Kolyachonok, 18, was a second-round pick of the Panthers this summer. The 6-foot-1, 184 lbs. defenseman had four goals and 25 assists (29 points) in 53 games in his first season with the Flint Firebirds (OHL).
Joseph was selected No.23 overall in 2017 and is coming off of a 47-point (9G / 38A) campaign in the QMJHL. The 19-year-old has good size (6-foot-2, 168 lbs), terrific mobility and puck skills that should make him a point-producer in the NHL in the near future. With veterans clogging up the Penguins’ blueline, Joseph is likely headed to the AHL to start the 2019-20 season.
The Maple Leafs have found a seventh-round gem in Johnsson. The 24-year-old had 20 goals and 23 assists (43 points) in 73 games during his first full NHL season. Johnsson also added one goal and three assists in seven playoff games and should be locked into a top-6 role on a line with Auston Matthews in 2020.
Nedeljkovic, who is viewed as one of the best goaltending prospects in the NHL, is coming off of an outstanding 2018-19 AHL campaign. Nedeljkovic led the AHL in wins (34) and GAA (2.26) en route to being named the league’s best netminder. He wasn’t done there, Nedeljkovic went 10-4-0 with a 2.34 GAA and .916 SV% in the AHL playoffs to help guide Charlotte to a Calder Cup Championship. With Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney both likely leaving in free agency, Nedeljkovic could see a lot of games at the NHL next year.
Hayes was acquired from the Jets for a 2019 fifth-round pick in early-June and was set to become a free agent on July 1st. Hayes is coming off of a career-year, scoring 19 goals with 36 assists (55 points) in 71 games with the Rangers and Jets. The 27-year-old is now signed through the 2025-26 season and is the third highest paid player on the Flyers.
Karlsson was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st but the Sharks have locked him up through the 2026-27 season. Karlsson’s new $11.5M cap-hit, represents a $5.0M raise and makes him the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL. After a slow-start and an injury plagued season, Karlsson posted his lowest point total (45) since 2012-13, but his point-per-game number (0.849) was right there with his most recent seasons.
Hayes, 27, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, so the Flyers will need to sign him before July 1st. Hayes spent the first four and a half seasons of his career with the Rangers before being dealt to the Jets at least year’s trade deadline. Hayes finished the 2018-19 campaign with a career-high 55 points (19G / 36A) in 71 games. Hayes helps bolster the Flyers’ centre depth, which has taken a hit since Claude Giroux moved to the wing.
Riikola, 25, came over the North America this season and served primarily as an extra defenseman for the Penguins. Riikola registered five points (2G / 3A) in 37 NHL games and added two assists in five games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL).
Ouellet’s deal is worth $700K at the NHL-level but the 25-year-old played just 19 games with Montreal last season. Ouellet spent most of the year with Laval (AHL), where he posted seven goals and 21 assists (28 points) in 47 AHL games.
Bemstrom, 19, was a fourth-round pick (No.117 overall) in 2017 and finished the 2019 season with 35 points (23G / 12A) in 47 games with Djurgardens IF of the Swedish Elite League.
Acciari has been sidelined since Game 4 of round two and will miss Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals vs. Carolina. Head coach Bruce Cassidy said that Acciari is “feeling better” and is targeting a Game 2 return.
Acciari missed Game 5 after being listed as a game-time decision and will not play in Game 6 in Columbus. Chris Wagner will remain on the Bruins fourth-line.
Acciari missed the Bruins morning skate and head coach Bruce Cassidy has listed him as a game-time decision for Game 5. Chris Wagner will draw in on the fourth line if Acciari is unable to play.
With Petr Mrazek out, Nedeljkovic comes up to serve as Curtis McElhinney’s backup on Wednesday. Nedeljkovic was excellent this season, going 34-14-1 with a 2.26 GAA and .916 SV% in 51 AHL games and was 3-1 with a 2.00 GAA and .923 SV% in four AHL playoff games before being called-up. It remains to be seen how long he will remain with Carolina.
