The NHL Evening Skate for Dec. 5

Heading into this evening's action, here are the day's top NHL storylines:

William Nylander says he'll return Thursday vs. Red Wings

Before having the chance to run him through a full practice, Mike Babcock will apparently slide William Nylander into the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup. After his months-long contract stalemate ended just before the cut-off point for his season on Saturday evening, Nylander will make his return against the visiting Detroit Red Wings on Thursday in Toronto. He broke the news himself at the Maple Leafs' annual visit to Sick Kids Hospital. [More]

Forbes: Rangers remain most valuable franchise followed by Leafs, Habs

The New York Rangers are the NHL's most valuable franchise for a fourth consecutive year, according to the latest estimate by Forbes. The Rangers top the annual list of franchise valuations at US$1.55 billion, up three per cent over last year. The Toronto Maple Leafs are second at $1.35 billion and Montreal Canadiens third at $1.3 billion, a four-per-cent increase for both clubs. [More]

Capitals ' Wilson helped off ice after late hit from Golden Knights' Reaves

In last night's Stanley Cup rematch between the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights , the two clubs picked up right where they left off last June in a physical contest. And in the spirited affair, Tom Wilson once again found himself mixed up in a controversial hit. This time, however, it was Wilson who was the recipient of a late hit, courtesy of Ryan Reaves . [More]

Lamp-lighters

Matthews, Marner recruited by 'Nutcracker', National Ballet of Canada

Suddenly, the Dec. 19 showing of "The Nutcracker" at the National Ballet of Canada could be the hottest ticket in town this holiday season. Toronto Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner will take the stage as celebrity "cannon dolls" for the Dec. 19 show — a stroke of luck for folks and families kicking off their holiday festivities at the "Christmas spectacular." [More]

Senators acquire defenseman Elliott, forward Lindberg from Penguins

The Ottawa Senators have acquired defenseman Stefan Elliott and forward Tobias Lindberg from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Macoy Erkamps and forward Ben Sexton. Elliott and Lindberg will report to the American Hockey League's Belleville Senators. Elliott, 27, has a goal and seven assists in 20 games with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season. [More]

Fantasy Forecheck

Can Shea Weber be a savior on the blue line?

Yahoo Fantasy writers Kyle Cantlon and Nick Ashbourne ask if Shea Weber can be a savior for fantasy owners looking for reinforcements on the blue line and explain why the Montreal captain's potential depends on what kind of league you're playing in. [Watch]

Game of the night

Edmonton Oilers at St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues will be trying to prove a point to their former coach when they face the Edmonton Oilers , who have struggled on the road even when superstar center Connor McDavid is healthy. McDavid, who missed Edmonton's most recent game due to flu-like symptoms, is expected to play. The Blues' best defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo (hand), is on injured reserve. [Full preview]

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