Jansen Harkins Placed On IR, Set To Miss Approximately Eight Weeks
10/2: Anaheim has officially placed Harkins on injured reserve, following their last round of training camp cuts.
9/27: Having just locked up Mason McTavish earlier today, the Anaheim Ducks have more news affecting their forward core; Jansen Harkins is set to miss approximately eight weeks with an upper body injury, per the team’s announcement.
Harkins was injured last Sunday against the Kings after a hit into the side boards, and was seen leaving the arena in a sling.
The 28-year-old is entering the final year of his two-year, $1.575MM deal with Anaheim. Despite being waived out of camp last fall, Harkins ended up playing in 62 games for the Ducks, notching 6 points, and making most of his impact defensively.
Originally drafted 47th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2015, having shown high playmaking ability in the WHL, the Cleveland native spent the next four seasons in the Jets’ system, before finally earning his role in the NHL and becoming a key depth forward. After eight total seasons contributing in the Jets’ organization, Harkins was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he spent 2023-24 between the big club, and the AHL, in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
With the veteran set to miss time, perhaps eyes now turn toward young centers Nikita Nesterenko and Tim Washe, who both have the right skillset for Anaheim’s bottom six.
Nesterenko was originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 draft by the Minnesota Wild. The 24-year-old became a key player for Boston College and legitimate NHL prospect, whose rights were acquired by the Ducks in the 2023 John Klingberg deal. Since then, Nesterenko has spent most time with the San Diego Gulls, showcasing a strong two-way game based around defensive responsibility. The Brooklyn, New York native has appeared in 32 games with the Ducks over the last two seasons, netting 6 goals.
Washe, a 24-year-old with imposing size at 6’3”, is a more recent pickup for the Ducks, coming in last season as an undrafted free agent from Western Michigan University. Washe jumped out of college to the pros last season, skating in two games for the Ducks, having yet to play in the AHL. However, with five collegiate seasons under his belt, including winning the 2025 National Championship as captain of the Broncos, Washe could make a case to slot into the bottom six for Harkins.
With key roster cuts to be made across the league in the next week, eyes will be on the Ducks as they enter the Joel Quenneville era, with several young players vying for spots.
Los Angeles Kings Finalize 2025-26 Roster
Zach Dooley, Manager of Editorial Content for the Kings, noted today that Los Angeles’ roster is all set, currently at 23 players, barring any unexpected injuries. Dooley says that fans can expect the full regular group to wrap up the Kings’ remaining preseason games tomorrow and Saturday.
A well-balanced squad of 13 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders, the Kings look to climb further than last year’s first round defeat at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.
Anze Kopitar will begin his 20th and final season in Los Angeles surrounded by a core forward group mostly the same as last year’s, besides key additions in Corey Perry (currently injured) and Joel Armia. The veteran Perry’s absence likely opened the door for Jeff Malott, a 29-year-old later-bloomer who posted an impressive 51 points for AHL Ontario last year. Otherwise, stars like Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe are expected to put up big numbers again.
Something many franchises struggle with, the Kings have done a great job of supplementing their aging core with young talent in order to give Kopitar and Doughty another window. Many eyes will be on Quinton Byfield, a candidate for a large breakout, and Alex Turcotte, who is starting to face real pressure to live up to his high potential.
Two veterans will join Los Angeles’ defense corps led by Doughty, in the form of Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin. Ceci, signed to a somewhat questionable four-year deal at $4.5MM per season, will look to slot into a role similar to the one he had in Dallas to wrap up last year. Kings fans will be eager to watch electric youngster Brandt Clarke, as he looks to build off a strong 33-point campaign last year.
Finally, the Kings bring back veteran Darcy Kuemper in net, paired with newcomer Anton Forsberg, who comes over after four respectable seasons in Ottawa.
Without a doubt, the group will be motivated to have a strong swan song season for their franchise icon Kopitar. The Kings eagerly await Perry’s return as well, and while it will be a bit strange to see the 40-year-old in the black and silver, his presence is undeniable, as the Kings set their sights on a run next spring. The journey will begin in Colorado on October 7th.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen Leaves Game Due To Injury
Tough news came out of Buffalo tonight, as #1 goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has left tonight’s preseason game due to a lower-body injury, confirmed by the team. The 26-year-old appears to have reaggravated the ailment which has limited his participation in camp so far.
