Hurricanes' Jeff Skinner: Avoids concussion, expected back Friday

Skinner had a stiff neck Tuesday, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports, adding that he doesn't have a concussion and is expected to play Friday.

Analysis:

It's unclear when he suffered this ailment -- perhaps Sunday against Calgary -- but it's good news that Skinner's avoided anything serious. With 20 goals and 40 points in 57 games this year, he's provided strong fantasy value, so Skinner's owners will want to redeploy him Friday if he is indeed back in action.