Bjugstad on notice

Although it’s more than two weeks away from the regular-season finale, it appears that Rowe is already holding preliminary exit meetings as he told Barkov, 21,

Jonathan Huberdeau, Nick Bjugstad,

23, and most notably

24, that they must pick up their games next season.

“They’re great players, but they could find another gear or two to get their game up, which means more offense, better defense, and really be key guys to this team going forward,” Rowe said.

“Now that he’s consistently with [Vanek and Marchessault], [Bjugstad] needs to use these next 10 games to get his game to the level where it needs to be . ... It’s not acceptable for whatever amount of games he’s played — he’s only got five goals.’’

The oft-injured Bjugstad has 10 points in 45 games.

International Ice Hockey Federation President Rene Fasel said he needs to know by the end of April whether NHL players will be cleared to play in the South Korea Olympics next year.

Team owners have made it clear they don’t want to stop the league season again for the Winter Games and put their stars at risk of injury. The reluctance is not new, but the NHL has participated in the Olympics since 1998. This time, however, there seems to be an impasse.

Donald Fehr, head of the players association, said players want to participate and he hopes the league will take advantage of the chance to market the game in Asia.

But NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said without “material change to the current status quo, NHL players will not be participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics.”

The NHL suspended Sabres D for three games following his blindside hit that led to Penguins F sustaining a concussion. The fine will Ristolainen $90,000.

Jake Guentzel Rasmus Ristolainen