Luukkonen allowed one goal on 12 shots before coming out, however, he played the entire first period, perhaps encouraging for Buffalo. Likely with the ongoing injury in mind, the Sabres picked up Alexander Georgiev earlier this month on a one-year deal, to go with Alex Lyon, who was signed to a two-year contract after establishing himself as a legit NHLer with the Red Wings.
Even with top prospect Devon Levi having been sent back to AHL Rochester, the Sabres seem to have things covered between the pipes, if Luukkonen is set to miss time. However, a goaltender tandem of Lyon/Georgiev is a bit concerning for a team trying to, finally, take a leap forward in 2025-26. Potentially, Levi could be back on the big club sometime this fall, sooner than later.
Luukkonen’s status in the coming days will be worth monitoring as Buffalo finalizes their roster, and tries to start October on the right foot.
Evening Notes: Knoblauch, Wood, Miller, Rangers
Edmonton GM Stan Bowman told Ryan Rishaug of TSN that extension talks with Head Coach Kris Knoblauch continue, with no foreseen issues ahead. Having taken the Oilers to new heights, and with a window still as open as ever, keeping Connor McDavid‘s former OHL coach around is a no-brainer.
Speaking of the Oilers’ mega star, Bowman did not provide any updates on McDavid, other than that they’re happy to play the long game if needed, and talk consistently with his agent, Judd Moldaver.
Having acquired Connor Ingram earlier today, Bowman touched on the goalie front as well. Apparently, no talks have emerged with Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard yet, and that Ingram has been brought in as another good option for the club.
It’s fair to say that running it back with Skinner and Pickard again this year has been a bit unexpected. Yet it appears Bowman will keep a close eye on each, evaluating their long-term prospects in Edmonton, especially with an intriguing addition coming into the fold.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Brooks Bratten, Nashville’s beat reporter, shared today that top prospect Matthew Wood is week-to-week with a lower-body injury, an ailment sustained in the team’s Gold Star Showcase scrimmage last week. The 2023 first-round-pick has made a strong case to remain with the big club so far in camp, after a six-game trial fresh out of the NCAA last season. Now set to miss time, eyes turn to fellow key prospects Brady Martin and Joakim Kemell, who become more likely to make the team given Wood’s injury. Additionally, the Predators claimed Tyson Jost on waivers today.
- Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic updated today that J.T. Miller remains sidelined since an unassuming lower body injury sustained in practice two days ago. Thankfully, the captain’s ailment isn’t thought to be serious, so perhaps the Rangers are content with being patient. Meanwhile, Sam Carrick was seen back in a red no-contact jersey, and Casey Fitzgerald was absent, but due to being waived today rather than injury. The former Sabres defenseman is expected to be a key piece for AHL Hartford for the second straight season.
Transaction Notes: Oilers, Ducks, Senators
As the preseason winds down and rosters take form, several teams have recalled players, having already cleared waivers, who are set to fill out NHL rosters before (most likely) being reassigned to their respective AHL clubs.
The Edmonton Oilers announced today that they recalled forwards Viljami Marjala, James Hamblin, and Connor Clattenburg from AHL Bakersfield in advance of tonight’s preseason tilt in Seattle.
Hamblin, an undrafted Edmonton native, proudly has 41 games under his belt for the Oil, but is expected to return to Bakersfield and continue to lead the Condors, in his sixth season with the team.
Other transactional notes from today:
- The Anaheim Ducks recalled Nathan Gaucher, Yegor Sidorov, and Calle Clang from AHL San Diego, per their announcement this afternoon. Gaucher, Anaheim’s first round choice in 2022 (22nd overall) headlines the group, likely looking to finally break out in the AHL this season, boasting an impressive frame at 6’3”. Clang, a goaltender, is likely back due to starter Lukáš Dostál’s injury.
- The Ottawa Senators updated today that they recalled a handful of players: Tyler Boucher, Hunter Shepard, Jorian Donovan, Oskar Pettersson, Xavier Bourgault, Tomas Hamara, Keean Washkurak, and Scott Harrington. Boucher and Bourgault are well known as former first round picks in 2021, who both face uphill battles to reach the NHL at this point in their careers. Harrington, a 32-year-old defenseman with 255 NHL games under his belt, recently joined the Belleville Senators on a PTO, having started camp on a tryout with Nashville, before being released.
Although none of the players are expected to remain with their NHL clubs by season’s start, it stands a chance for them to make an impression, and for fans to get to see some former notable prospects skate at the highest level.
