Salei’s Status Remains Uncertain

Duck defenseman Ruslan Salei is expected to play for Belarus, which must win qualifying games to reach the Olympics. But whether he will be allowed to leave the Ducks to compete in those games remains in question.

“We will deal with it in due time,” Duck General Manager Pierre Gauthier said.

The qualifying games are scheduled Feb. 9, 10 and 12. The Ducks play Dallas at the Pond on Feb. 10. It’s doubtful that the Ducks will be in contention for a playoff spot at that time.

Rene Fasel, president of the International Ice Hockey Assn., said this week that NHL teams should release players to compete in qualifying games.

“I call on all relevant NHL teams, their boards and managers to show some true Olympic spirit and let their players go,” Fasel said in the Toronto Sun on Thursday.

Former Duck center Antti Aalto was named to the Finnish Olympic team.

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Two players rejoined the Ducks Friday night against Columbus.

Defenseman Keith Carney returned after having missed 17 games because of a broken right hand. Center Matt Cullen returned after having been a healthy scratch the last three games.

Carney, the Ducks’ top defenseman, played his first game since breaking a bone in his right hand against Calgary Nov. 7.

“His presence in the lineup is a big factor,” Coach Bryan Murray said. “The solid play, the quiet leadership, he has a big impact.”

Cullen had been unhappy with his situation.

“I think he will respond,” Murray said.