News:Sami Salo, who got his second game off in the last three on Thursday night, will return to play Saturday according to the Vancouver Sun.
Analysis: The Canucks will continue to give Sami Salo enough rest down the stretch to keep him fresh for the playoffs. While he still plays most nights, you'll want to keep tabs on him daily to make sure he's in the lineup. Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault did not say who was coming out of the lineup yet.
News:Sami Salo, who was given a day of rest Monday, will return to action Wednesday against the Blackhawks, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: The Canucks gave Sami Salo the day off Monday as part of their plan to give him occasional rest down the stretch. He'll still play most nights, but owners will want to keep a close eye on his status, especially in back-to-back situations.
News:Sami Salo will not play against Minnesota on Monday, Canucks.NHL.com reports.
Analysis: It appears to be more of a rest day than a healthy scratch, as was the case Friday.
News:Sami Salo, who was given a day off Friday, returned to action Sunday against the Stars.
Analysis: The Canucks were playing the second half of a back-to-back Friday, so the team opted to give Sami Salo a day off. He was back in his usual spot on the blue line Sunday, finishing minus-1 with five shots in nearly 23 minutes of ice time.
News:Sami Salo appears to be getting a night of rest Friday against the Devils, according to the Canucks' official Twitter feed's lineup for the game.
Analysis: That's the word elsewhere as well, which seems like a smart decision given his age and injury history and the team's interest in having him around for the playoffs. Thursday's game was a pretty fierce contest as well, so resting Sami Salo on the second half of a back-to-back set seems to work on a few levels.
News:Sami Salo grabbed a goal in Vancouver's 5-2 win over Edmonton, his second-straight game with a goal.
Analysis:Sami Salo had disappeared for a bit, but the ageless Finn with the booming shot has power-play goals in each of the last two games. Despite being the Western Conference version of Rick DiPietro, Salo can be a decent secondary source of defensive scoring.
News:Sami Salo, who had missed the previous six games with a concussion, returned to action in Tuesday's shootout win over the Oilers.
Analysis: He skated nearly 23 minutes and fired off one shot on goal. As long as he's healthy, Sami Salo is worth a look in deeper formats.
News:Sami Salo (concussion) is expected to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Oilers, the Canucks' official site reports.
Analysis:Sami Salo has been sidelined the past 17 days with a concussion, but he cleared all necessary tests and participated in practice Monday. He'll take the roster spot of Chris Tanev, who was reassigned to Chicago of the AHL on Monday. The veteran defenseman has 16 points (6 G, 10 A) in 38 games.
News:Sami Salo (head) is "good to go" and has passed all necessary tests, Canucks.NHL.com reports.
Analysis: It's not clear whether the Canucks will have Sami Salo active for Tuesday's game against Edmonton or just let him rest through the All-Star break.
News:Sami Salo (concussion) plans to skate Monday before determining his status for Tuesday's tilt against the Oilers, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis:Sami Salo has been making strides in his recovery every day and was even able to compete during the Canucks' annual superskills competition Sunday. That said, with just one game left before the All-Star break, Vancouver will likely be cautious with the veteran defenseman and have him return next week.
News:Sami Salo, out since suffering a concussion January 7, wore a white non-contact jersey and took part in his first skate and set of practice drills Friday, according to the Vancouver Sun.
Analysis:Sami Salo will not play in Saturday's matinee against the San Jose Sharks, but there is an outside chance the defenseman will be able to suit up for Tuesday's game against the Oilers.
News:Sami Salo (concussion) is expected to skate on his own Thursday, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: While this is an encouraging step in his recovery, Sami Salo isn't expected to return to game action until after the All-Star break. Look for Chris Tanev to fill in on the blue line for the Canucks final two games before the break.
News:Sami Salo's (concussion) status remains up in the air, the Canucks' official site reports.
Analysis:Sami Salo has now missed three games since taking a cheap shot from Boston's Brad Marchand. His next chance to return will be Sunday against the Ducks.
News:Sami Salo (head) will sit out Monday's game against the Panthers, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis:Sami Salo is dealing with a concussion after taking a hit from Boston's Brad Marchand on Saturday. The veteran defenseman is still officially listed as day-to-day, but he'll likely miss multiple games as he goes through the league's concussion protocol. Alexander Sulzer will take Salo's spot on the blue line Monday.
News:Sami Salo woke up with a headache Sunday after Saturday's submarine hit at the hands Boston's Brad Marchand, the Canucks' official site reports.
Analysis:Sami Salo will be monitored, but he's looking iffy heading into Monday's game against the Panthers.
News:Sami Salo (upper body) will be checked for a concussion Sunday, according to a report on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
Analysis: He was clipped low on a dirty hit by Boston's Brad Marchand and landed with a whiplash-like twist after flipping in mid air. This guy attracts injuries like a magnet. Let's hope he's not out for long.
News:Sami Salo suffered an upper body injury in Saturday's victory over the Bruins, according to the Canucks' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Sami Salo picked up the injury on a low hit from Boston's Brad Marchand that got Marchand ejected from the game. Salo will be re-evaluated Sunday to determine the extent of his injury.
News:Sami Salo has just one point in his past 12 games.
Analysis:Sami Salo has managed to remain relatively healthy this year -- he has appeared in 36 of 41 games -- but his lack of production means you should bench him or look for other options on the waiver wire.
News:Sami Salo posted a power-play goal in Thursday's shootout win over Montreal, his first goal since returning from a minor groin injury.
Analysis: The phrase "minor injury" and Sami Salo are forever synonymous, as the veteran Finn always picks up a nagging injury or two, or three. Salo is having a strong season on Vancouver's high-scoring blue line with six goals and 14 points, seven of which have come on the power play.
News:Sami Salo saw 18:28 minutes of ice time in his return from a groin injury Sunday.
Analysis: He was held scoreless while firing off two shots on goal. The important thing is Sami Salo didn't appear to have any troubles with his groin in his 24 shifts. The oft-injured blueliner has 13 points (5 G, 8 A) in 22 games.
News:Sami Salo (groin) will return to the lineup Sunday, Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Fortunately for Sami Salo his latest setback cost him only one game. As usual, he'll likely be part of the Canucks' second defensive pairing.
News:Sami Salo (groin) practiced Saturday, Vancouver Province writer Jim Jamieson reports.
Analysis: This would seem to bode well for his availability Sunday as long as he avoids setbacks. He was practicing with the fourth pairing, however.
Canucks' Salo Out For Thursday's Game Against Preds
News:Sami Salo (lower body) will not be in the lineup Thursday against Nashville, SportsNet's Dan Murphy reports.
Analysis: Aaron Rome will take Sami Salo's spot. The injury is not expected to keep Salo out for long, but he does have an extensive injury history.
News:Sami Salo left Tuesday's win over the Blue Jackets in the third period after aggravating a groin injury, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis:Sami Salo has already missed time due to a groin injury this year and may have to sit out again. His next chance to return to the ice will be Thursday against the Predators.
News:Sami Salo (groin) scored a first period goal against the Kings in his return Thursday night.
Analysis:Sami Salo was having a good season before the groin injury and it appears it shouldn't be an issue moving forward. As long as he can stay healthy, he'll produce points and should be in your fantasy lineup.
News:Sami Salo (groin) is expected to make his return Thursday night against the Kings, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: The oft-injured Sami Salo is rejoining a Canucks team that is coming off a big 6-2 versus win Chicago last Sunday. The blueliner hopes to pick up where he left off, with eight points and a plus-6 in 12 games. Salo can be counted on for solid point production, however, that's only if he's on the ice and off the DL. He could be on the verge of a big season if he can stay healthy and the struggling Canucks can get their act together.
News:Sami Salo (groin) is considered doubtful for Thursday's game against the Kings, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: The Canucks will wait to see how Sami Salo feels during Wednesday's practice before ruling him out, but early indication is he'll need a couple more days of rest before returning to game action.
News:Sami Salo, who has missed three consecutive games with a sore groin, is listed as day-to-day, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: The injury isn't considered serious, so Sami Salo should be back on the ice before too long. His next chance to return will be Thursday against the Kings.
News:Sami Salo (groin) will not play Sunday against the Blackhawks, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis:Sami Salo will miss his third straight game with a groin injury. After Sunday, the Canucks have three days off, which may give Salo enough time to recover before Thursday's game in Los Angeles.
News:Sami Salo (groin) missed Friday's game against the Blues, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: That's back-to-back games Sami Salo has missed with a sore groin. To make matters worse, the Canucks haven't been very forthcoming about his status leading up to either game and it's still unclear how long he'll be out. Keep Salo on your bench until we have a clearer picture when he'll be back in action.
News:Sami Salo was a late scratch from Thursday's loss to the Wild due to a sore groin, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: After playing in each of the Canucks' first 12 games, it was only a matter of time before the "Fragile Finn" missed some action due to an injury. Sami Salo has got off to a very solid start this year, but he remains a constant injury risk. Consider him day-to-day with this latest ailment.
News:Sami Salo, playing in his 700th career game, netted an overtime goal Saturday to help the Canucks edge the Wild, 3-2.
Analysis: As an added bonus for those of you that started Sami Salo in fantasy hockey, the goal was delivered on the man advantage. Salo is off to a nice start this season, with six points (3 G,3 A) in eight games. An Achilles injury limited the 37-year-old Finn to 27 games last year, but he has to be feeling good about this new start.
News:Sami Salo capped a three point-night by burying the game-winning goal in the third frame as the Canucks beat Edmonton on Saturday, 4-3.
Analysis: His line on the night included another goal and an assist, both on the power play, and a plus-1 rating. Before you elbow aside your competitors to claim him out of the pool, be aware that this isn't a typical night for the stay-at-home rearguard. His career scoring peak was five years ago, when he posted 37 points, and he's only managed 70+ games played twice in 12 NHL seasons.
News: Salo, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent, has reached a deal on a new one-year contract with the Canucks, Sportsnet.ca reports.
Analysis: It'll be another year of injuries and fine play when he's out there for Salo, but this was a semi-important move for the defending Western Conference champs after losing Christian Ehrhoff. Salo was only able to play in 27 games last year after suffering a freak injury in a floor hockey game last summer when he tore his Achilles tendon. Salo hasn't played over 70 games in a season since 2003-04.