Evening Notes: Chinakhov, Oilers, Golden Knights, Stevenson
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reported that Yegor Chinakhov has not been happy with his role of late. The tantalizing 24-year-old has been skating on the Jackets’ fourth line, with no attention on the power play either. When asked about the role, Chinakhov said, “No comment.”
Portzline also mentioned Head Coach Dean Evason’s thoughts on the situation. The Jackets’ bench boss complimented the Russian forward’s play, but emphasized the team’s forward depth.
The remark is interesting, considering that Chinakhov requested a trade over the summer, only to backtrack just 10 days ago, saying he had reached an understanding with Evason and was open to staying with the Blue Jackets.
Columbus’ first-round choice in 2020 (21st overall), Chinakhov has flashed his high skill, lighting up the AHL in short stints, but has yet to put everything together in the NHL. The emergence of other forwards such as Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko has had Chinakhov on the outside looking in. It appears the former top prospect is at a crossroads that many have found themselves at: accepting a lesser role for the greater good to stick in the NHL, or finding a home elsewhere.
Elsewhere across the league:
- In Edmonton, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reported that Jake Walman, who has had rumblings of an extension lately, is day-to-day, but is expected to be ready for opening night. Vasily Podkolzin is expected to resume skating on Wednesday, after the tragic loss of his father.
- SinBin.vegas noted that two Golden Knights, Pavel Dorofeyev and Jeremy Lauzon, are both progressing, per Head Coach Bruce Cassidy. They will remain sidelined tomorrow and are questionable for the Knights’ remaining preseason games. Dorofeyev was an 82-game player last year, breaking out with an eye-popping 35 goals, while Lauzon only notched 28 games in Nashville due to injury, before an offseason trade to Vegas.
- Having been mentioned by Kevin Weekes last week, Elliotte Friedman echoed that the Capitals will likely lose goaltender Clay Stevenson on waivers, as reported by Russian Machine Never Breaks. The undrafted 26-year-old has yet to make a sizeable NHL impact (just one game played) but has caught the eye of many clubs, and could be the latest under-the-radar goaltender to burst onto the scene. Interestingly, Friedman noted the Rangers as a possible suitor, saying they pursued the Alberta native as a college free agent before the Capitals won out. Such a claim would especially be a blow to the marquee AHL franchise, the Hershey Bears. With Weekes pointing it out and Friedman following suit, Stevenson will be a name to watch closely.
Mammoth Notes: AHL Franchise, Peterka, Cooley, McBain
Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports that Utah Mammoth owner Ryan Smith has discussed bringing an AHL team to Utah; however, it is likely years away. In the process, Smith said he and Smith Entertainment Group have considered the best locations in Utah for the franchise, and that somewhere “up north” stands out; perhaps Salt Lake City or St. George.
With the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies (West Valley City) reaching 20 years in the state, the prospect of Utah continuing to grow the game with an additional professional team is an exciting concept. Hypothetically, they would join an exclusive club (California, New York, and Pennsylvania) as the only states to hold a team in all three of the top North American hockey leagues.
Such news may raise a few eyebrows of those within the Tucson Roadrunners, the Mammoth’s current AHL affiliate, but only time will tell what the future may hold.
AHL or not, Smith has his eyes on growing the game in Utah, akin to markets such as Dallas, Nashville, and Vegas, which have become youth hockey hotbeds after the NHL came to town. Bagley added that Smith’s offer to help build more rinks in Utah has been well received, as he says he has heard from 20 different communities that have shown interest.
Finally, Bagley provided injury updates for the club as they wind up for their second season. Key offseason acquisition JJ Peterka returned to the ice today, per Bagley, having missed Saturday’s practice. The 23-year-old looks to build off a 68-point campaign in Buffalo last year and star for the Mammoth.
Logan Cooley and Jack McBain remain sidelined, Head Coach Andre Tourigny told Bagley. Neither is expected out long term, but they will not play tomorrow vs the Kings.
Goalie Notes: Dostal, Vasilevskiy, Hellebuyck
The Anaheim Ducks announced today that young starting netminder Lukáš Dostál will be day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
The 25-year-old is a major key for the Ducks this season, fresh off signing a five-year contract in July. Having made additional offseason moves that affirm the team is pushing for a step forward, much will ride on Dostál and his ability to fill the void left by stalwart John Gibson, who was finally dealt over the summer. Anaheim has steadily developed the talented goaltender, with a workload that has gradually increased year by year.
Now, with Gibson moving on, Dostal is the undisputed #1, with a fellow Czech, veteran Petr Mrázek in waiting. The Ducks have another notable former Red Wing in their goaltender room as well, in Ville Husso. Yet the 30-year-old, who once flashed serious potential, is likely set to hold things down for AHL San Diego, barring any setbacks from Dostál.
