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Utah Mammoth News

The Canadiens have assigned Mikhail Sergachev to Windsor (OHL).

Sergachev was the ninth overall pick this past summer and he made the team out of training camp. He was a healthy scratch most of the time and failed to record a point in the three games he did play in. Sergachev returns to Windsor, who will host this year’s Memorial Cup—he had 57 points (17G / 40A) in 67 games with the Spitfires last year.

Mikhail Sergachev
Sergachev is expected to be a healthy scratch on Saturday.

Sergachev made his NHL debut on Thursday, blocking two shots in 11:48 of ice time. With Jeff Petry (knee) expected to return to the lineup on Saturday, it looks like it will be the rookie Sergachev who will sit. If he can’t work his way back into the lineup, look for the Canadiens to send him back to the Windsor Spitfires (OHL).

Mikhail Sergachev
The Coyotes acquired Lawson Crouse and Dave Bolland from the Panthers for a conditional third-round pick in 2017 and a conditional second-round pick in 2018.

Crouse, 19, was drafted 11th overall in 2015 and is coming off of a season where he had 62 points (23G / 39A) in 49 games with the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL). Crouse is a big-boy (6’4” / 212 lbs.) who adds even more offensive upside to a youthful Coyotes organization. He will fight for a roster spot in training camp, but could start the year in the AHL.

Lawson Crouse
The Panthers have signed Vincent Trocheck to a six-year contract worth $28.5 million ($4.75M AAV).

Trocheck is looking like a third-round steal from the 2011 NHL Draft. The 22-year-old centre is coming off of a huge 25-goal, 28-assist (53 points) season, earning himself a huge extension. He is a key member of a young core in Florida that will be looking to do even more damage in 2016-17. Trocheck should be able to turn in another 25/25 season.

Vincent Trocheck
Trocheck (ankle) will travel to Brooklyn; remains questionable for Game 3.

Trocheck has missed the Panthers last eight games with an ankle injury, but will travel with the team for Game 3 and could return to the lineup. He may not play on Sunday, but it is a good sign that he is nearing a return and should be back during the first round.

Vincent Trocheck
Trocheck (ankle) is listed as day-to-day; questionable for Game 1.

Trocheck has missed the last six games and appears to be in danger of missing the start of the playoffs. Trocheck did not skate on Monday and is still wearing a walking boot, so his return does not appear to be imminent. This is a tough break for Trocheck, who had 25 goals and 28 assists (53 points) in 76 games this season.

Vincent Trocheck
Trocheck is expected to miss three weeks with an ankle injury.

Trocheck took a shot off of the ankle during Tuesday’s loss and is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. Trocheck, who is tied with for the Panthers-lead in goals with 25, could end up missing some playoff time as well. Look for Nick Bjugstad to move up to the second line with Trocheck out.

Vincent Trocheck
The Panthers are sending Lawson Crouse back to Kingston (OHL).

Crouse was the 11th overall pick this summer and the Panthers announced in mid-September that he would be getting a nine-game NHL audition to start the season, but that’s not happening anymore. The winger is heading back to Kingston, where he had 51 points (29G / 22A) in 56 games last year.

Lawson Crouse
Panthers rookie Lawson Crouse will be given a nine-game NHL ‘audition’ to start the season.

Crouse, 18, was selected 11th overall in this summer’s draft. The 6-foot-4, 215 lbs. winger tallied 29 goals and 22 assists (51 points) in 56 games with the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) last season. Crouse has some competition to make the squad, but his size could prove to be a key factor in the Panthers decision. After the nine-game tryout, the Panthers will decide what is best for his future.

Lawson Crouse
The Capitals re-signed Nate Schmidt to a two-year contract extension worth $1.625M.

Schmidt, 23, had four points (1G / 3A) in 39 games with the Capitals in 2014-15. In 19 games with Hershey he collected nine points (3G / 6A). He signed a one-way contract which suggests he might take Mike Green’s spot on the team. Green is expected to test free agency on July 1st.

Nate Schmidt