News: Canucks general manager Mike Gillis hopes to re-sign Salo, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this Friday, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: Gillis hasn't indicated whether or not a deal will be in place prior to Salo hitting the open market, but all indications are the veteran defender will return to the Canucks either way. Salo only notched seven points in his injury-shortened 2010-2011 campaign. He did manage to end the season healthy, but at 36, the Fragile Finn will remain an injury risk going forward.
News: Salo, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, wants to re-sign with the Canucks, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: Salo, who will be 37 at the start of the 2011-12 season, will have to take a pay cut on the $3.5 million per year he's been pulling in the past four seasons if he wants to stay in Vancouver. The veteran defenseman finished the season with seven points (3 G, 4 A) in 27 appearances.
News: Salo netted two power-play goals and dished out an assist in Sunday's win over the Sharks.
Analysis: This was easily Salo's best performance of the postseason, as he had just one point entering Sunday's game. With Christian Ehrhoff (shoulder) sidelined, he should continue to see additional opportunities to rack up points.
News: Salo saw nearly 17 minutes of ice time in his return from a groin injury Thursday against the Predators.
Analysis: Salo didn't get on the scorer's sheet, but he made his presence none with two blocked shots and two hits. Salo isn't the highest point producing blueliner out there, but he's worth a look in deep playoff pools when healthy.
News: Salo (groin) is expected to return to the Vancouver lineup Thursday after missing the last four games with a lower-body injury, according to the Vancouver Sun.
Analysis: Salo is always a huge injury risk, but if he's at least close to full health for the time being, he's a better option on the Vancouver blue line than Keith Ballard or Andrew Alberts.
News: Salo (groin) appears close to a return, but the Canucks still haven't announced his status for Thursday's tilt against the Predators, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: We're likely looking at a game-time decision again for the Fragile Finn.
News: Salo (groin) was unable to suit up for Tuesday's Game 3 against Nashville.
Analysis: Salo didn't even bother to warm up before the game so he's obviously still feeling some discomfort. He will once against be listed as questionable for Game 4 Thursday.
News: Salo (groin) did not take part in pregame warmups in advance of Tuesday's game, according to the Canucks' official website.
Analysis: Salo did not warm up and was not listed in the team's defensive pairings, so it does not appear he will suit up for Game 3. Consider Salo questionable for Game 4 Thursday.
News: Salo (groin) practiced with his teammates Monday, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Salo has been showing steady progression the past few days, but the Canucks will wait and see how he feels Tuesday before making a decision on his status for Game 3.
News: Salo (leg) will make the trip with his teammates to Nashville for Game 3, Canucks' official site reports.
Analysis: He won't play in Saturday's Game 2, but he skated on his own Saturday morning and has a chance of returning when the series moves to Nashville early next week.
News: Salo (leg) will not play in Game 1 against the Predators on Thursday, NHL.com's Dan Rosen reports.
Analysis: Salo missed Game 7 of Vancouver's first-round series and still isn't ready to go. Look for Keith Ballard to take his place once again.
News: Salo (leg) will not play in Tuesday's series-deciding Game 7, according to TSN.ca.
Analysis: We hate to kick a guy when he's down, but the notion that Salo would miss a key game for the Canucks with an injury has become so customary that the news doesn't surprise us in the least. Keith Ballard will slot back in on the blue line.
News: Salo (leg) did not skate Tuesday morning, Canucks.NHL.com reports.
Analysis: Nothing official has been stated, but Salo's chances of suiting up Tuesday don't look so great at the moment. If Salo's out, Keith Ballard might be his replacement.
News: Keith Ballard, who has been a healthy scratch in back-to-back games, could return to the Canucks' lineup for Tuesday's Game 7 if Salo (leg) is unable to play, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Salo is considered questionable after suffering an apparent leg injury in Sunday's Game 6 loss in Chicago. Don't expect a final decision on Salo's status until we get closer to the puck dropping.
News: Salo left Sunday's contest with an undisclosed injury, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: Neither Salo nor head coach Alain Vigneault opted to provide any further information about the nature or severity of the injury. Consider Salo questionable heading into Tuesday's Game 7.
News: Salo, who had suffered a minor elbow injury in Monday's win over the Wild, saw over 20 minutes of ice time Wednesday against the Avalanche.
Analysis: There was some doubt Salo would be able to play Wednesday, but he was announced active a few hours before the puck dropped. He's safe to slot back into your lineups now, but there's no telling when the next injury will strike the Fragile Finn.
News: Salo (elbow) is good to go for Wednesday's game against the Avalanche, the Canucks' official site reports.
Analysis: Salo, who has six points in 16 games thus far, may be good to go now, but how long he'll stay in one piece given his injury history, remains to be seen.
News: Salo, who is day-to-day with an elbow injury, is a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Avalanche, the Canucks' official site reports.
Analysis: That attaches some short-term uncertainly to Salo's availability, but the good news is that the injury he suffered Monday was not a broken elbow.
News: Salo (elbow) is expected to sit out Wednesday's tilt against the Avalanche, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Salo was being called a game-time decision earlier, but Vancouver has backed off that stance slightly after recalling Yann Sauve from Manitoba of the AHL. Consider Salo day-to-day going forward.
News: Salo left Monday's game against Minnesota after being hit by a slap shot late in the first period. He did not return, the Assoctiated Press reports.
Analysis: Queuing up Salo injury updates ahead of time is akin to having an obituary ready for a 95-year-old man with pneumonia -- you know you're going to need to print it, and soon. Hopefully this one is nothing serious, because the Canucks are gearing up for a potential long playoff run and a banged-up blue line seems to be the only item in question.
News: Canucks coach Alain Vigneault confirmed after Monday's game that Salo's elbow is not broken, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Salo left Monday's win over the Wild in the first period after taking a puck to his left elbow. While the fact his elbow isn't broke is good news, the Canucks still haven't released the severity of the injury or any sort of timetable for Salo's return. More details should surface before Wednesday's tilt against the Avalanche.
News: Salo scored his first goal of the season in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Blues.
Analysis: Salo now has three points in seven games since returning from an Achilles injury. He's seeing around 20 minutes of ice time per night and could be a decent addition in deep leagues for the stretch run.
News: With a rash of injuries hitting the Canucks' back end, Salo is expected to start seeing more ice time, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Salo is already averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time per game, but he should start logging over 20 minutes on a regular basis over the next month or so. He'll also see a boost in ice time on the power play, so feel free to give him a look if you're in the market for a blueliner.
News: Coming off an Achilles-tendon injury, Salo saw his first action of the season Saturday against Calgary, skating 16:34 in 28 shifts. He didn't score and was assessed on two-minute minor penalty.
Analysis: The Canucks have 26 more games on the slate. We advise caution in forecasting how many of those will find him on the ice.
News: The Canucks recalled Salo (Achilles) from his conditioning assignment at AHL Manitoba on Friday, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: Salo will likely make his season debut Saturday against Calgary. If he's able to stay healthy, he should be a decent source of points, but health is always a concern for the Fragile Finn.
News: Salo (Achilles) is expected to return against Calgary, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: There was speculation that Salo might return Wednesday, but it looks like the team is playing it as safe as they can. He doesn't put up big point totals, but Salo figures to have a good shot to skate to a positive rating once he gets going again.
News: Salo (Achilles) could return to the Canucks for Wednesday's tilt against the Ducks, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Salo concludes his three-game rehab stint with Manitoba of the AHL on Tuesday. He was originally expected to get a few days off and rejoin the Canucks for Saturday's tilt against the Flames, but a knee injury to Keith Ballard has opened up a hole on the blue line. The odds are Salo is still held out until Saturday, but the Canucks will wait to see how he feels after Tuesday's final rehab game before making a decision on his status for Wednesday.
Canucks' Salo (Achilles) Scores Two Goals In Rehab Game
News: Salo (Achilles) scored two goals in his first rehab appearance with Manitoba of the AHL.
Analysis: Salo will play with the Moose on Saturday and Tuesday before likely returning to the Canucks. He'll always be an injury risk, but Salo is a decent source of points on the back end when healthy.
News: Barring a setback, Salo (Achilles) could return to action for the Canucks on Feb. 12 against the Flames, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Contrary to a previous report, Salo is only allowed a maximum of three games or six days on his conditioning stint with Manitoba of the AHL. His first test will come Friday against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
News: Salo will join AHL Manitoba for a conditioning assignment starting Friday, the Winnipeg Free Press reports.
Analysis: Salo is expected to play in Manitoba's game Friday against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. His conditioning assignment can last up to 14 days, at which time the Canucks must decided what to do with him and his $3.5 million contract.
News: Salo (Achilles) skated alongside Christian Ehrhoff during Monday's practice, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: While it's nice to see Salo participate in practice, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault warned not to read too much into the Fragile Finn's presence. Salo will most likely need a conditioning stint with Manitoba of the AHL, so you'll have plenty of time to add him before he starts playing on the Canucks' back end.
Salo's Return From Achilles Injury Still Uncertain
News: Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said Thursday that he's still unsure if Salo (Achilles) will play this season, the Vancouver Sun reports. "Nothing has changed," Gillis said. "We're unsure about whether he'll play, but he's making progress. That's completely consistent with everything we've said. This is a devastating injury. It can be a career-ending injury. Sami's at the point where he's not 24 or 25, so this is going to take time."
Analysis: Despite taking positive steps in his rehab over the past few weeks, Salo's return remains up in the air. The earliest possible return for the 36-year-old veteran appears to be mid-February, but as Gillis mentioned, he could end up sitting out all season. Deep leagues with IR spots can continue to stash Salo, but shallower formats should probably explore safer, healthier options.
Timetable Still Uncertain for Canucks' Salo (Achilles)
News: The Canucks are still uncertain when Salo (Achilles) will be cleared for game action, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis said Salo needs to make about another 20-percent improvement in conditioning before he's game ready. Gillis will have his hands full trying to juggle the salary cap and finding the necessary room once Salo's ready to return, but that doesn't appear to be imminent. Salo will be a decent fantasy option once he returns, but owners shouldn't start considering him until a concrete timetable is in place.
