Tim Gleason is dealing with a lower-body injury, but he hasn't been completely ruled out of Thursday's game. However, it may be unlikely that he plays after he didn't participate in the team's morning skate.

Tim Gleason has dropped the gloves in each of his past two games. He took on Buffalo's Steve Ott last Friday after Ott took a run at sophomore defesenman Justin Faulk and he battled Boston's Milan Lucic on Monday to try to wake his team up from a slow start. In both instances, Gleason displayed leadership and character that didn't go unnoticed by his teammates. The physical blueliner has nine hits and 24 penalty minutes in five games this season.

Tim Gleason was rough with his teammates during Tuesday's scrimmage. He nailed Jeff Skinner along the boards into the match and he gave Jussi Jokinen a hard time twice during puck battles. "Jussi was a little mad at me at the end, but that's the only way I can get into it," Gleason said. "If I'm floating around, I'm not effective. It was good to get some physical (play) in there. They're going to get it in games, and so am I. I think it was a step in the right direction, to get into a game situation as quick as we can." Gleason could be a solid addition to your fantasy roster, as he can contribute in several categories. He registered 18 points, 71 penalty minutes, 129 hits, 112 blocked shots and a plus-12 rating last season.

Tim Gleason and some of his Carolina teammates were on the ice Tuesday for an informal skate and he stated that he's hopeful about the club's chances this season. "For the players, not making the playoffs, it's a long summer," he said after a 50-minute skate. "We feel like we've got the right fit now and we're excited about getting going." The Hurricanes brought in Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin to add more fire power up front and Joe Corvo was signed to help augment the team's defense corps. Unfortunately, Gleason didn't appear to be optimistic when it came to avoiding a lockout. He said, "I think it's going to get worse before it gets better."

Tim Gleason's new four-year extension comes with a no-trade clause for the first two seasons. Gleason will get paid $16 million over the life of his new contract. This signing obviously takes his name off the list of potential targets for playoffs contenders as the trade deadline approaches.

Tim Gleason and the Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to a four-year/$16 million contract extension. Gleason will make $3.5 million next season, $4.5 million in each of the following two seasons, and $3.5 million in 2015-16. Gleason would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. He doesn't have much fantasy value in standard leagues, but Gleason is second on the team in plus/minus, fifth in hits, and third in blocked shots. Given that blueliners tend to be a hot commodity as the trade deadline approaches, Gleason name would have probably been brought up quite a bit in trade rumors if he didn't re-sign.

Tim Gleason potted his first goal since Nov. 17, 2010 in Sunday's 3-2 overtime loss to Florida. The shutdown defenseman has chipped in nine points and 35 penalty minutes in 34 games this season, but clearly scoring is not his strong suit. Gleason does have 53 blocked shots and 60 hits, so he can help your fantasy squad in those categories.

Tim Gleason has a plus-7 rating after the first five games of the season. His impressive defensive start to open the year currently has him in a four-way tie for top spot in the league going into Monday night's action. Gleason has combined with his efforts with Bryan Allen to form a physical shutdown pair for the Hurricanes. He has also chipped in three assists and five penalty minutes.