The 2018-19 season was a career-year for Markstrom, who set new career-highs in starts (60) and wins (28) while posting a 2.77 GAA and .912 SV%. Coming into 2019-20, the Canucks will lean heavily on Markstrom, who should start 60 games and could win 30 games for the first time. He was 2-0-1 with a 1.95 GAA and .929 SV% in three games vs. the Oilers last season.
Petrovic appeared in 35 NHL games last season, 26 with Florida and nine with Edmonton, posting just two assists total. Petrovic is big blueliner (6-foot-4, 216 lbs.) that plays a physical brand of hockey in his own end, ranking 11th in the NHL in hits per game (3.3) last year.
After failing to eclipse 50 points in his first two NHL seasons, Tkachuk broke out for 34 goals and 43 assists (77 points) in 80 games. As good as Tkachuk played in 2018-19, he could see some regression in 2019-20, after relying on a 16.4 SH% and 10.2 on-ice SH%. Being stuck behind Johnny Gaudreau on the depth chart also limits Tkachuk’s chances of approaching a point-per-game this season.
After missing just one game in 2017 and 2018 combined, Bennett appeared in just 71 games last season but averaged the least ice-time of his career (13:17 TOI/GM). Bennett wrapped the season up with 27 points (13G / 14A). Bennett will likely be fighting with Michael Frolik for a spot on the Flames’ second line but will likely open the year in the bottom-6.
Forsling had three goals and six assists (nine points) in 43 games with the Blackhawks last year and had a few games in the AHL. The 23-year-old blueliner was traded to Carolina this offseason and will likely be on their third-pairing to start 2020. If he plays a full season in the NHL, Forsling has 20-plus point upside with the Hurricanes.
Forsig had three goals and six assists (nine points) in 43 games with Chicago last season. He has appeared in at least 38 games in each of his first three NHL seasons, tallying a total of 27 points (8G / 19A) in 122 career games. Forsling is still a pending RFA but will likely get a contract to be the Hurricanes No.5/6 defenseman in 2020.
Gudas is heading into the final year of his four-year deal that carries a $3.35 million cap-hit, versus Niskanen’s two remaining years at $5.75 million. Gudas is coming off of one of his best offensive seasons, scoring four goals with 16 assists (20 points) in 77 games. Gudas was second on the Flyers in hits (255) and tied for third in blocked shots (133). He will help bolster the Capitals penalty-kill, where he played 2:37 per game last year—second among Flyers skaters.
Luostarinen, 20, was a second-round pick (No.42 overall) in 2017 and recorded 15 goals and 21 assists (36 points) in 54 games with KalPa Kuopio of the Finnish Elite League this season. Luostarinen also appeared in four games for Finland at the IIHF World Championship, where he helped them win Gold.
Eller left Tuesday’s practice early but is expected to play in Game 1 vs. the Hurricanes. The 29-year-old had seven goals and 11 assists (18 points) in 24 games during the Capitals Stanley Cup run last year.
The Bruins have clinched home-ice advantage in the first-round of the playoffs so they will sit four key players to give them some rest. Marchand will be joined by David Krejci, Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy.
Markstrom allowed two goals on 40 shots in the Canucks win over the Stars on Saturday. Markstrom has won three of his last five starts despite posting a 3.13 GAA and .904 SV%. In his only start against the Predators, Markstrom allowed three goals on 29 shots in a 5-3 win (Dec.6).
Tkachuk was rested on Monday but is expected to replace Elias Lindholm in the lineup on Wednesday.
The Flames have clinched a roster spot and it looks like Bennett will be the latest forward to be rested. Dillon Dube was recalled from Stockton (AHL) and is expected to replace him in the lineup.
Gudas will sit in Dallas as the Flyers allow Samuel Morin to get back into the lineup after being a healthy scratch on Sunday.