News: Salo (Achilles) skated with his teammates Wednesday morning, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: Salo has been skating on his own for the past several weeks but surprised onlookers by practicing with the team Wednesday for the first time since his injury. This is a major step for him considering that the Canucks weren't expecting him to practice with the team until the third week of January, and if all goes well we might see him return to game action at some point next month.
News: Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said Salo (Achilles) won't start skating with the team until the third week of January, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: Salo was originally expected to return to team practices in early January. This new timetable means Salo won't likely be game ready until early February.
News: Salo (Achilles) continues to skate on his own, according to the Canucks' official Twitter page.
Analysis: Salo continues to rehab his torn Achilles, but there is still no timetable for his return to the ice.
News: Salo (Achilles) skated for 15 minutes on his own Monday, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Salo continues to make a steady recovery from offseason surgery on a torn Achilles. Unfortunately the Canucks still don't have a timetable for his return to practice. He'll likely need to practice for a couple weeks before suiting up for game action, so most leagues will have plenty of time to grab and stash him once the time comes.
News: Salo (Achilles) hopes to start skating soon, the Vancouver Province reports. "Everything has gone real well and I'm hoping that it [skating] could be any day," said Salo.
Analysis: Salo wasn't originally expected to begin skating until near the end of December, but his rehab has progressed smoothly the past few weeks. After he returns to skating, expect Salo to log a couple weeks of practice before returning to game action.
Canucks' Salo (Achilles) Could Skate Before New Year
News: Salo (Achilles) is expected to start skating in three or four weeks, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Salo's rehab has ramped up recently, but he still wasn't anywhere near a return to the ice. If he's able to return to skating by late December, there's a chance he could be ready to see game action sometime around the All-Star break.
News: Salo (Achilles) has been encouraged by recent off-ice shooting and passing drills, but the team still has no timetable for his return to the ice, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Along with the off-ice skills sessions, Salo has been able to do some light jogging, but he still doesn't appear to be close to returning to the ice. There's still a chance Salo can make a late-season impact for fantasy squads, but he's not close enough to a return to consider stashing him yet.
News: Salo's rehab from a torn Achilles is going according to schedule, but there's still no timetable for his return, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Salo will join the Canucks on their five-game road trip that starts this week as an effort to bond with new teammates, but he isn't expected to return to the ice until sometime after Christmas. He's worth stashing in deeper formats with an open IR spot, but shallower leagues can ignore Salo until he returns to the ice and proves his health.
News: Salo said his recovery from an Achilles tendon tear has gone well, but the veteran defenseman doesn't have a timetable for his return, the Vancouver Province reports. "There's really no time frame," said Salo. "It goes from anywhere from three months to further up. You can't really tell; it's up to everybody's biological system how they rehab."
Analysis: Early indications are Salo won't be ready to return until January at the earliest. Given the severity of his injury and the uncertainty of his return, Salo can be avoided in most drafts this fall.
News: Salo (torn Achilles) will start the 2010-11 regular season on the injured reserve, CTV News reports.
Analysis: Salo underwent surgery in early August and is expected to miss four-to-six months of action. The earliest he's expected to return is January. He could still be worth stashing if your league is deep enough and you have IR spots available, but shallower formats will be better off going in another direction on draft day.
News: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Sami Salo has torn his Achilles' tendon and is out indefinitely. The team said Friday that Salo was hurt "while training" and would not comment further. But a report in his native Finland says the 35-year-old was hurt while playing floor hockey and will be out at least three months.
Analysis: Salo had nine goals and 28 points in 68 games last season and has been a key part of the power play and penalty kill in his seven years in Vancouver. But he is also a frequent visitor to the injured list, missing an average of 19 games the last five seasons with a variety of injuries. Salo has 81 goals and 273 points in 665 NHL games but has never played a full 82-game schedule during an 11-season career that started with four years in Ottawa. His injury-prone ways is the reason why Fantasy owners can't rely on Salo, who now becomes a late-round draft-and-stash player.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo was back on the ice for Tuesday's Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Blackhawks after being hit by a puck in Game 5. He finished at minus-1 with one blocked shot in 31 shifts.
Analysis: Salo had one goal and six points through 11 playoff games. He's a good offensive player, but his history of injury issues make him a tough play in Fantasy. Salo will once again be an injury-risk Fantasy sleeper heading into 2010-11.
News: Canucks defenseman Sami Salo was injured late in the first period during Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Blackhawks after being hit by a puck. He did not return and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Salo blocked a last-second slap shot from Duncan Keith in the opening period and went down in pain near the goal. He stayed on the ice for several moments after the period ended. He was able to finally get up and still doubled over, he was helped into the locker room.
Analysis: Salo has one goal and six points through 11 playoff games. Salo is known as the Fragile Finn, but you can't call him soft for Sunday's injury. Any player would have buckled in that instance. Salo is a good offensive player, but his history of injury issues make him a tough play in Fantasy. Salo will once again be an injury-risk Fantasy sleeper heading into 2010-11.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo scored and assisted in Sunday's win over the Wild, ending a 10-game point drought.
Analysis: Salo was contributing nicely in January and February, but his offensive game vanished come March. His 26 points are the most he's put up in the last three seasons though, so there's hope that Salo could get back into the 30's next season, even though he'll be 37. He remains an option in deeper leagues for now.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo scored a goal and finished at minus-2 on Friday against the Blue Jackets. With Columbus ahead 3-2 going into the third period, Salo tied it on a power-play goal. Henrik Sedin's pass from the left corner found Salo by himself between the circles. He had time to settle the puck and tee it up before firing a hard shot over sliding defenseman Jan Hejda and in off the right post at 4:31.
Analysis: Salo has one goal and four assists in six games since returning from a groin injury. He has three goals and 12 points in 14 games since the New Year. Salo definitely has this kind of potential to contribute on a regular basis, but injuries always seems to slow down the Fragile Finn. Salo is moving back up the Fantasy rankings. We can only hope he stays healthy down the stretch.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo has 10 points in his last 10 games.
Analysis: Salo had a mere two points in his first 19 games this season and is always a threat to get injured, but he's clearly on a nice little roll at the moment. Grab him in deeper leagues if you need blue-line help.
News: Vancouver D Sami Salo returned from a groin injury in a big way on Tuesday at Montreal. Salo was on the ice for 24 minutes and he recorded two assists in the 3-2 loss to the Canadiens. Salo had a hand in both Vancouver goals in the game.
Analysis: Salo returned as hot as ever on Tuesday and has now scored six points in his last five games played. He has 17 points on the year for the Canucks. Salo is often times an injury risk, yes, but he does have some offensive skills though, which helps him maintain Fantasy value in deeper leagues.
News:The Province reports that Canucks D Sami Salo will return to action on Tuesday at Montreal, but that the oft-injured Finn admits his groin issue is "one of those things that comes and goes."
Analysis: Salo isn't known as the Fragile Finn for nothing, as he has failed to reach 70 games in any of his last four full seasons. He does have some offensive skills though, which helps him maintain Fantasy value in deeper leagues.
News: Sportsnet.ca reports that Canucks D Sami Salo (groin) practiced in full Monday and expects to play Tuesday at Montreal. "It was the first time I skated with the team and I felt good, actually," said Salo. "This was the first practice, so we'll see how it feels (Tuesday) morning."
Analysis: With this news, the oft-injured Salo looks like a low-risk start for Fantasy Week 18 (Feb. 1-7). Get him back active in deeper leagues.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo (groin) did not return to action Saturday against Toronto.
Analysis: Injuries are just something you have to deal with when you draft Salo, so just bide your time until he's healthy. He will be a risky start in Fantasy Week 18 (Feb. 1-7) if we don't hear anything before Monday's lineup deadline.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo (groin) was not active on Wednesday against the Blues. He has been out for three games and is day to day.
Analysis: Salo has been skating the last few days and there is hope he is going to be back on Saturday as Vancouver opens an eight-game road trip. It doesn't seem the Fragile Finn is headed to IR, but he is still an injury-risk Fantasy start when healthy.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo (groin) was not active on Monday against the Sabres. He has been out for two games.
Analysis: The Canucks haven't offered up much about Salo's status other than he is day to day. They are really hoping to avoid putting the Fragile Finn back on IR for the umpteenth time. Salo remains an injury-risk Fantasy start when healthy.
News: Sportsnet.ca reports that Canucks D Sami Salo (groin) was not at practice Monday. He will probably miss Monday's game vs. Buffalo.
Analysis: Salo has missed only one game so far with this injury, so looks like a super-risky start in deeper leagues for Fantasy Week 17 (Jan. 25-31). You're better off just benching him until he's back healthy again.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo (groin) sat out Saturday's rout of the Blackhawks. It was his first game missed.
Analysis: Salo is an oft-injured defenseman, but he does have some Fantasy value in deeper leagues when healthy. Don't start him in Fantasy Week 17 (Jan. 25-31), however.
News: Defenseman Nolan Baumgartner has been called up by the ailing Vancouver Canucks to fill in for Sami Salo. Salo hurt his groin during Thursday night's 4-3 win over the Dallas Stars, joining defenders Willie Mitchell (upper body) and Kevin Bieksa (lacerated ankle tendons) on the shelf. Salo and Mitchell are both expected to miss Saturday's game against Chicago.
Analysis: This is just like clockwork for the Fragile Finn. As soon as he begins to play well and start to gain momentum in Fantasy, Salo hurts his appeal by getting injured for the umpteenth time. Salo has 13 points and a plus-12 rating in his last 23 games. He remains a low-end Fantasy flier because of a his injury-prone ways.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo scored a goal and tallied an assist on Wednesday against the Oilers. Down by a goal late in the third period, the Canucks tied it 2-2 during a 4-on-3 power play. Salo fired a shot from the point that beat goalie Devan Dubnyk with 4:06 remaining to force overtime. Salo has two goals and five assists in his last six games. He is also plus-8 in that span.
Analysis: Salo has really turned his season around since mid-December and is starting to see his playing time increase again as he contributes on a regular basis. Fantasy owners might consider adding Salo. However, just be cautious because of his injury-prone ways.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo was back in the lineup on Monday against the Predators after missing one game with an eye injury. He had no points in 20:44 of ice time and finished at plus-1.
