Kopitar was forced to miss Thursday’s game against the Islanders due to an illness, but he is feeling better and should be back vs. the Sabres. Kopitar was back between Alex Iafallo and Tyler Toffoli at Friday’s practice and comes into Saturday with two goals in six games this season.
Kuemper split last season between the Kings and Coyotes. During his time in Arizona, Kuemper was 2-6-2 with a 3.22 GAA and .899 SV%. The Coyotes are an improved team so far this season, allowing the fewest shots on goal per game (23.3) in the NHL through four games—8.4 fewer shots than Kuemper faced per game last season. He could be a decent spot-start option tonight vs. a Wild team averaging just 2.40 goals per game so far.
Ceci likely suffered the upper-body injury vs. the Flyers on Wednesday. Ceci played a season-low 19:33 TOI vs. the Flyers, suggesting he left the game in the third period. With Ceci out, Christian Jaros has been recalled from Belleville (AHL).
Edmundson said he wants to get through tomorrow’s morning skate before making a decision but it looks like he will play. Vince Dunn is expected to sit for Edmundson, meaning that Alex Pietrangelo will move to the top power-play and Colton Parayko on the second. Edmundson had 17 points (7G / 10A) in 69 games a season ago.
Forsberg had to be helped off of the ice during the Blackhawks morning skate and will not be available to backup Cam Ward tonight. Forsberg will eventually be the Blackhawks’ No.3 netminder when Corey Crawford is healthy. Colin Delia will meet the team and serve as their No.2 in Ottawa.
Dumoulin, who has been battling an upper-body injury, took part in Wednesday’s practice and today’s morning skate, so it looks like he’ll play tonight. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan loves the “game-time decision” tag, so expect Dumoulin to be in the lineup.
Dumoulin shed his non-contact jersey during Wednesday’s practice session and skated on the top pair with Kris Letang, which is a good sign that he will be available for Thursday’s season opener vs. the Capitals. Dumoulin doesn’t carry a to of fantasy value despite playing over 20 minutes a night for one of the best teams in hockey. He had just 18 points (5G / 13A) in 80 games a season ago.
Edmundson missed the Blues preseason finale with a groin injury and it doesn’t appear as if he will play in their season opener either. If Edmundson is unable to play, look for Chris Butler to get into the Blues lineup.
Ducks GM Bob Murray announced on Wednesday that Perry underwent surgery to repair his right knee and the initial timetable is set for 20 weeks of about five months. This is a tough blow to a Ducks team that looked as deep as they have in years, but opens the door for young forwards like Troy Terry and Sam Steel to play big roles right out of the gate.
Armia was the No.16 overall pick in 2011 and is coming off of his best season in the NHL. The 25-year-old had 12 goals and 17 assists (29 points) in 79 games with the Jets. The big-winger will fill out a role in the Canadiens’ bottom-6.
Doughty, who will turn 29 in December, is signed through the 2026-27 season. Doughty has played in all 82 games for four straight seasons, ranking eighth among defensemen in points (201) and tied for 16th in goals (43) over that span. Doughty will become the highest-paid blueliner when his extension kicks in.
