The Tampa Bay Lightning picked up winger Balcers off waivers on Saturday. The 25-year-old is switching teams in Florida after the Panthers waived him Friday to make room for the returning Aaron Ekblad. Balcers, who was signed to a one-year, $750,000 contract in the summer, had a decent start to the season, scoring a pair of goals early on, but he featured very little in his final games for the team and became dispensable. Balcers will get a better opportunity in Tampa, with him set to slot into the third line, but he still likely won't be able to make an impact in fantasy hockey.
Rudolfs Balcers Day-To-Day Ahead Of Sharks Weekend Games
San Jose Sharks forward Rudolfs Balcers (upper body) is considered day-to-day but could return to the lineup over the weekend. The Latvian winger has missed one game after being hit hard by Anaheim Ducks forward Rickard Rakell on Tuesday. Balcers has been in and out of the lineup with injuries this season, which has kept him from getting any real momentum going, despite regularly playing on Logan Couture's wing this campaign. San Jose plays back-to-back home games this weekend against the Boston Bruins and Seattle Kraken.
San Jose Sharks left wing Rudolfs Balcers (upper body) will miss Wednesday's road game at Vegas. The 23-year-old can't shake off the injury bug at the moment as he's been in and out of the lineup lately. The Latvian winger has enjoyed some good success this season playing on the second line with Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier, picking up seven points in 14 games. His injury doesn't sound too serious, so look for the line to be reunited soon. John Leonard, who has seven points in 20 outings for the year, replaces Balcers in the lineup, while Matt Nieto will be the lucky one teaming up with Hertl and Meier on the second line.
Rudolfs Balcers
• LW
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Lightning