Analysis: Salo sustained a pretty nasty gash last week against Phoenix, but luckily it didn't turn into anything major for the oft-injured blueliner. Salo has been playing better over the last few weeks, but he remains a low-end Fantasy start when healthy.
News:The Province reports that Canucks D Sami Salo (eye) will play Monday vs. Nashville.
Analysis: Salo's face was bloodied after getting clipped by a teammate's stick on Thursday night, but hockey players are troopers and he'll give it a go on Monday. Keep him active in deeper leagues for Fantasy Week 15 (Jan. 11-17) and hope that he can stay hot (three points, plus-6 in previous two games).
News: Canucks D Sami Salo sat out Saturday's win over the Canucks, two days after injuring his eye during Thursday's win over Phoenix.
Analysis: Salo has been playing his best hockey as of late, so hopefully this issue doesn't shelve him for long. The Fragile Finn has a bad rap since every time he gets on a roll he always seems to get injured. Salo remains a low-end Fantasy option until he goes on a serious run.
News: The Canucks lost oft-injured Sami Salo in the second period on Thursday against the Coyotes when he was clipped in the face by a teammate's stick. Salo started bleeding and came off the ice, leaving the Canucks with four defensemen after losing Aaron Rome in the first period. Salo returned at the start of the third. He had an assist and plus-3 rating in 20:33 of ice time.
Analysis: It would be a real shame if Salo had to go back on injured reserve since he has been playing his best hockey as of late. The Fragile Finn has a bad rap since every time he gets on a roll he always seems to get injured. Salo remains a low-end Fantasy option until he goes on a serious run.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-3 on Tuesday against the Blue Jackets. Salo gave Vancouver a 5-3 lead with his fourth goal during a power play 13:25 into the second period. He has two goals and two assists in his last seven games. He also has a plus-9 rating in that span.
Analysis: Salo has been playing his best hockey since mid-December and it is no surprise since he has actually been healthy. Salo is starting to get back some of the minutes he lost earlier in the season and is making the most of his added PT. Salo still remains more of a low-end Fantasy start because of his injured past.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Sami Salo became the lone Canucks defender yet to score this season when fellow blueliner Alex Edler ended his 32-game drought with a power play marker during Saturday's 7-3 romp over Edmonton. Once counted on to contribute offensively, Salo has just two assists in 20 games and is seeing his role diminish on the team. He's averaging fewer than 20 minutes (18:12) for the first time in his career and has slipped out of the top-four rotation on the power play even though he has a 100-mile-an-hour slap shot. Despite all that damning statistical evidence, head coach Alain Vigneault leapt to the defense of Salo, who has another year left on a contract averaging $3.5 million a season. "When Sami's on the ice and playing to his strength, he's one of the best two-way defensemen we have," Vigneault said.
Analysis: While it's true that Salo has always been used against the other team's better offensive players and is key to the penalty killing, the fact remains Salo is being used less often than any other time in the last seven years, creating plenty of speculation about the future for the 35-year-old Finnish defenseman. "It's not easy," Salo said of his declining minutes. "You want to play as many minutes as you can. It's never easy, but it's a team game and I'm going to do everything to support the team. Things haven't gone my way this year, and that means I have to work extra hard to make them start going my way." As for the power play, it's understandable Salo's role has diminished with addition of Christian Ehrhoff and extra-attacker specialist Mathieu Schneider, along with incumbents Kevin Bieksa and Alex Edler, whose own cannon of a slap shot annually rivals Salo's blasts at the Canucks' hardest-shot skill competition. It doesn't help Salo either that he is always injured. Salo has low-end Fantasy appeal until he gets back on track.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Sami Salo returned Thursday against Los Angeles after missing just seven games with a knee sprain that was expected to keep the oft-injured Finn out at least another week or two. He had no points in 22:25 of ice time.
Analysis: The return of Salo's hard shot on the power play and solid play on both the penalty kill and on a shutdown pairing with Willie Mitchell is welcomed on a team that will be without star goalie Roberto Luongo (hairline rib fracture) for at least a week. Salo can be a viable Fantasy contributor when healthy, but his value remains low because every time he gets on a roll another injury pops up.
News: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Sami Salo will miss three to five weeks with a suspected sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Salo was hurt early in Sunday's 4-3 win over Dallas, which was also the Canucks' first game without top goal-scorer Daniel Sedin, who is out four to six weeks with a broken foot. "Our docs and therapist suspect it's an MCL and at first view they are thinking it's anywhere from three to five weeks," head coach Alain Vigneault said on Wednesday. Vigneault said a salary cap "situation will prevent them from recalling any extra defenseman," meaning journeyman Aaron Rome will replace Salo after watching the first five games from the press box.
Analysis: When healthy, Salo -- who has missed 223 games over previous seasons -- is the Canucks top all-around defender, logging more than 21 minutes of ice time while playing on the top power-play and penalty-kill units. However, the 35-year-old Finn has missed 79 games over the last four seasons in Vancouver, including 22 with four different injuries last year. The Canucks were just 9-10-3 without Salo, and 36-17-7 with him last season. They don't call him the Fragile Finn for no reason. Salo is merely an injury-risk Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: TSN reports that Canucks D Sami Salo will be out for up to six weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Analysis: Salo has only reached the 70-game mark twice in his seven full NHL seasons, and you can now make that eight. Salo is a great all-around defenseman for the Canucks and might be a high-end Fantasy option if he can ever stay healthy for an entire campaign. That's his biggest hurdle and why he is nothing more than a injury-risk Fantasy flier. Stash him in deeper formats.
News: The Canucks lost defenseman Sami Salo midway through the first period of Sunday's game against the Stars to an undisclosed injury. He had no points in 2:51 of ice time.
Analysis: You knew is was only a matter of time before injury struck the Fragile Finn, and one week into the season and Salo already has his first ailment. Salo is a great all-around defenseman for the Canucks and might be a high-end Fantasy option if he can ever stay healthy for an entire season. That's his biggest hurdle and why he is nothing more than a injury-risk Fantasy flier. He is not a recommended start for Week 2 (Oct. 12-18).
News: Canucks defenseman Sami Salo returned to the Vancouver lineup for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals after missing most of the previous three games because of an undisclosed lower-body injury. Salo, the Canucks' top defenseman, was injured while scoring a power-play goal early in Game 2 one week earlier. It was his third goal and sixth point in five playoffs games. Salo went straight to the locker room after the injury and hadn't played since then. He flew to Chicago during Game 3 on Tuesday and has been skating for five days. Salo failed to tally a point in the game.
Analysis: Salo has solid offensive skills but is a bit injury proned. He is one of the top defenders the Canucks have but is merely a low-end, injury risk player in Fantasy. Think of him as an injury-risk option on Draft Day 2009.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo, who rejoined the team Tuesday night after being injured in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Blackhawks, but did not play for a second consecutive contest Game 4 Thursday. He is still questionable for Game 5.
Analysis: Salo has managed a point in every playoff game he has appeared, totaling three goals and three assists in five outings. Unfortunately, he continues to carry the label of the Fragile Finn for a reason. Salo has always been an injury-plagued skater and that has kept him from being a reliable Fantasy defenseman despite solid offensive skills. He will remain an injury-risk selection on Draft Day 2009.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo missed Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday against the Blackhawks with an undisclosed injury. Salo didn't play after being injured in Game 2, but head coach Alain Vigneault said Salo was in Chicago. Salo missed the final game of the first round against St. Louis with a groin injury.
Analysis: Salo has managed a point in every playoff game he has appeared, totaling three goals and three assists in five outings. Unfortunately, he continues to carry the label of the Fragile Finn for a reason. Salo has always been an injury-plagued skater and that has kept him from being a reliable Fantasy defenseman despite solid offensive skills. He will remain an injury-risk selection on Draft Day 2009.
News:Sami Salo scored on a 3-on-1 rush with 1:13 left, and the Vancouver Canucks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3 on Thursday night in the series opener after blowing a three-goal lead in the third period. After Nikolai Khabibulin made a sliding save on Steve Bernier's one-timer, the trailing Salo was all alone to tap in the rebound. Salo was able to play Thursday after missing Game 4 of the opening round against the Blues.
Analysis: The Fragile Finn has had a solid postseason with two goals and three assists in four games. Salo has always been an injury-plagued skater and that has kept him from being a reliable Fantasy defenseman despite solid offensive skills. He will remain an injury-risk selection on Draft Day 2009.
News: Canucks center Mats Sundin, who missed the final two games of the first round against St. Louis, was back at practice Friday as the team preps for the Western Conference semifinals. But defensemen Sami Salo, who also missed Game 4 in St. Louis on Tuesday with a lower-body injury, and Willie Mitchell, who was limping noticeably after the series-clinching overtime win, both missed practice. Salo isn't expected back at practice until Monday, but insisted he would be ready for the start of the second round. Sundin, though, didn't sound nearly as certain about his return. "I don't know at this point," said the 38-year-old, refusing to offer any details on his unidentified lower-body injury. "Hopefully I can keep skating and working the way I did today and we'll make a decision as we go on."
Analysis: Salo continues to carry the label of the Fragile Finn because he can never seem to stay healthy for an entire season. The biggest knock on Salo remains his propensity for injury and that will continue to keep down his Fantasy value heading into 2009-10. He will remain an injury-risk selection on Draft Day 2009.
News:Sami Salo, the Canucks' top all-around defenseman who had four points in the first three games, was scratched with a groin injury Tuesday against the Blues. He missed the game-clinching win against St. Louis and remains questionable heading into the Western Conference semifinals.
Analysis: It's only fitting that the Fragile Finn would miss a playoff game due to injury. The biggest knock on Salo remains his propensity for injury and that will continue to knock down his Fantasy value heading into 2009-10. He will remain an injury-risk selection on Draft Day 2009.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo tallied a pair of assists and finished at minus-1 during Tuesday's game against the Stars. He has four assists in his last six games and 17 on the season. Salo has his second two-assist game of the season.
