serious, according to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin hit the wall at high speed after being knocked off balance by Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg and his left ankle appeared to absorb all of the energy of the high-impact hit. The replay of the injury is best described as gruesome. "Nikki's a big part of our team and logs a lot of minutes, plays in all situations, so it's a big hole," said Jackets' coach Todd Richards right after Saturday's game. He didn't have an immediate update on Nikitin's condition.
News:Nikita Nikitin left Saturday's game with an apparent right leg injury after being hit from behind in the third period by Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg, according to the Associated Press.
Analysis: He had scored a power-play goal in the second and was on the PK when Zetterberg nailed him; Nikita Nikitin had to be helped from the ice. Zetterberg received a boarding major and a game misconduct for his actions. Nikitin could be out for a while; reserve him immediately while we wait for an update.
News:Nikita Nikitin tallied an assist for the second straight game Saturday night against the Sharks.
Analysis: Since joining the Blue Jackets, Nikita Nikitin has turned things around in a big way and continues to chip away at a pace that would have put him over the 40-point mark over the course of a full season.
News:Nikita Nikitin (illness) is probable for Thursday's game against San Jose, TSN reports.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin has been experiencing flu-like symptoms and is considered day-to-day.
News:Nikita Nikitin (flu) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He should be fine for the Jackets' upcoming west coast swing beginning Thursday.
News:Nikita Nikitin didn't play Saturday due to the flu, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: David Savard took his spot on the blue line. Don't expect Nikita Nikitin to be out of action long.
News:Nikita Nikitin is questionable for Saturday's game due to an illness, Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets recalled David Savard from AHL Springfield for insurance in case Nikita Nikitin can't play. Expect Nikitin's status to be determined around game time.
News:Nikita Nikitin picked up an assist and was a plus-three in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Stars.
Analysis: He's quieted down since his hot start after joining the Blue Jackets, but still has five assists in his last 10 games. With James Wisniewski going down for an indefinite period on Thursday, Nikita Nikitin will probably assume a bigger share of the power play duties and could see a bump in production as a result.
News:Nikita Nikitin posted an assist in Tuesday's shootout win over Montreal, his ninth point in 12 games.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin has been making a name for himself in Columbus and is seeing his star rise. The Jackets have a surprisingly deep blue line and Nikitin is the latest to throw his talents around. The rookie has nine points in 12 games with Columbus since arriving in the Kris Russell deal earlier this season.
News:Nikita Nikitin served up a goal and two assists in Thursday's 4-3 shootout win over the Flames.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin was instrumental in helping the Blue Jackets erase a 3-1 deficit and force the game into a final shootout frame. The Russian defender now has eight points (1 G, 7 A) in the past 10 games, making him worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.
News:Nikita Nikitin recorded an assist Monday, his fourth helper in five games since joining the Blue Jackets.
Analysis: He's getting enougy ice time with the man advantage to maintain a decent scoring pace, and he did manage 14 points in 22 games last season in AHL Peoria, so this may not be completely out of the blue. Nikita Nikitin could be worth taking a flyer on if you need blue line help.
News: In two games since joining the Blue Jackets in a trade from St. Louis, Nikita Nikitin is averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time. He has two assists and is getting playing time on the power play and the penalty kill.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin began the season as a regular on the Blues' defense, but his minus-5 play eventually landed him a healthy scratch most nights. He's in a position to receive more room for growth with Columbus, which could unleash a more consistent player in the long run. Nikitin is comfortable with the puck and can join the offense if needed.
News: The trade of Nikita Nikitin from the Blues to the Blue Jackets became official Friday, the Associated Press reports. Columbus received Kris Russell in the deal.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin is a bigger and more dependable than Russell, so the Blue Jackets took that while new Blues coach Ken Hitchcock wanted Russell's upside. Nikitin will not provide much in the way of scoring even with a new opportunity.
News: The Blues traded Nikita Nikitin to Columbus for defenseman Kris Russell, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Neither team has confirmed the deal, so we're just waiting on official word.
