Overview
- Nils Höglander practiced fully for the first time since late‑September ankle surgery, with Foote calling a Dec. 11 return against Buffalo realistic and Detroit only a remote possibility.
- Thatcher Demko skated briefly with the group for the first time since his Nov. 11 groin issue and left by design, with Foote saying a Buffalo return is possible but dependent on more skates.
- In Demko’s absence over nine games, starts have been split between Kevin Lankinen (six), Nikita Tolopilo (two) and Jiří Patera (one).
- Conor Garland moved from a non‑contact jersey to full participation and is a possibility to play Friday against Utah.
- Evander Kane and P‑O Joseph missed practice due to a flu bug, Foote said Kane’s late‑game arm scare is not a concern, and recalls Elias Pettersson and Nikita Tolopilo practiced with the team while Teddy Blueger and Derek Forbort remained out.