The Sabres have signed Curtis Lazar to a one-year deal worth $700K.
Edmonton Oilers News
The Maple Leafs have signed Kasperi Kapanen to a three-year, $9.6M ($3.2M AAV) contract extension.
During his first full season with the Maple Leafs, Kapanen registered 20 goals and 24 assists (44 points) in 78 games. The 22-year-old was quiet during the postseason but should be able to build off of strong start to his NHL career. However, Kapanen’s ceiling may be limited because he is destined to play third-line minutes on a deep Toronto roster.
With the No.10 Pick in the 2019 NHL Draft the Vancouver Canucks select Vasily Podkolzin.
The Stars have signed Mattias Janmark to a one-year contract extension worth $2.3 million.
Janmark, 26, took a step back in 2018-19, scoring just six goals with 19 assists (25 points) in 81 games. Janmark is a key penalty killer for the Stars, ranking third among forwards in shorthanded time on ice per game (1:30). During Dallas’ playoff run, Janmark had one goal and two assists (three points) while appearing in seven of their 13 playoff games.
The Canadiens signed Brett Kulak to a three-year extension worth $5.55 million ($1.85M AAV).
In his first season with Montreal, Kulak split his season between the AHL and NHL. The 25-year-old had 11 points (3G / 8A) in 19 games with Laval before adding 17 points (6G / 11A) in 57 games with Montreal. Kulak figures to be a part of the Habs blueline plans to start the 2019-20 season.
The Oilers signed Olivier Rodrigue to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Rodrigue, 18, was picked in the second-round (No.62 overall) in 2018 and finished his third season with Drummondville (QMJHL) where he was 35-9-1 with a 2.43 GAA and .902 SV%.
Janmark (ankle) will be a game-time decision in Game 3.
Janmark played just 6:31 TOI in Game 2 before leaving the game with an ankle issue. Janmark missed the morning skate on Monday but is expected to take warmups and is considered a game-time decision. Janmark, who had just 25 points in the regular season, has just one shot and four PIMS through two games in the postseason.
Goalie Start
Pickard will start Saturday vs. the Jets.
The Bruins have recalled Trent Frederic from Providence (AHL).
Frederic, 21, has not recorded a point in 13 games with the Bruins this season but as 11 goals and 11 assists (22 points) in 51 AHL contests.
The Flames have recalled Curtis Lazar from Stockton (AHL).
Hyman (illness) will be a game-time decision on Friday.
Hyman was a late scratch from Wednesday’s loss to the Blackhawks and is listed as a game-time decision for Friday’s game vs. the Flyers. Head coach Mike Babcock said he expects Hyman to play, but look for Patrick Marleau to play with John Tavares if he doesn’t.
Kapanen is out indefinitely with a concussion.
Kapanen missed Monday’s game with what was called an “illness” but the Maple Leafs listed him as “out” due to a concussion. With Kapanen out, William Nylander moved up to play with Auston Matthews on Monday and is expected to skate there again tonight.
Line Change
Kulak will draw back into the Canadiens lineup on Tuesday.
Kulak was a healthy scratch in Anaheim but will replace Mike Reilly in the lineup vs. the Red Wings. Kulak has three goals and seven assists (10 points) in 44 games this season.
The Bruins have recalled Trent Frederic from Providence (AHL) under emergency conditions.
With Lee Stempniak being sent back to Providence on Monday, the Bruins needed to add another forward to the roster before Tuesday’s game. Frederic will likely slide into the lineup as the third line centre with Charlie Coyle moving up to play the wing on the second line. Frederic has not recorded a point in 11 NHL games this season but has 20 (11G / 9A) in 45 AHL contests.
Hyman (undisclosed) is on the ice for warmups; will play Monday vs. Tampa Bay.
Kapanen (illness) is not on the ice for warmups; will not play Monday vs. the Lightning.
Hyman is expected to play Monday despite missing the morning skate.
Hyman was not on the ice this morning but head coach Mike Babcock said he thinks Hyman will play vs. the Lightning. Hyman has played well as of late, scoring five goals with two assists (seven points) in his last 10 games.
Suspension
The NHL has suspended Connor McDavid for two games for his illegal hit to the head on Nick Leddy.
McDavid (illness) will return to the Oilers lineup on Thursday.
McDavid was a late scratch from Tuesday’s game vs. the Coyotes due to illness but is back in the lineup tonight vs. the Islanders. McDavid is on-pace for a career-best 116 points (44G / 73A) after recording 83 points (31G / 52A) in his first 57 games.
Oilers are “hopful” that McDavid (illness) will play on Thursday.
McDavid was a late scratch from the lineup on Tuesday and missed Wednesday's practice, but the Oilers remain hopeful that he will play Thursday vs. the Islanders. Monitor his status as the Oilers hit the ice for tomorrow's game-day skate.