Kruger was placed on waivers by the Canes on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Kruger was a healthy scratch against the Flyers on Tuesday and is bogged down in a 19-game goalless streak. During his drought, the center has tallied a lone helper, seven shots and 21 hits while averaging 10:45 of ice time. If the Swede goes unclaimed -- which is by no means guaranteed -- he figures to be reassigned to AHL Charlotte.

Kruger went pointless in nine games leading up to the All-Star break, registering just two shots on goal and four PIM over that span.

EDGE Analysis

Since returning from a four-game absence due to a lower-body injury, Kruger has resumed his role as fourth-line center for the Canes, which means his offense is going to be non-existent most nights. With just five points in 44 games this season, Kruger just doesn't move the needle in most fantasy formats, and is best left on your league's waiver wire.

The Hurricanes activated Kruger (lower body) from injured reserve Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Carolina assigned forward Aleksi Saarela to AHL Charlotte in a corresponding move, a transaction that suggests Kruger will almost certainly be ready to return Saturday against the Bruins. The 27-year-old pivot's return will bolster the Hurricanes' bottom-six and penalty-killing unit, but it won't mean much for fantasy owners, as his lack of offensive upside keeps him off the radar in all but the deepest of season-long formats.

Kruger (lower body) is feeling good Friday, and if he makes it through a full practice he'll play Saturday against the Bruins, Michael Smith of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kruger is currently on injured reserve, but he can be activated at any point. The 27-year-old pivot has been logging just 10:56 of ice time per game this season, and he's playing mainly in a bottom-six role. Kruger starts 55.7 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone, which has proven effective as he's won 53.7 percent of his faceoffs. This makes him quite useful for real-life hockey, but keeps him out of the fantasy realm.

Kruger (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Despite his moving to injured reserve, Kruger will be able to return as soon as he's healthy. The Swede has started 60.8 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the defensive zone this season, plus his average power-play ice time has amounted to six seconds per game, so Kruger won't be missed in most fantasy formats. Carolina has recalled Aleksi Saarela from AHL Charlotte as an insurance option in case Kruger can't play Thursday.

Kruger (undisclosed) will miss Tuesday's home game against the Capitals, NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran center didn't practice New Year's Day, which was the first sign that he'd be held out of this next contest. Kruger has only five points through 35 games, so we doubt there are many fantasy owners sweating out his status.

Kruger (undisclosed) was unable to practice Monday, Michael Smith of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kruger's absence at practice isn't a good sign for the 27-year-old center, who's missed the team's last two games. He's scored eight goals and has 18 assists through 81 games this season, so he's certainly contributed for the Hurricanes. His next opportunity to return will be Tuesday against Washington.

Kruger wasn't on the ice for warmups ahead of Saturday's road game facing the Blues, according to NHL.com.

EDGE Analysis

This will be the second consecutive absence for Kruger, who'll be replaced on the fourth line by Lucas Wallmark as the Hurricanes complete the back-to-back set following Friday's 2-1 home win over the Penguins. Kruger, a penalty-killing specialist, should be considered day-to-day.

Kruger (undisclosed) won't play Friday night against the Penguins, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

To compensate for the absence of Kruger -- who is day-to-day by default until more information becomes available -- the Hurricanes will call up Lucas Wallmark from AHL Charlotte. With only five points and a minus-4 rating through 35 games, fantasy owners need to ask themselves if an injured Kruger is worth hanging onto. Hint: the answer is "no" in most settings.

Kruger potted his first goal of the season in Tuesday's win over the Golden Knights.

EDGE Analysis

Kruger hasn't offered much in terms of fantasy value this season, managing just five points through 29 games. He's centering the fourth line and seeing no power-play time, so it's probably best to avoid him. He's failed to reach 20 points in each of his last three seasons and is seen as a depth player for the Hurricanes.