Juulsen missed most of the 2019-20 season with concussion-like symptoms that stemmed from a facial fracture that he suffered after being hit in the face with the pick in September. He had three assists in 13 AHL games and will likely start 2021 with Laval (AHL) after the promotion of Alexander Romanov and the addition of Joel Edmundson.
Nelson was forced to leave Game 2 but did return. Despite being banged up, head coach Barry Trotz expects to have his No.2 centre in Game 3 on Friday. Nelson has had a terrific postseason, posting 15 points (7G / 8A) in 17 games.
Necas hasn't been on the ice much during the NHL's Return to Play Program but head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that he "looked really good" on Frida and has not ruled him out for Game 1 on Saturday. Monitor Necas' status as the Hurricanes hit the ice for warmups at 11:30 am ET.
Makar missed some time during training camp but participated in the final practice before entering the bubble. While speaking with the media on Monday, Makar said "I feel perfect now," which is a great sign for the Avalanche, who begins Western Conference round-robin play on Sunday. Makar had 50 points (12G / 38A) in 57 games during his rookie campaign and had six points (1G / 5A) in 10 playoff games last year.
After being acquired from t he Hurricanes as a part of the Erik Haula trade, Roy split the 2020 campaign between the NHL and AHL. With the Golden Knights, he had 10 points (5G / 5A) in 28 games while scoring seven goals with 15 assists (22 points) in 27 games. Signing a two-year contract means he's signed through 2022 and will still be an RFA at the end of the deal.
Beckman was a third-round pick (No.75 overall) in 2019 and led the WHL in goals (48) and points (107) in 63 games this season. It was obviously a fantastic season for the 18-year-old, who looks like he could be a third-round steal for Minnesota.
MacKinnon left Monday's game with a lower-body injury after getting tangled up with Martin Frk. The 1-2 week timeline means MacKinnon will miss 4-8 games. Martin Kaut was recalled from Colorado (AHL) and will draw into the lineup to replace MacKinnon on Wednesday. However, Vladislav Namestnikov could be the one to shift to centre on the first line.
Francouz allowed three goals on 35 shots in Colorado's loss in Los Angeles on Monday. Francouz will make his fifth straight start tonight despite losing three of his last four (1-2-1) while posting a 3.70 GAA and .868 SV%. In come the Rangers, who have won 10 of their last 11 road games while averaging 3.73 goals per game.
