Graves being dealt is a product of the Seattle Expansion Draft and New Jersey lands a solid top-4 defenseman that should fit in well with their emerging young blueline. Graves, who has two years left at $3.17M AAV, had two goals and 13 assists (15 points) in 54 games with the Avalanche in 2021.
Jones is entering the final year of a two-year deal that carries an $850K cap-hit. After showing flashes of a potential top-4 defenseman in 2020, Jones was in and out of the Oilers lineup in 2021, finishing the season with just four assists in 33 games. This deal sheds nearly $4.7M in cap-space for the Blackhawks and could be something that helps them pursue Caleb's brother, Seth, in the offseason.
Unlike the first two games, Malkin took part in line rushes and power-play work during the morning skate, so it looks like he will play in Game 3 vs. the Islanders. Malkin was on PP1 and centred the second line with Jason Zucker and Kasperi Kapanen on his wings.
Malkin missed Game 1 and will be a game-time decision for Game 2. Malkin did not take part in line rushes during Monday's practice, so it doesn't appear as if he will play but keep an eye on his status as the Penguins hit the ice for warmups at 7:00 PM ET.
Clifton was a healthy scratch for Game 1 but will replace Jeremy Lauzon (undisclosed) for Game 2. Clifton had seven points (1G / 6A), 108 hits and 52 blocked shots in 44 regular-season games in 2021.
Jarry will miss the Penguins' season finale on Saturday due to an upper-body injury. With both Jarry and Casey DeSmith sidelined, Maxime Lagace will make his Penguins debut vs. the Sabres.
