22 Brett Pesce D

Hurricanes' Brett Pesce: Expected to practice Thursday

The Hurricanes have a few days off before returning to action against Columbus on Saturday, which may give Pesce the time he needs to full recover from his lower-body issue. The defender is pointless in 12 straight games while averaging 19:29 of ice time.

Hurricanes' Brett Pesce: Ruled out with lower-body injury

Pesce was involved in a knee-on-knee collision in Saturday's matchup with Detroit, which would seem the most likely cause of his lower-body problem. The team did not provide a specific timeline for when the blueliner might be ready to return, but considering he is pointless in his previous 12 outings, his absence is unlikely to impact the majority of fantasy owners. In the New York native's stead, Trevor van Riemsdyk figures to slot into the lineup.

Hurricanes' Brett Pesce: Back in action Friday

Pesce didn't miss a game with his mystery issue, so he'll return to the team's bottom pairing. The 23-year-old is averaging 19:49 of ice time per game and has notched three points in nine games while blocking 17 shots as well.

Hurricanes' Brett Pesce: Cleared for contact

It's unclear what, if any, impact this will have on Pesce's availability against the Sharks on Friday, but if he is unable to suit up, the team will need to promote a player from the minors or play with just five defensemen -- which would be a very unorthodox approach. Even if the New York native is healthy, the Hurricanes don't have an emergency depth blueliner and may look to bring somebody up anyway.

Hurricanes' Brett Pesce: Two-game point streak

Not bad for a guy who plays more of a shutdown role. Pesce currently ranks third among Canes blueliners in average total ice time (19:58), but first in penalty kill minutes (2:51), second in hits (8) and third in blocked shots (8). Pesce won't score a ton this year, but he's a solid fantasy play in those leagues that count the aforementioned peripheral stat categories.