Analysis: Salo has a season-high seven points in 11 March games. He is also at plus-6. Salo is pretty much having his most productive month because he is finally healthy -- an issue that has plagued the Fragile Finn throughout his career. Salo remains an injury-risk Fantasy defenseman down the stretch.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo tallied an assist and finished at even in 20:47 of ice time Monday against the Kings. He has two goals and two assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Salo had to go to the bench for a bit Monday with what appeared to be another injury, but he did return to finish out the game. Hopefully, he doesn't suffer any lingering effects because the Fragile Finn has already missed enough time in his career. Salo is an injury-risk Fantasy defenseman.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo was able to play Tuesday against the Flames despite missing Monday's practice with a hamstring injury. He failed to record a point in 20:16 of ice time and finished at minus-2.
Analysis: It seems every other week the Fragile Finn has an injury, hence the unflattering nickname. He has just one goal and three assists in his last 10 games since returning from a broken rib that kept him out 15 games. It appears Salo dodged a long-term ailment, but he still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.
News:The Vancouver Province reports Canucks D Sami Salo missed Monday's practice due to injury, but isn't expected to miss Tuesday's game against the Flames. "He's got a hamstring problem," Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault said. "We're hoping that by giving him the day off, he should be all right (Tuesday). We'll see how he feels."
Analysis: It seems every other week the Fragile Finn has an injury, hence the unflattering nickname. He has just one goal and three assists in his last nine games since returning from a broken rib that kept him out 15 games. It doesn't appear this injury is serious, but you never know with Salo. As long as he is healthy, Salo is a viable Fantasy defenseman in larger formats.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Coyotes. He has one goal and three assists in his last six games.
Analysis: The Fragile Finn has managed to stay healthy since returning to the lineup in late January, but we are always waiting for the glass slipper to fall and he goes on IR with his next ailment. As long as he is healthy, Salo is a viable Fantasy defenseman in larger formats.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo scored a goal during Wednesday's game against the Predators. Salo scored a 4-on-3 power play 5:17 into the second period for his third goal of the season. It was also his first point since Nov. 24.
Analysis: Salo just returned from his latest stint on IR and has been in the lineup for just seven games since Dec. 1. He continues to carry the label as the Fragile Finn, but if he can every stay healthy, Salo might just develop into a reliable Fantasy option since he does have good offensive skill.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Sharks after a 15-game absence with a broken rib. He didn't record a point in 20:07 of ice time and finished at minus-1. Salo doesn't have a point in his last eight games.
Analysis: Salo jumped back in the lineup Tuesday and made it through the game, but now we wait until the Fragile Finn complains of another ailment. Salo has solid offensive talents, but can never stay on the ice long enough to be reliable in Fantasy. Be very careful when starting Salo in the second half.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Sami Salo, out a month with a broken rib, could return Tuesday in San Jose after practicing for the last week.
Analysis: Salo continues to carry the label of being a fragile player, and every time it seems he gets going, another injury pops up. Salo has decent offensive potential, but remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports that Canucks D Sami Salo, out nearly a month with a broken rib, took part in practices Monday and Tuesday, but still hasn't been cleared for contact, which for now has cooled talk the hard-shooting Finn would be back this week.
Analysis: The Canucks said Salo would be out a month following the injury, so he is right on track for his return. Salo continues to carry the label of being a fragile player, and every time it seems he gets going, another injury pops up. Salo has decent offensive potential, but remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Sami Salo, out nearly a month with a broken rib, took part in an optional morning skate Saturday, is scheduled to practice with the team on Monday. He could be back in the lineup this week (Jan. 12-18).
Analysis: The Canucks said Salo would be out a month following the injury, so he is right on track for his return. Salo continues to carry the label of being a fragile player, and every time it seems he gets going, another injury pops up. Salo has decent offensive potential, but remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Canucks defenseman Sami Salo will be out four weeks with a broken rib. The team made the announcement at practice Friday. The blue-liner was injured when he was driven into the boards by Edmonton's Ethan Moreau during a 4-2 home win over the Oilers on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Salo had just returned to the lineup after missing three games with a groin injury before he left the ice Wednesday. No penalty was called on the play. Salo has two goals and eight assists in 25 games this season. Salo continues to carry the label of being a fragile player, and every time it seems he gets going, another injury pops up. Salo has decent offensive potential, but remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo returned to the lineup Wednesday against the Oilers after missing three games with a groin injury, but his return lasted just 38 minutes. Salo appeared to injury his ribs after being hit hard into the boards by Edmonton captain Ethan Moreau. He failed to record a point and finished at even in 14:01 of ice time. Salo has no points in seven games.
Analysis: Salo continues to carry the label of being a fragile player, and every time it seems he gets going, another injury pops up. Salo has decent offensive potential, but remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Sami Salo missed a third game Sunday against Florida despite practicing during the week and downplaying the significance of another nagging groin injury. "It's just one of those things that happens with fatigue and my muscles get tight, things can happen. So it's nothing too serious," said Salo, who has missed six games total this season and an average of 19 over the past three seasons. D Rob Davison played again -- just his 10th game all season -- in Salo's place.
Analysis: Salo doesn't have a point in his last six games and has managed 10 points in 23 games. He has been fairly productive in the time he has spent on the ice this year, but the fact he keeps getting injured leaves a lot to be desired from Fantasy owners. Consider Salo a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy and injury-risk start Week 11 (Dec. 15-21).
News: Canucks D Sami Salo left late in the first period Sunday against the Avalanche with a strained groin and has now missed two games including Saturday against the Oilers. This is the latest in a long list of injuries for the fragile Finn. He is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Panthers.
Analysis: Salo doesn't have a point in his last six games and has managed 10 points in 23 games. He has been fairly productive in the time he has spent on the ice this year, but the fact he keeps getting injured leaves a lot to be desired from Fantasy owners. Consider Salo a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo left late in the first period Sunday against the Avalanche with a strained groin and could not play in Tuesday's game against the Predators. This is the latest in a long list of injuries for the fragile Finn.
Analysis: Salo doesn't have a point in his last six games and has managed 10 points in 23 games. He has been fairly productive in the time he has spent on the ice this year, but the fact he keeps getting injured leaves a lot to be desired from Fantasy owners. Consider Salo a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Sami Salo left late in the first period Sunday against the Avalanche with a suspected groin strain, just the latest in a long list of injuries for the fragile Finn. While the seriousness of it wasn't known, it's Salo's third this season (he missed four games with the other two) and the 31st reported in an injury-prone career.
Analysis: Salo doesn't have a point in his last six games and has managed 10 points in 23 games. He has been fairly productive in the time he has spent on the ice this year, but the fact he keeps getting injured leaves a lot to be desired from Fantasy owners. Consider Salo a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo (flu, hamstring) was back on the ice Monday against Detroit. He had a goal and an assist in 22 minutes on the ice.
Analysis: Clearly, Salo is over his flu and hamstring issues. He has potential to be a valuable Fantasy option, but still remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Vancouver D Sami Salo was scratched from Saturday's game against the Penguins because of a hamstring problem. He is questionable for Monday against Detroit.
Analysis: Salo has already missed two games with a groin injury this year -- the 30th documented injury of his career, hence the "Fragile Finn" tag -- so when he first left Wednesday's game you had to wonder if it was because of the gut-wrenching feeling of having what would have been just his second goal this season disallowed after a lengthy video review. Salo came into the season promising to unleash his 100-mile-an-hour blast more often, but so far has just one goal, seven assists and, despite playing the point on the power play, only 31 shots in 17 games. Salo has potential to be a valuable Fantasy option, but still remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Sami Salo limped to the dressing room late in the third period of Wednesday's 6-3 win over the New York Rangers, but coach Alain Vigneault said the fragile Finnish defender was simply not feeling well. A day later, he wasn't in the lineup for a 3-2 win in Minnesota, with reports indicating it was due to a combination of flu symptoms and a minor hamstring injury.
Analysis: Salo has already missed two games with a groin injury this year -- the 30th documented injury of his career, hence the "Fragile Finn" tag -- so when he first left Wednesday's game you had to wonder if it was because of the gut-wrenching feeling of having what would have been just his second goal this season disallowed after a lengthy video review. Salo came into the season promising to unleash his 100-mile-an-hour blast more often, but so far has just one goal, seven assists and, despite playing the point on the power play, only 31 shots in 17 games. Salo has potential to be a valuable Fantasy option, but still remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Vancouver D Sami Salo is active for Saturday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Salo missed Thursday's practice but declared Friday that he'd be in Saturday's lineup and he delivered on his promise.
Analysis: Salo has three assists this season and the lone goal on 29 shots. The fact he remains a point man on the power play is good for Fantasy purposes, but Salo still remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.
News: The Province reports that Canucks D Sami Salo missed practice Thursday with what is likely an arm or shoulder injury.
Analysis: Salo has three assists this season and the lone goal on 29 shots. The fact he remains a point man on the power play is good for Fantasy purposes, but Salo still remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Vancouver D Sami Salo netted his first goal of the season in Saturday's 2-0 win over Minnesota. Salo, who also picked up two penalty minutes for holding, scored on a power play goal in the 1st period to make it 1-0.
Analysis: Salo has three assists this season and the lone goal on 13 shots. The fact he remains a point man on the power play is good for Fantasy purposes, but Salo still remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Sami Salo returned to the lineup against Boston Tuesday after missing most of three games with a minor groin injury and moved right back to the point on the power play despite it going 4-for-6 without him against Edmonton on Saturday. "We have to play three games in four nights so we didn't want to rush back in just to play one game," said Salo, who left after two shifts in Chicago on Oct. 19.
Analysis: Salo, a right-hander with a 100 mph shot, replaces struggling Alexander Edler on the point of the second power-play unit. Speedy forward Mason Raymond kept his spot on the point of the first unit after scoring twice Saturday. Salo has three assists this season while not getting a goal on 12 shots. The fact he remains a point man on the power play is good for Fantasy purposes, but Salo still remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Vancouver D Sami Salo (groin) returned to action on Tuesday night against the Boston Bruins. He did not record any points in the game in 19:19.
Analysis: Salo looked healthy for the Canucks and remains a decent No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy defenseman.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Sami Salo missed a third game Saturday against the Oilers with a groin injury, but is skating on his own and could return as early as Tuesday against Boston.
