Kakko has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury but is expected to play Friday vs. the Blue Jackets. When asked after Thursday's practice, Kakko said "I'm ready to play." He'll skate on the second line with Ryan Strome and Artemi Panarin.
Dunn remains day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and will miss his second straight game on Monday. With Dunn out, Haydn Fleury replaced him on the third pair and second power-play unit over the weekend.
Grubauer allowed two goals on 25 shots in the Kraken's overtime loss in Columbus on Saturday. Grubauer has opened the season at 1-1-1 with a 2.99 GAA and .894 SV% in his first three starts in a Kraken uniform. Tonight he'll face a Philadelphia team that lost 5-4 in a shootout in their season opener.
Kakko left Saturdays in the first period and did not return. The Rangers moved him to IR immediately, which means he'll be out for at least one week. Morgan Barron was recalled from the AHL to take Kakko's spot on the roster.
Grubauer had an outstanding season in 2021, going 30-9-1 with a 1.95 GAA, .922 SV% and seven shutouts, finishing third in Vezina voting. This offseason he signed with the Seattle Kraken, who will be an obvious downgrade from the Avalanche. His rates are sure to take a hit and with a number of player's questionable for Tuesday's opener, he's a risky option vs. a high-powered Vegas team.