News:Nikita Nikitin will be a healthy scratch Saturday, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: This marks his second straight DNP after logging some minutes against Edmonton last week.
News:Nikita Nikitin will return to the Blues' lineup Sunday against Edmonton, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Jeremy Rutherford reports.
Analysis: Kent Huskins' fractured ankle opens up a spot for Nikita Nikitin in the lineup. He hasn't played since Oct. 18 and does not have a point in six games this season.
News: With Carlo Colaiacovo returning from a concussion Friday night, Nikita Nikitin was a healthy scratch in the Blues' win over the Panthers.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin had been skating over 20 minutes a game, but was a minus-4 with no points. "We've asked Niki to play a lot of important minutes in important roles against very good hockey players. He's played some good hockey, but he's also got to make sure that he continues to learn and learn from what works and what doesn't and against who," Blues head coach Davis Payne told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
News: St. Louis head coach Davis Payne gave Nikita Nikitin and defensive partner Roman Polak the duty of defending Calgary's top line of Jarome Iginla, David Moss and Alex Tanguay, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The special assignment against an opponent's most productive line is a nod to how Payne feels about how well Nikita Nikitin has adjusted to the smaller rinks of the NHL. "That bigger ice (in Russia) kind of leaves you watching the play," Payne said. "Here, they don't watch... they go through you. But I think he understands now that the play is going to come to him quickly and he's got to make good decisions, fast decisions." Nikitin has a team-high eight blocked shots through the Blues' first two games.
News:Nikita Nikitin was in the starting lineup Saturday night with Kent Huskins being the healthy scratch in the Blues' 4-2 loss to the Predators.
Analysis: It looked like Nikita Nikitin was headed toward a healthy scratch on a regular basis, but he finished off training camp strong and skated well Saturday night, including over three minutes on the Blues' power play. "I think he's starting to skate," Payne told the In The Slot blog. "Early on in camp, he wasn't playing the kind of game he was playing at the end of last year. He had to get his feet moving, he had to get his body physically involved."
News: With the news that St. Louis is assigning Ian Cole to the AHL, Nikita Nikitin has made the Blues' opening-night roster.
Analysis:Nikita Nikitin had the edge for the final spot on defense, based on his one-way contract, but he didn't do anything to lose the job in camp. He's expected to open the season as the seventh defenseman, so there may be a few healthy scratches in his future.
News: Nikitin signed a one-year, one-way contract worth $600,000 with St. Louis on Thursday, St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Jeremy Rutherford reports.
Analysis: Nikitin is coming off a decent year where he skated to a plus-1 rating and totaled nine points (one goal) in 41 appearances. He's unlikely to be a fantasy factor outside of deep leagues, however.
News: Nikitin (upper body) returned to action Saturday against the Sharks, recording three shots.
Analysis: Nikitin missed a game with an upper body injury, but was able to go Saturday. He should be on the ice for Tuesday's game against Phoenix, but with just four points and eight PIMs in 31 games he's only an option in the deepest of leagues.
News: Nikitin (upper body) was not active for Wednesday night's loss to Anaheim.
Analysis: Nikitin was injured in the Blues' previous game, but had been skating this week leading up to Wednesday's game.
News: Nikitin, who left the Blues' previous game with an upper body injury, participated in Monday's optional practice, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The injury is believed to be to his hand, but it doesn't look like it will prevent him from suiting up Wednesday night in Anaheim, though his status remains uncertain.
News: Nikitin left Saturday's game in the period period with an undisclosed upper-body injury, reports the Associated Press.
Analysis: This guy just can't catch a break -- he only returned to action a week ago after missing time with a lower-body injury. His fantasy value is already limited; these injuries sure don't help.
News: Nikitin returned from a lower-body injury Saturday against the Islanders.
Analysis: Nikitin, who took Roman Polak's spot in the lineup, ended up playing 14 minutes and 46 seconds and was a minus-1 Saturday.
News: Nikitin (lower body) won't play against the Islanders on Saturday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: There's no word yet on when the Blues might expect Nikitin to return.