Analysis: The good news here is that Salo might not be dealing with a long-term injury -- a scenario he has faced many times before. He is close to returning, but still remains bit of an injury-risk start Week 4 (Oct. 27-Nov. 2). He is a decent No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Vancouver D Sami Salo (groin) could not return in Saturday's game against Edmonton. He should be returning shortly for the Canucks.
Analysis: Salo is a constant injury worry for his many Fantasy owners, but can be a useful low-end starting defenseman in deeper formats when healthy. He looks like a risky start for Fantasy Week 4 (Oct. 27-Nov. 2), so you might want to bench him just to be safe.
News: Vancouver D Sami Salo did not play in Tuesday's game against Columbus with a groin injury. He's expected to be out about one week.
Analysis: Salo is a constant injury worry for his many Fantasy owners, but can be a useful low-end starting defenseman in deeper formats when healthy. He looks like a risky start for Fantasy Week 4 (Oct. 27-Nov. 2), so you might want to bench him just to be safe.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo tweaked his groin in a Sunday loss to the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Salo is a constant injury worry for his many Fantasy owners, but can be a useful low-end starting defenseman in deeper formats when healthy. He looks like a very risky start for Fantasy Week 3 (Oct. 20-26), so you might want to bench him just to be safe.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Sami Salo has always had injury troubles, but the two that run his career total to 29 last season -- a fractured wrist in a training camp intrasquad game and a shattered cheek and nose from a teammate's errant shot four games after returning -- were particularly devastating. Salo admitted he never fully recovered mentally, but is coming off his healthiest summer of training in a long time and is eager to regain his role as the team's best all around defender, with plans to unleash his 100-mile-per-hour slap shot with far more regularity than last year.
Analysis: It's very unsettling to hear that Salo hasn't mentally recovered from last season and that could really weigh heavy on a hockey player. Hopefully, once he gets back out on the ice, all his troubles will disappear. He has looked sharp in the preseason with one goal and two assists in two games, so there is hope yet. Consider Salo a decent No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.
News:Sami Salo picked up two assists for his first points in six games Monday when the Vancouver Canucks beat the Phoenix Coyotes 3-1 to move into a tie with Calgary and Colorado for sixth place in the Western Conference, two points behind Minnesota for the Northwest Division lead, and four points ahead of ninth-place Nashville.
Analysis: Salo cane be a useful low-end Fantasy defenseman in deeper formats, but the problem is that he has been on the shelf too often this season with injuries.
News:Sami Salo had some back pain during and after Monday's game and was questionable for Wednesday, but he was ready to go and played 26 shifts in 22 minutes and also had three shots on goal as the Canucks lost 4-1 at Anaheim. 26 shifts, 22 minutes, 3 shots
Analysis: Salo is a useful low-end Fantasy defenseman in deeper formats, but he has been hurt a lot this season.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, Canucks D Sami Salo limped off in obvious pain and went straight to the dressing room Monday night after clipping skates with partner Willie Mitchell while striding backward midway through the second period. The injury-prone Finn was back on the bench just before the end of the period, but after one shift early in the third period he was back in the locker room.
Analysis: Salo, who is a useful low-end Fantasy defenseman in deeper formats, could play Wednesday night against the Ducks, but we wouldn't be surprised if he sits. He has been hurt a lot this season.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo made it four straight games with an assist Sunday when he helped out in a 3-2 shootout win over the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Salo has been limited to 38 games this season due to a rash of injuries, but has been turning his offensive game on in the last week or so. For now, he is a low-end reserve Fantasy defenseman in most formats.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo made it five points in his last four games when he recorded a goal and an assist in Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Avalanche.
Analysis: Salo has been limited to 37 games this season due to a rash of injuries. He has just 11 points and a plus-4 rating. Injuries have resulted in a poor season and Salo is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier until he starts rolling, which from the quality of his play lately, could be soon.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo was back in the lineup Tuesday against the Stars after missing two games with a groin injury. He failed to record a point in 28:43 of ice time and finished at even.
Analysis: Salo has been limited to 35 games this season due to a rash of injuries. He has just seven points and a plus-5 rating. Injuries have resulted in a poor season and Salo is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier until he starts rolling.
News:Sami Salo could not play Friday for vancouver in the game at the Florida Panthers. Salo also sat Thursday's game at Tampa Bay after hurting his groin in Tuesday's game against Dallas.
Analysis: Despite averaging more than 23 minutes of ice time per game, Salo only has a goal and six assists this season -- one of the worst of his career. He has been a disappointment for Fantasy owners.
News: Vancouver's injury-depleted defense lost another player as Sami Salo sat out Thursday's game at Tampa Bay with a groin injury. Salo was hurt in Tuesday's game against Dallas.
Analysis: Despite averaging more than 23 minutes of ice time per game, Salo only has a goal and six assists this season -- one of the worst of his career. He has been a disappointment for Fantasy owners.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Sunday's game against the Blues. It was his first point in seven games. He has just one goal and three assists in 28 games.
Analysis: Salo returned to the lineup in late November after missing eight games with a broken nose. Despite the fact that he spends more than 23 minutes per game on the ice, he is having one of the worst seasons of his career. He has to be taken down a peg in Fantasy leagues until he starts producing.
News: D Sami Salo, who missed three weeks after having his nose and cheek shattered by an errant puck in a Nov. 1 game, finally removed his full cage in favor of a half visor against Edmonton Saturday.
Analysis: The Canucks hope his offensive touch follows. In 12 games with the full cage, Salo failed to score a goal -- he's without in all 16 games he's played this season -- and struggled to find the net with his 100-mile-an-hour slapshot. The Canucks need more offense from Salo, who led the defense with 14 goals last year. When healthy, he can help you in the plus/minus category and as a low-end assist man. It appears safe to activate him in Fantasy leagues.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo returned to the lineup Friday against the Blues after missing the previous eight games with a broken nose. He did not record a point in 17:39 of ice time and finished at even. He spent two minutes in the penalty box for tripping.
Analysis: Salo has played in five games this season and will be looking to avoid the injury bug for the rest of the season. When healthy, he can help you in the plus/minus category and as a low-end assist man. It appears safe to activate him in Fantasy leagues.
News: D Sami Salo wasn't expected to return to the lineup until early December after having his nose shattered by an errant shot in a Nov. 1 game, but the valuable Finn is with the team on the current three-game trip. And he packed some sticks, leading to speculation he'll make a surprise return sooner than expected.
Analysis: When he does, expect Salo to wear a full cage to protect his surgically repaired face. With metal plates inserted, airport security checks could also be tough. When healthy, he can help you in the plus/minus category. Continue to keep him out of active Fantasy lineups.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Lukas Krajicek and D Sami Salo both skated on their own before the rest of the team practiced on Thursday and appear ahead of schedule in their respective recoveries from injury.
Analysis: Salo, who had his nose shattered by a teammate's shot in a Nov. 1 game, could be back in early December. When healthy, he can help you in the plus/minus category. Continue to keep him out of active Fantasy lineups.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: D Sami Salo still doesn't have a timeline for returning after taking a shot in the face almost two weeks ago, leaving him with two plates inserted into his face.
Analysis: Salo was playing only his fourth game after returning to the lineup from a wrist injury before the shot from Elder put him back on the injured list. Reserve him in all formats for now. When healthy, he can help you in the plus/minus category.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: Sami Salo had two metal plates inserted into his face after his nose and nasal cavities were crushed by an errant puck off the stick of teammate Alexander Edler last week. Salo met with coach Alain Vigneault on Monday and could be back in as little as three weeks. "He had a couple shiners," Vigneault said. "He looks like a hockey player."
Analysis: Salo was playing only his fourth game after returning to the lineup from a wrist injury before the shot from Elder put him back on the injured list. Reserve him in all formats for now. When healthy, he can help you in the plus/minus category.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Sami Salo will be out at least a month after taking a shot from teammate Alex Edler flush in the face in Thursday's game against Nashville, leaving him with a shattered nose and nasal cavity that required extensive reconstructive surgery.
Analysis: Salo was playing only his fourth game after returning to the lineup from a wrist injury before the shot from Elder put him back on the injured list. Reserve him in all formats for now. When healthy, he can help you in the plus/minus category, but it is looking as though he won't be back until early December.
News: The Vancouver Canucks will be without two of their top defensemen, losing Kevin Bieksa to a calf injury and Sami Salo to a broken nose during a 3-0 loss to Nashville. Bieksa will miss up to eight weeks after sustaining a deep cut on his right calf from the skate of Nashville's Vernon Fiddler during the second period Thursday night. The Canucks (5-8-0), who are tied for last in the Northwest Division, called up Luc Bourdon from the AHL's Manitoba Moose to fill in on the blue line.
Analysis: Salo, playing only his fourth game after returning to the lineup from a wrist injury, was hit in the face by shot from teammate Alex Edler. It is unclear when Salo will be able to return. Reserve him in all formats for now. When healthy, he can help you in the plus/minus category.
News: The loss to Nashville Thursday was costly for the Canucks -- defensemen Kevin Bieksa and Sami Salo both left the game bleeding and didn't return. Bieksa left late in the second period after a skate cut across the back of his right calf when he was tangled up with Vern Fiddler. Bieksa left a trail of blood in the corner as he was helped off the ice, unable to put any weight on his right leg.
Analysis: Salo left a pool of blood behind with four minutes left after teammate Alexander Edler's clearing attempt caught him flush in the face. Both were taken to a local hospital, said coach Alain Vigneault, but there was no immediate word on the seriousness of the injuries or how long they might be out. "With Kevin, we don't know the extent, but it's a major cut," Vigneault said, adding they would have to recall a defenseman from the AHL. Bieksa admitted earlier this week he has been playing through an abdominal injury. Bieksa is a tremendous Fantasy option in all leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes, as he loads up on PIM. Despite the scoreless game, it appears safe to get Salo back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues.
News: Sami Salo (wrist) made his regular season debut in Wednesday's game at Detroit. He fractured his left wrist during a scrimmage in training camp. Salo jumped right back in, going scoreless in the game, but finishing with a game-high three blocked shots.
Analysis: Salo looked 100 percent healthy and was tossing his body around. Despite the scoreless game, it appears safe to get Salo back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports veteran Sami Salo (broken left wrist) might be able to make his regular season debut on Wednesday at Detroit. He has been sidelined since early in training camp due to a broken wrist.
