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).
Connauton is dealing with what is believed to be a knee injury. He returned to practice recently, but no decision has been made on his availability for the season opener. Connauton is expected to play on the left side of the Coyotes’ third pairing.
Schmidt suffered a lower-body injury on Sunday and was held out of a scrimmage on Monday. Schmidt is day-to-day, but doesn’t appear to be in any danger of missing any regular season time.
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.
Maatta was on the ice for the second day in a row and skated alongside Kris Letang in Tuesday’s practice, but remains a game-time decision for Game 1 vs. the Rangers. Monitor his status during the Penguins morning skate on Wednesday, but things are trending in the right direction for him to return after a nine-game absence.
Maatta missed the final nine games of the regular season and might miss the start of the postseason as well. He took part in the Penguins’ practice this morning, but said “I really can’t say for sure” when he was asked if he would play on Wednesday.
Maatta finished Thursday’s game in New Jersey, but will miss multiple weeks with a lower-body injury that he suffered. With Maatta out, Ben Lovejoy will draw back into the Penguins lineup on Saturday.
Maatta was set to be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, but is now signed through the 2021-22 season with a $4.083 million cap-hit. Maatta has 16 points (6G / 10A) in 53 games this season and 54 points (16G / 38A) in 151 career NHL games.
