Strome, 23, was a restricted free agent who is coming off of a tough year. The 23-year-old had just 28 points (8G / 20A) in 71 games with the Islanders and was sent to Bridgeport (AHL) for a period of time. The former fifth overall pick (2011) had 17 goals and 33 assists (50 points) in 2014-15, showcasing his high-end offensive ability. He is an intriguing late-round pick for 2016-17.
Huberdeau, 23, is coming off of a career-year, having posted 20 goals and 39 assists (59 points). The former third overall pick (2011) has turned in back-to-back 50-plus point seasons and appears to only be scratching the surface of what he might be able to accomplish on the Panthers’ top-line with Aleksander Barkov and Jaromir Jagr.
Maatta was on the ice for the second day in a row and skated alongside Kris Letang in Tuesday’s practice, but remains a game-time decision for Game 1 vs. the Rangers. Monitor his status during the Penguins morning skate on Wednesday, but things are trending in the right direction for him to return after a nine-game absence.
Maatta missed the final nine games of the regular season and might miss the start of the postseason as well. He took part in the Penguins’ practice this morning, but said “I really can’t say for sure” when he was asked if he would play on Wednesday.
Maatta finished Thursday’s game in New Jersey, but will miss multiple weeks with a lower-body injury that he suffered. With Maatta out, Ben Lovejoy will draw back into the Penguins lineup on Saturday.
Maatta was set to be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, but is now signed through the 2021-22 season with a $4.083 million cap-hit. Maatta has 16 points (6G / 10A) in 53 games this season and 54 points (16G / 38A) in 151 career NHL games.
Huberdeau will miss Thursday’s game vs. the Coyotes and will miss at least two games after being placed on IR. There is no definite timetable for his return, but expect a more detailed update in the next few days.
Huberdeau was injured early in Saturday’s win over the Jets and it will keep him out of the lineup for Thursday’s game. The Panthers are expected to get Aleksander Barkov back on Thursday, so look for him to replace Huberdeau, who is listed as day-to-day.