Additional goaltender notes:
- Elsewhere, Tampa Bay Head Coach Jon Cooper told Beat Writer Benjamin Pierce that star Andrei Vasilevskiy returned to the ice today and is expected to be with the main group tomorrow. Bleacher Report Open Ice added that the Russian netminder will likely be ready for the Lightning’s season opener on October 9th. As previously noted, the team has been mostly silent on Vasilevskiy’s status, calling it “player management”.
- Vasilevskiy is not the only superstar goaltender fighting to be ready for the season to begin. As reported by Murat Ates of The Athletic, Connor Hellebuyck left practice “not feeling right”. According to Head Coach Scott Arniel, there is uncertainty whether the two-time reigning Vezina winner plays tomorrow. With rosters being finalized, eyes will be on the status of each starter, as well as Husso, Eric Comrie, and Brandon Halverson, who each remain on their team’s respective rosters as third options in net.
Metro Notes: Miller, Ovechkin, Milano
A concerning story emerged out of New York today, as J.T. Miller left practice after an apparent leg injury. The new Rangers captain was seen lunging after a loose puck and came up favoring his leg, in a video posted by Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic.
Fortunately, Peter Baugh of The Athletic updated this evening that Miller is expected to be fine, a few days missed at worst. The 32-year-old will be relied on heavily in his second stint with the Rangers, as they seek a big turnaround this season, as outlined earlier today.
Meanwhile, the Capitals had a pair of key updates on their forward core today. Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post confirmed Alex Ovechkin has been fully cleared for contact and was a regular participant in practice. Head coach Spencer Carbery told Johnson that the legend had no setbacks and looked the part.
Carbery does not expect Ovechkin to appear in tomorrow’s preseason tilt against the Blue Jackets, but he could do so in the last two tune-up games for the Capitals.
Johnson also noted that Sonny Milano is sidelined with an upper-body injury, which is unrelated to the ailment that cost Milano almost the entirety of last season. It is unfortunate timing for the 29-year-old former top prospect as he looks to return to the Capitals lineup, having carved a role as a solid contributor in the last few seasons.
Blues, Cam Fowler Agree To Three Year Extension
A pending free agent, defenseman Cam Fowler has signed a three-year extension with the St. Louis Blues, per team announcement.
Per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the deal is set at a $6.1MM AAV, with Jeremy Rutherford of the Athletic adding that it is a flat contract with no variation year-to-year. It will take Fowler through his age 36 season, and comes in above the projected value of $5.4MM, according to AFP Analytics.
Fowler, 33, was acquired last December in exchange for fringe prospect Jérémie Biakabutuka and a 2027 second-round pick, in a deal that was not totally expected given the Blues’ stock of veteran left handed defensemen. However, it proved to be fruitful, as Fowler was a great fit wearing the Note, with 36 points in 51 games, and a +19, filling the void left from Torey Krug and his likely career-ending injury.
After a season in which the Blues exceeded expectations, pushing the President’s Trophy winning Winnipeg Jets to the brink in the first round of the playoffs, change on the blue line has been a point of emphasis. Out went Nick Leddy and Ryan Suter, allowing for a larger role for Philip Broberg, along with the acquisition of promising young defender Logan Mailloux.
Now with Fowler locked up as well, the Blues have built up a formidable core on both ends, which are all signed for the foreseeable future. The veteran offensive defenseman will continue to lead the Blues powerplay attack, and will be leaned on to mentor Broberg, Mailloux, as well as emerging youngster Matthew Kessel and eventually, top prospect Adam Jiricek.
Having fallen into their laps at 12th overall during the 2010 NHL Draft, Fowler quickly became a vital member of the Ducks throughout the 2010s. Making the team right out of camp as a rookie, the smooth-skating defenseman notched 40 points, and never looked back, having never played a game in the AHL. Fowler earned an eight-year extension worth $6.5MM per season in 2017. The Windsor, Ontario native continued to produce through thick and thin for Anaheim for fifteen seasons. Finally after 17 games in the black and orange last season, and with the contract nearing an end, Anaheim made the difficult decision to deal their second-longest tenured player, retaining $2.5MM per year in the process.
Although a slight decrease in annual value, Fowler’s resurgence undoubtedly heightened his value at 33-years-old, and the Blues are surely relieved to reach an agreement on their key defenseman before the season has begun.