Analysis: Salo should be kept reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in at least one full game without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: Sami Salo (wrist) is nearing a return from injured reserve, but he still was not ready to go in Monday's game at Carolina. It's unlikely we'll see him Wednesday in Detroit or Friday in Washington.
Analysis: Salo might be held out of the lineup until the Canucks return home on Oct. 28 against the Red Wings. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Sami Salo (wrist), who is nearing a return, was unable to make his regular season debut on Sunday at Columbus.
Analysis: Salo might be able to return shortly, but he remains a risky play in all Fantasy leagues. Keep him reserved until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: The Canucks were hoping that D Sami Salo would return for Friday's game against the Kings, but that did not happen as he remained on injured reserve.
Analysis: Keep Salo reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health. He is still a risky play heading into Fantasy Week 4 (Oct. 22-28) unless he returns on Sunday against the Blue Jackets. When healthy, he is a viable Fantasy defender.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports Sami Salo (broken left wrist) had his cast removed on Saturday, although he has still not been able to return to practice. Canucks assistant coach Rick Bowness did say there is a chance he might be able to return as soon as Friday's game against the Kings.
Analysis: Keep Salo reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health. He is still a risky play heading into Fantasy Week 4 (Oct. 22-28) unless he returns this weekend.
News: Vancouver D Sami Salo is two weeks away from playing, the team said Friday after breaking his wrist during an intrasquad game in training camp.
Analysis: The wrist injury is the latest setback for Salo, who spent the summer recovering from groin, back and shoulder problems. He had 14 goals and 23 assists in 67 games for the Canucks last season. He is out until at least late October, but when healthy, he is a viable Fantasy defenseman.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports Sami Salo (fractured left wrist) will start the regular season on injured reserve.
Analysis: Salo remains out indefinitely. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games. At this time, coach Alain Vigneault has not offered any timetable on when that will be.
News: Canucks defenseman Sami Salo is out indefinitely due to a hairline fracture in his left wrist. Salo, 33, entering his eighth season in the NHL and fifth with Vancouver, was injured while delivering a check during an intrasquad game Sunday.
Analysis: It is the latest setback for Salo, who spent the summer recovering from groin, back and shoulder problems. He had 14 goals and 23 assists in 67 games for the Canucks last season. Salo attended training camp Monday with his wrist in a splint. He remains a decent middle- to late-round Fantasy pick in all Fantasy leagues, but be prepared to be without him initially into the regular season at this point.
News: Sami Salo (flu) was able to suit up for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday night.
Analysis: Salo was scoreless with one shot on goal in 20:25 of ice time. It appears he is safe to play in all Fantasy Hockey postseason pools.
News: TSN.ca is reporting Sami Salo was able to take part in full practice on Saturday and he also saw time on the power play unit. Salo was hoping to play in Game 2, but he was unable to suit up. It appears pretty likely he'll be back in when the series returns to Vancouver on Sunday.
Analysis: Salo has been battling the flu and a torso injury, but it appears that he is near 100 percent, or about as close to health as you can get at this time of the season.
News: TSN.ca is reporting Sami Salo is doubtful for Wednesday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Anaheim due to the flu and not some sort of undisclosed injury suffered in the first round against Dallas.
Analysis: Consider Salo day to day for now. They really need Salo to suit up, as Kevin Bieksa has already been ruled OUT for Game 1 due to an undisclosed injury. Alexander Edler will take his place.
News: Sami Salo (groin) returned to the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Kings. He was scoreless, but posted an impressive plus-2 rating in 21:34 of ice time.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Salo back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: Sami Salo was forced to sit over the weekend against the Flames due to his groin injury. He is expected to play on Tuesday night against the Kings.
Analysis: Vancouver will play four games in the final scoring period, so he is worth using in Fantasy Week 27 (April 2-8) even if he misses Tuesday's game.
News: Vancouver defenseman Sami Salo, who returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing three games due to a groin injury, was back out of the lineup Thursday at Los Angeles.
Analysis: Salo is once again considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues if you have healthier alternatives.
News: Sami Salo (groin) picked up a goal and assist in Tuesday's game at Colorado in his return to the lineup. He also added a plus-1 rating in 19:36 of ice time.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Salo back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: The Vancouver Province reports Sami Salo (groin) was able to skate near full speed on Saturday and is hopeful of returning for Tuesday's game at Colorado.
Analysis: Salo missed Sunday's shootout loss in the first half of the home-and-home against the Avalanche. Consider him questionable for Tuesday.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo (groin) did not play Wednesday against the Predators.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all leagues which allow daily transactions until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Sami Salo (groin) missed Monday's game at Edmonton due to a groin injury he suffered in Saturday's game.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all leagues which allow daily transactions until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Alexander Edler was recalled from Manitoba of the AHL with Willie Mitchell (groin) and Sami Salo (groin) both nursing injuries.
Analysis: Salo is expected to miss his first game on Monday at Edmonton due to the injury. Keep him reserved in all leagues for Fantasy Week 25 (March 19-25).
News: Sami Salo was forced from Saturday's game against the Red Wings due to a tweaked groin. He was unable to return.
Analysis: Salo is considered day to day. Coach Alain Vigneault said the injury was not considered serious, although he would be re-evaluated on Sunday.
News: The Vancouver Canucks are quite ready to refer to teammate Sami Salo as "Mr. Overtime." The defenseman isn't sure the name fits yet. Salo's goal 4:20 into overtime -- his third extra-session goal of the season -- lifted the streaking Canucks to a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. "It's huge to win here," said Salo, whose team was 0-3 in Minnesota. "Especially this year, we've struggled in this building."
Analysis: Salo remains a solid Fantasy option in most leagues. He has four points in his past five games.
News: Sami Salo has posted seven goals, 21 points and a team-leading plus-9 rating with 20 penalty minutes through 38 games at the All-Star break.
Analysis: Salo bounced back with a goal and two assists in four games before the break. He remains a solid Fantasy option in most leagues.
News: D Kevin Bieksa, D Sami Salo, LW Daniel Sedin and C Henrik Sedin all recorded assists and an even rating in Sunday's shootout win against the Panthers.
Analysis: Salo has two goals and two assists with a plus-6 rating over the past seven games. He is a decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy defenseman in most leagues.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo, who suffered a neck/shoulder nerve injury two weeks ago, continues to delay a return that was expected Saturday, missing Tuesday's game in Minnesota. Vancouver plays in Boston Thursday and Columbus Friday before coming home for the Christmas break. "Once I feel I can play at high speed, that's the day I'm going to play," said Salo, who has been alternating practice and rest days. "Pain and strength are the issues."
Analysis: Continue to keep Salo reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health. Salo had four goals and 10 assists before getting injured on Dec. 4. He is a decent Fantasy defender when healthy.
News: The Vancouver Province reports Sami Salo (shoulder) remains out indefinitely, as there is no target date yet for his return.
Analysis: At least Salo will be traveling with the team on their next road trip, so that is a positive sign. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Sami Salo, who left Monday's game against the Oilers, will miss at least seven to 10 days due to nerve damage in his shoulder.
Analysis: Keep Salo reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: Top-scoring defenseman Sami Salo left in the second period with an undisclosed upper body injury in Monday's game against the Oilers.
Analysis: Salo is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: Canucks D Sami Salo (knee) returned to action on Saturday against the Flames. He scored a goal in 21:39 of ice time.
Analysis: Salo is a pretty strong Fantasy defenseman and it appears safe to get him back in your active Fantasy lineup.
News: Sami Salo (knee sprain) and Willie Mitchell (post-concussion symptoms) are sidelined, leaving Vancouver with a young, inexperienced defense for its game Thursday night against Anaheim.
Analysis: Keep Mitchell and Salo reserved in all formats until he returns and proves his health.
News: The Vancouver Province reports Sami Salo (knee) might be able to play in Thursday's game against the Ducks.
Analysis: Salo was expected to miss at least a week, so that would put him in line with the original timetable. However, err on the side of caution and keep him reserved in Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 6-12) until he can officially play and prove his health.
News: Sami Salo is expected to be out at least a week due to his left knee injury. The team said he suffered a first degree sprain in Thursday's game at Minnesota.
Analysis: Salo should be reserved in all leagues for Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 6-12), as he is likely to miss the entire scoring period.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports Sami Salo suffered a knee injury in the second period of Thursday's game at Minnesota and he was unable to return to the game. He will be re-evaluated on Friday.
Analysis: When we have more information on the source and severity of his injury, we will be sure to pass it along to you. For now, keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until his situation becomes clearer.
News: Back in the lineup after missing the previous game with a groin injury, Salo scored with a minute left in the second period to lift the Vancouver Canucks over the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 Monday night. "When I came around I just looked for open guys but it's the last minute of the period so you don't want to force anything so I just threw it at the net and it seemed to have eyes," Salo said.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Salo back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: As expected, Sami Salo (groin) is OUT for Friday's home opener against San Jose. He is questionable for Monday's game against Edmonton.
Analysis: Salo is a risky play heading into Fantasy Week 3 (Oct. 16-22), so keep him reserved if you have more certain options.
News: The Vancouver Province reports Sami Salo will miss Friday's game against the Sharks due to a groin injury.
Analysis: Salo strained his groin on Tuesday night. He is considered day to day.
News: Salo posted career-highs in goals (10), assists (23) and penalty minutes (38) with a plus-9 rating in just 59 games with the Vancouver Canucks in 2005-06. He was limited due to a shoulder injury suffered during the Olympic Games.
Analysis: Salo was on his way to a huge season before falling to injury. His loss, coupled with the long-term injury of Ed Jovanovski (abdominal surgery), was one of the biggest reasons the Canucks failed to qualify for the playoffs. Salo should be a decent No. 4 or 5 rearguard in 2006-07, but it might not necessarily be with the Canucks as big changes are possible.
News: According to published reports, Sami Salo (shoulder) has resumed skating, but he is frustrated by the lack of progress with his injury.
Analysis: Salo does not look like he is close to a return and with just seven regular season games remaining, you might want to go another way if you need the roster spot.
