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Vegas Golden Knights News

Stone (upper-body) practice on Friday; could return to the lineup on Saturday.

Stone missed Thursday’s game with an upper-body injury that he suffered on Tuesday, but he was back skating on the Senators’ top-line on Friday and head coach Guy Boucher is hopeful that he will be available on Saturday. Stone has had a slow start to the season, having recorded just one goal and four assists in nine games.

Mark Stone
The Ducks have recalled Shea Theodore from San Diego (AHL).

Theodore, 21, had eight points (3G / 5A) in 19 games with the Ducks last year, but didn’t make the team out of training camp. However, he picked up two assists in his first two games with San Diego and is already up with the big-club. Expect him to see bottom pairing minutes and power-play time in the early going.

Shea Theodore
Eichel (ankle) could miss 6-8 weeks.

Eichel was hurt in Wednesday’s practice and the Sabres said it was a high ankle sprain but did not give a timetable for his return. On Thursday, Sabres’ GM Tim Murray said that 6-8 weeks could be a possible timetable for Eichel. The second-year forward can’t put any weight on his injured ankle, he was seen on Thursday using a scooter to get around.

Jack Eichel
Eichel has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain; no timetable for a return.

Eichel suffered a high ankle sprain in Wednesday’s practice and will likely miss a minimum of 4-to-6 weeks. It could be much longer, but the Sabres have not released a timetable. Eichel’s injury means that Johan Larsson and Tyler Ennis will likely take on bigger roles.

Jack Eichel
Eichel left Wednesday’s practice with an apparent left injury.

Eichel’s leg bent backwards awkwardly and had to be helped off of the ice and appeared to be a serious amount of pain. All signs are pointing towards Eichel missing some time, but there likely won’t be an update until later today. Consider him doubtful for Thursday’s season opener.

Jack Eichel
Stone is out indefinitely with a concussion; could be ready for the season opener (Oct. 12).

Stone suffered a concussion during the Senators’ practice on Friday and will be held off of the ice until he is symptom free. Stone is coming off of a 23-goal, 38-assist (61 points) season and with two weeks left until the start of the regular season, he could still be ready for the season opener.

Mark Stone
The Kings signed Nic Dowd to a two-year deal on July 11th.

Dowd, 26, forced the Kings to give him a look this year, after collecting 48 points (14G / 34A) in 58 games with Ontario (AHL). In his brief, five-game stint with the Kings he failed to record a point. Dowd will try and crack the NHL roster in training camp, but there’s a good chance he starts the year back in the AHL.

Nic Dowd
The Panthers signed Reilly Smith to a five-year deal worth $25 million ($5M AAV).

Smith, 25, had a great debut season in Florida, registering 25 goals and 25 assists (50 points) in 82 games and an ultra-impressive eight points (4G / 4A) in six playoff games. Smith has only missed one game in his first three full NHL seasons and has already turned in two 20-plus goal seasons. He has a top-6 role for a good team and should have a shot at 30 goals in 2016-17.

Reilly Smith
The Sharks signed Tomas Hertl to a two-year extension worth $6 million ($3.0M AAV).

Hertl, 22, is coming off of his best year as a pro, having racked up 21 goals and 25 assists (46 points) in 81 games with the Sharks. The former 17th overall pick found a nice spot on the left wing with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski and if he plays there for most of 2016-17, we could see Hertl’s first 25-goal and 50-point season.

Tomas Hertl
Theodore is expected to be in the Ducks lineup on Saturday.

Theodore, 20, has six points (2G / 4A) in 13 games with the Ducks this season. Kevin Bieksa is not expected to play tonight because of an upper-body injury, so look for Theodore to draw in. While in San Diego, Theodore registered 31 points (8G / 23A) in 47 games.

Shea Theodore
The Ducks have recalled Shea Theodore from San Diego (AHL).

Theodore, 20, impressed in a 13-game stint with the Ducks earlier in the season, picking up two goals and four assists. In 47 games with San Diego, the 2013 first round pick (26th overall) has 31 points (8G / 23A). He will likely replace Korbinian Holzer in the lineup on Thursday.

Shea Theodore
The Kings have recalled Nic Dowd from Ontario (AHL).

Dowd, 25, was a seventh round pick (198th overall) in 2009. He has collected 13 goals and 35 assists (48 points) in 57 games with Ontario this season. With Kris Versteeg out, he has been recalled for depth but could make his NHL debut on Tuesday.

Nic Dowd