News: Nikitin (lower-body) will sit out Tuesday's game against the Flames, the Alton Telegraph reports.
Analysis: Nikitin has just four points and four PIMs in 25 games to date, so his absence is more of a hit to the Blues' blue line depth than it is to fantasy owners.
News: Nikitin (lower body) did not play in Friday night's win over Edmonton.
Analysis: Nikitin suffered a lower-body injury during the Blues' previous game Thursday, a 3-2 loss to Vancouver.
News: Nikitin left Thursday's game in the first period and didn't return after suffering a lower-body injury.
Analysis: The injury comes at a tough time for Nikitin, who has started coming into his own both offensively and defensively over the last month. No word on the seriousness at the moment.
News: By placing Tyson Strachan on waivers Wednesday, the Blues are signaling they prefer Nikitin as the team's seventh defensman at this point, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues needed to create room on the active roster in advance of Carlo Colaiacovo's return Friday from an eye injury, and opted to expose Strachan to waivers instead of sending Nikitin back to AHL Peoria. Nikitin was recalled from Peoria in January and has a goal, an assist and seven shots on net in the past three games. He's also getting time on the left point of St. Louis' power play.
News: The Blues recalled Nikitin from AHL Peoria on Monday, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Nikitin will resume his role as a reserve defenseman.
News: The Blues reassigned Nikitin to AHL Peoria on Thursday, the Alton Telegraph's Louie Korac reports.
Analysis: Nikitin will get an opportunity to play in some AHL games over the weekend while the Blues take time off for the All-Star break.
News: Nikitin has been recalled from Peoria of the AHL, Louie Korac of the Alton Telegraph reports.
Analysis: Nikitin was called up along with Stefan Della Rovere, with the Blues sending Ian Cole and Ryan Reaves to the minors. With no points and four penalty minutes in 13 games played this year, it's safe to say that Nikitin is not on most fantasy radars.
News: The Blues reassigned Nikitin to AHL Peoria on Saturday, the Alton Telegraph's Louie Korac reports.
Analysis: Nikitin was recalled when Erik Johnson went down with a knee injury, but with Johnson back in the lineup Saturday, Nikitin was no longer needed.
News: Nikitin, called up from AHL Peoria earlier in the day, led the Blues with five hits in Thursday's win over the Kings.
Analysis: Nikitin was called up in a pinch when St. Louis lost Erik Johnson (knee) in Wednesday's loss to the Red Wings. It looks like Johnson will be okay -- he's day-to-day and could play Saturday -- so Nikitin's time in St. Louis may be limited.
News: The Blues are expected to recall Nikitin from AHL Peoria for Thursday night's game against the Kings, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues will be without Erik Johnson, who left Wednesday's loss to Detroit with a knee injury, and Alex Pietrangelo (upper body) is doubtful. Those are the Blues' leaders in minutes played, so Nikitin is needed and will play.
News: Nikitin has been assigned to AHL Peoria, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Nikitin made 12 appearances for St. Louis, logging a minus-8 rating and failing to record a point. He has limited fantasy value in most formats.
News: Nikitin made his NHL debut Saturday night, skating 19 shifts and playing 14:21 in St. Louis' shootout win over Boston.
Analysis: Nikitin delivered one hit and blocked two shots while seeing a lot of time in his debut. The Blues are experiencing a few injuries to defensemen, so Nikitin should be around for a few more weeks.
News: Nikitin (wrist) has been activated from injured reserve and will play Saturday against Boston, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Nikitin's return comes at a good time for the banged-up St. Louis blue line. He skated with Alex Pietrangelo in Saturday's practice.
News: Coach Davis Payne said that there's a "strong possibility" that Nikitin (wrist) will play on St. Louis' upcoming road trip, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Nikitin is close to returning from a broken wrist suffered in early October. Sunday against the Rangers or Wednesday against the Blue Jackets seem like realistic possibilities.
News: Nikitin (wrist) will travel with the Blues on their upcoming three-game road trip, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Nikitin has been back practicing with the Blues, though it's unclear if he'll be activated while on the trip.