News: Sami Salo (shoulder) remained sidelined for Wednesday's game against the Wild, but might be able to return shortly.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. He might play on Friday against the Wild in a rematch, but he should be reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Sami Salo (shoulder) was unable to play in Monday's game against the Kings, but he is nearing a return to the lineup.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Sami Salo (shoulder) was out of the lineup again on Saturday against the Oilers.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. He is nearing a return, but should be kept reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Salo (shoulder) was out of the lineup again on Thursday against the Oilers.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. He is nearing a return, but should be kept reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Sami Salo (shoulder) was unable to play in Tuesday's game at Edmonton.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues if you have healthier alternatives.
News: According to the official website of the Oilers, Sami Salo (shoulder) is doubtful for Tuesday's game at Edmonton.
Analysis: Salo should be kept reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health in consecutive games.
News: Sami Salo (shoulder strain) was unable to play Friday at Columbus.
Analysis: He remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Sami Salo (shoulder) was out for Tuesday's game at Nashville, as he has still been unable to play since suffering the injury in the Olympics.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Salo (shoulder) was unable to return for Monday's game at Dallas, although he is nearing a return.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports Sami Salo (shoulder) is questionable for Monday's game at Dallas.
Analysis: Salo has been sidelined since the Olympic Games. Keep him reserved in all daily Fantasy leagues until he can officially return to the lineup and prove his health.
News: The Vancouver Sun reports the Canucks have recalled Sven Butenschon and Tomas Mojzis from Manitoba of the AHL to replace Mattias Ohlund (ribs) and Sami Salo (shoulder), both injured in the Olympics.
Analysis: Salo remained in Turin to watch the remainder of Team Finland's games after being injured on Feb. 22 and he was scheduled to return on Monday to Vancouver. The team will then re-evaluate the defense, but general manager Dave Nonis is none too pleased about his decision to not return sooner. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until his return date becomes more clear.
News: Team Finland's Sami Salo suffered what is believed to be a separated shoulder in Wednesday's preliminary round game against Team Switzerland.
Analysis: Salo was taken to the hospital for X-rays in the same game which saw fellow countryman and Vancouver teammate Mattias Ohlund suffer an injury to his ribs and shoulder.
News: Sami Salo has reached double-digits in goals (10) for the first time in his career and he has a career-high 33 points through 59 games entering the Olympic Games break.
Analysis: Salo will represent Team Sweden in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. He is on pace for 45-50 points and has emerged as a must-start Fantasy defenseman in all leagues.
News: Sami Salo had tallied only three goals and three assists in the month of January. All three goals were on the power play.
Analysis: Salo remains a solid Fantasy defenseman, but if you have hotter options, don't worry about reserving him for a week or two.
News: Salo will represent his country in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, as Team Finland announced their roster on Thursday.
Analysis: Salo is a solid Fantasy defenseman and his owners probably would like to see him rest over the break rather than fly overseas and play deep in the Olympic tournament.
News: Salo picked up another assist in Sunday's game at Colorado, but he had a minus-2 rating in 23:58 of ice time.
Analysis: Salo has logged 17 points (6 G, 11 A) in 28 games this season, which is on pace to shatter his previous career-best of 30 points back in 2002-03. He is the definition of a sell-high Fantasy player, meaning you should trade him now while you can get the highest value for him.
News: The Canucks re-signed Salo to a two-year contract on Monday.
Analysis: Salo has a heavy shot, posting seven goals and 19 assists in 74 games. He should be in the 25-30 point range in 2005-06, making him useful only in larger Fantasy leagues which discourage PIM.
News: Salo (knee) was back in the lineup on Sunday against Florida. He was scoreless in 22:26 of ice time.
Analysis: Keep Salo reserved for at least two games to prove his health.
News: Sami Salo (charley horse) missed his sixth straight game on Monday.
Analysis: Keep Salo reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and play consecutive games without lingering effects of the injury.
News: Salo (charley horse) missed his fifth consecutive game on Saturday.
Analysis: Salo remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues if you have healthier options.
News: Sami Salo (knee) is not expected to travel with the team to Colorado on Monday or Chicago on Wednesday.
Analysis: Salo might be able to return on Jan. 2 against the Avalanche, but he should be reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Sami Salo (back) was able to play on Monday night against Los Angeles. He had an assist.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Salo in the active lineup.
News: According to the Vancouver Sun, Salo is questionable for Monday's game against the Kings due to a back injury.
Analysis: Keep Salo reserved in larger daily leagues until he can officially return to the lineup.
News: Salo did not play in Wednesday's Game 6 at Minnesota. He is suffering from flu-like symptoms. He is questionable for Thursday's Game 7 against the Wild.
Analysis:
News: Salo (shoulder) was not in the lineup Thursday. He is questionable for Saturday's game at Edmonton. Keep him reserved until he can play consecutive games.
Analysis:
News: Salo was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday for left wing Peter Schaefer. The 25-year-old Schaefer had 16 goals and 41 points in 33 games last season with TPS Turku of the Finnish Elite League.
Analysis:
News: Salo was cleared to play in Wednesday's intersquad game but remained home. He is recovering from shoulder surgery and should play in a preseason game this weekend. Barring a setback, Salo looks safe to draft in Fantasy leagues.
Analysis:
News: Senators coach Jacques Martin told The Ottawa Citizen that Salo will be restricted to drills and not participate in scrimmages for now. He is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Salo is still a marginal Fantasy defenseman at best, and his injury status makes him a risky investment.
Analysis:
News: The Ottawa Citizen reports that Salo's doctors have advised him not to take part in contact drills in practice. He is coming off left shoulder surgery, and might be bumped far down the Ottawa depth chart if he misses much of the preseason. Salo has also been mentioned in trade rumors of late, and he's not really worth drafting based on his uncertain status.
Analysis:
News: According to The Ottawa Sun, Salo admitted that he underwent shoulder surgery after the playoffs. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1 and is expected to be ready for the start of the 2002-03 season. When healthy, Salo is not a bad late round draft selection when rounding out your defense.
Analysis:
News: Salo returned to Ottawa's lineup Tuesday for their game against Buffalo. He had been inactive since March 9 because of back spasms. It will take some time for him to get his conditioning up to par so don't expect much production from him this week. However, he should be at full strength next week.
Analysis:
News: Salo missed his third straight game Thursday against Edmonton due to back spasms. He will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, and you should reserve him if he doesn't play this weekend.
Analysis:
News: The Senators activated Salo from injured reserve prior to Tuesday's game in Carolina. He had an assist and a plus-2 rating in the game, and is safe to get back into your active Fantasy lineup.
Analysis:
News: Salo is expected to be activated from injured reserve in time for Tuesday's game in Carolina. Wait until he plays a game or two before you get him back into your active lineup.
Analysis:
News: Salo is optimistic he can play in Saturday's game in Buffalo, according to the Ottawa Citizen. He missed the first two games of the season with a groin pull.
Analysis:
News: The Senators placed Salo on injured reserve on Tuesday with a groin injury. He is hoping to play in Saturday's game in Buffalo, but we don't recommend you use him this week.
Analysis:
News: Salo has returned to Ottawa to have his groin examined, according to the Ottawa Sun. He is expected to miss at least the remainder of the preseason, and is listed as doubtful for Ottawa's season opener on Wednesday. While we wouldn't recommend you drop him down your draft list dramatically, Salo is notoriously injury-prone. That should keep you from taking him as anything higher than your No. 3 or 4 Fantasy defenseman, at best.
Analysis:
News: Salo suffered a groin injury during Sunday's preseason game. He will be re-evaluated on Monday, but this just goes to show how injury-prone he is. Salo is a solid Fantasy pick, but don't invest a lot in him since he's a lock to miss a decent number of games this season.
Analysis:
News: Salo left Wednesday's game in Phoenix during the third period with an injury to his right foot. He is day to day, so keep him in your lineup for now.
Analysis:
News: The Senators are likely to have Salo back from shoulder surgery in time for Saturday's game against the Rangers. "It feels good. The only thing is after three months it takes awhile to get your timing back," he said. "But I can shoot the puck and I feel like I'm ready to go." Salo's comments point are wise for the Fantasy owner as well - let him get his timing back before you activate him.
Analysis:
News: Salo will meet with a specialist on Thursday to determine whether he can get clearance to play next week. He has missed 10 weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery, and feels file although he hasn't had any physical contact in practice. Salo is a longshot to have any Fantasy value this late in the season, but if you've got room on a deep reserve list, he could be worth stashing for later.
Analysis:
News: Salo will be sidelined at least for the remainder of the regular season after deciding to undergo surgery to repair a cartilage tear in his shoulder. He has missed eight games with the injury this season and hoped to be able to rest it, but doctors recommended surgery, which will be performed on Monday. It's not worth holding onto Salo unless you're in a very deep keeper league.
Analysis:
News: Salo is out indefinitely, and will meet with a specialist on Thursday to discuss his future. He missed six games earlier in the season with the same shoulder injury that knocked him out of his return game December 2. Surgery remains an option, but that would sideline him for an extended period. If you're a Salo owner, it's not looking promising for his return to the ice anytime soon.
Analysis:
News: Salo is doubtful for Thursday's game against Calgary due to a shoulder injury. He suffered the same injury to his left shoulder that caused him to miss six games earlier in the season during Saturday's game against Montreal. The club says Salo has a shoulder strain and probably only needs rest, although he will be re-examined on Monday. Keep him on your bench this week.
Analysis:
News: Salo suffered a bruised hand in last night's game against Boston when he was slashed by Andrei Kovalenko. After icing it, he was able to return to the game, and Salo should be available for Saturday's game against Nashville.
Analysis:
News: Salo, who is suffering from a bruised right foot, may be able to skate today. He'll be a gametime decision for tomorrow's opener, so you're best to keep him on the bench.
Analysis:
News: Salo (wrist) wasn't with the club at the start of the road trip, but hoped to meet the team and begin practicing in Washington or New York early next week.
Analysis:
News: Salo, who returned Monday after missing 23 games with a fractured wrist, left in the first period of a win over Montreal after injuring his left forearm. "I injured it on my first shift," said Salo, who will be examined Thursday by doctors to see if the arm is broken again. "I played five more (shifts) but I could hardly hold the stick."
Analysis:
