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Pacific Notes: Frederic, Pitlick, Koskenvuo

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Edmonton Oilers’ forward Trent Frederic was activated from the injured reserve list today and is in the lineup for their game against the Los Angeles Kings. Team TV host Tony Brar said yesterday there was a slight chance for a return for Frederic today, who has been out since Feb. 27 with a lower-body injury. Today marks his first action in an Oilers jersey since being traded on March 4 from the Boston Bruins as in a three-team deal.

Frederic is slotted on the team’s second line alongside center Adam Henrique and winger Zach Hyman. In 57 games in Boston this season, Frederic posted 15 points, a minue-14 rating, and 144 hits while averaging 13:50 of total ice time per game. While he’s seeing top six minutes in his Edmonton debut, he’ll likely slot into a depth role for the squad once stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as well as veteran Evander Kane, return from injury.

Frederic is set to hit free agency following the season but should prove to be a strong resource for the Oilers heading into the playoffs. The 27-year-old has appeared in 22 playoff contests in his career, including 13 games last season in Boston.

Elsewhere in the Pacific:

  • The San Jose Sharks’ AHL affiliate announced the release of veteran Rem Pitlick today. Pitlick appeared in 18 games for the San Jose Barracuda this season, picking up two goals and 13 points along the way. A veteran of five NHL seasons, Pitlick’s best results occurred during the 2021-22 campaign, where he registered 15 goals and 37 points in 66 contests split between the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens. In 132 career NHL games, Pitlick has picked up 21 goals and 54 points, while adding an additional 138 points in the AHL. Originally a 2016 third round selection of the Nashville Predators, Pitlick will look for another opportunity to make his way back into the NHL.
  • The Vancouver Canucks’ AHL affiliate signed goalie Aku Koskenvuo to an amateur try-out agreement, per a team announcement. The 22-year-old, Finnish prospect just wrapped up his third NCAA season at Harvard, posting a respectable .902 save percentage on the season. And while the team’s 2021 fifth round selection only secured an ATO, it is likely Koskenvuo will receive an entry-level deal at some point soon.

West Notes: Seguin, Ralph, Hoskin

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Dallas Stars’ forward Tyler Seguin returned to practice yesterday prior to their 5-1 win against Seattle and head coach Peter DeBoer noted the star “looks good,” per an NHL release.

DeBoer added that the next step in the process is simply for Seguin to get his legs and cardio back into game shape. This could also lead to a potential conditioning assignment in the AHL, but DeBoer’s quotes serve a positive development in the status of one of the team’s best players. Seguin’s season was derailed by a left hip injury that occurred in December and required two surgeries. Prior to the injury, the 33-year-old recorded 9 goals and 20 points and a plus-14 rating in 19 games.

While he isn’t expected to return until at least mid-April, Seguin’s eventual return should support Dallas’ Stanley Cup aspirations, especially with the additions of Mikael Granlund and Mikko Rantanen. Seguin, who remains on long term injured reserve, still has two years remaining on his deal with a $9.85MM cap hit. He has recorded 808 points in 988 career games.

Elsewhere in the Western Conference:

  • Blues’ 2024 second round selection Colin Ralph has entered the transfer portal, ending his time at St. Cloud State University. The 6’5, 225-pound defender spent one season at St. Cloud before opting to enter the portal. In 35 games this season, Ralph, 19, recorded eight points and minus-four rating. Touted for his strong defensive play and size, Ralph will look for a new opportunity in the NCAA. He is among a plethora of defensive prospects in the Blues organization, including Quinton Burns and Matthew Mayich (both currently in the OHL), Lukas Fischer, Hunter Skinner and Samuel Johannesson (all currently in the AHL), and William McIssac (WHL).
  • Flames prospect Trevor Hoskin has also entered the portal, per Grand Folks Hearld reporter Brad Elliott Schlossman. The 20-year-old forward spent one season at Niagara University and recorded 12 goals and 39 points in 36 games. Despite tying for first in points this season for the Purple Eagles, Hoskin will look for another collegiate opportunity. In three seasons in the OJHL, he recorded 190 points, including 100 points in his last season. The 6’1, 175 pounder was Calgary’s 2024 fourth round selection.

Colton Sissons Sustains Injury, Potentially Opening Door For Matthew Wood

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Nashville Predators’ forward Colton Sissons sustained what appeared to be a serious leg injury in last night’s loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, and the injury could result in a lengthy absence, per Alex Daughtery of the Nashville Tennessean.

With less than five minutes left in the first period, Sissons was hit by Vegas forward Brett Howden and landed hard on his left leg. He needed to be helped off the ice and was unable to put weight on his leg. If leaving the arena in crutches wasn’t a big enough indicator, post-game comments made by teammates and coaches led to speculation surrounding the serious nature of the injury. As an example, defenseman Nick Blankenburg asked for everyone to keep Sissons “in their prayers,” while Head coach Andrew Brunette added that Sissons is a “heart and soul guy” and that the team was a little “shocked” by the injury, per team reporter Brooks Bratten.

The 31-year-old Sissons has spent his entire career in Nashville and has experienced the highs and lows of the franchise along the way. This includes the team’s run to the Stanley Cup finals during the 2016-17 season (where Sissons posted 12 points in 22 games), as well as the struggles of this season, where the team has already been eliminated from post-season contention. On the year, Sissons has posted 21 points and a minus-12 in 72 games.

While Sissons’ injury may result in the end of his season, Predators reporter Nick Kieser wonders if his misfortune could result in an early opportunity for recently signed Matthew Wood. The 20-year-old, the 15th overall selection in the 2023 draft, was signed to a three-year, entry-level deal that was announced just yesterday by GM Barry Trotz. Wood played at the University of Minnesota and just wrapped up his junior season that saw him record 17 goals and 39 points in 39 games. Wood was already set to report to the Predators in the coming days, but with Sissons on the shelf, he may see his first NHL action sooner than anticipated.

Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek Full Participants At Practice

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Minnesota Wild forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek were both full participants in practice today, according to Michael Russo of The Athletic. While their participation doesn’t necessarily mean the two stars are close to a return, their continued progress should serve as an encouraging sign for their playoff availability. The two returned to skating prior to practice just three days ago.

Kaprizov continues to work his way back from what is believed to have been groin surgery, while Eriksson Ek has been out since late February with a lower body injury. While the Wild started the season off hot and find themselves in the first wild card spot in the west, their offense has been inconsistent for much of the year. They are currently the only team in a playoff spot with a negative goal differential (202 goals for, 211 goals against). Their 202 goals on the season are also eighth lowest league-wide. During their absences, players like Matt Boldy, Frédérick Gaudreau, Marco Rossi, and Mats Zuccarello have shouldered the load offensively. However, as Russo also noted, Zuccarello left practice early today, with Kaprizov taking his spot on the top line. No reason for his departure was given.

Kaprizov had be dealing with lingering injury concerns throughout the season before his latest absence but was still making a massive impact for the Wild on the scoresheet. He has 23 goals and 52 points in just 37 games on the season. A return to form for the playoffs could provide the type of spark the Wild’s offense would need for a potential deep run. In his short career, the 27-year-old has shown he can make an impact in the playoffs with 10 goals in 17 career contests.

Veteran Eriksson Ek’s return would give the Wild their top defensive forward back. Eriksson Ek, who has finished top 10 in Selke voting each of the past four years, also provides a great depth scoring option. Despite contributing just 24 points in 42 games on the season, he is coming off of the best season of his career, posting his first career 30-goal season along with a career-high 64 points last season.

As Russo notes, both players are expected to join the team for their three-game road trip, but neither are expected to play this week. However, Kaprizov is expected to meet with his surgeon, and clearance from his medical staff could be the final hurdle to clear towards a return to the lineup.

Eriksson Ek is on standard IR, while Kaprizov is on LTIR. If Minnesota were to have Kaprizov available before the end of the regular season, they’d need to clear roughly $550K in cap space to activate him.

Coaching Options Ramping Up For Flyers

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While the Flyers fired head coach John Tortorella just this morning, the rumors of their next leader are already ramping up, and a former Flyers legend is on the list of names.

Despite the Canucks desire to keep their current head coach Rick Tocchet, TSN insider Pierre LeBrun notes that he is the only NHL coach currently on an expiring contract, giving him flexibility to entertain options such as the Flyers’ vacancy after the season. Tocchet recently noted that he is not thinking about his current contract while the Canucks find themselves in a playoff race and would be interested in contract negotiations only after the season concludes for Vancouver. In three seasons with the Canucks, Tocchet has amassed a 104-61-25 record and took home the 2023-24 Jack Adams Award after guiding the club to a 50-23-9 mark.

LeBrun said he can see Tocchet’s future going in several different directions, including throwing his hat in the ring for coaching opportunities outside of Vancouver. Given his history in Philadelphia, LeBrun adds that speculation will rightly ramp up surrounding mural interest between the coach and organization. In 11 seasons as a player in Philly, the fiery power forward recorded 508 points to go along with a hefty 1,815 penalty minutes. Already a fan favorite from his first stint with the team, Tocchet’s return to Philly for his final two-and-a-half seasons secured his legacy as one of the organization’s most beloved players. Following his playing career, Tocchet also served as a post-game analyst in Philly for several seasons.

With the season winding down, LeBrun added that the Flyers will rightly wait until after the season to begin their coaching search. LeBrun speculated on a few additional names, including Joel Quenneville (who is eligible to return to coaching), University of Denver Coach David Carle, and current interim coach Brad Shaw. This is the second interim head coaching position for Shaw, who experienced a similar situation with the New York Islanders during the 2005-06 season when head coach Steve Stirling was fired. Shaw guided the Isles to an 18-18-4 record and was not retained. He has since bounced around the league in various assistant coaching roles.

Golden Knights Sign Goaltender Cameron Whitehead

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The Vegas Golden Knights have signed goaltender Cameron Whitehead to a two-year, entry-level contract, per a team release. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced today that the team came to terms with Whitehead, the team’s 2022 fourth-round selection. It is not yet known whether Whitehead will report to the AHL or ECHL.

Whitehead, 21, spent the last two seasons at Northwestern University and started 35 of the team’s last 37 games, securing a .911 save percentage and a 2.74 goals-against average in those contests. He also helped lead the team to the semifinals of the 2025 Hockey East Conference Tournament, beating top seeded Boston College along the way. Prior to his time in college, Whitehead spent two seasons in the USHL with the Lincoln Stars, where he recorded a 41-23-6 record in 74 games.

At 6’3, 189 pounds, the lefty-catching prospect has the size NHL teams covet and provides Vegas with a solid prospect to put between the pipes. Whitehead joins current AHL starter Carl Lindbom atop the organization’s goaltending prospects list. Lindbom is having a great start to his North American career this year, recording a 16-11-1 record and .915 save percentage in the AHL. Lindbom could be knocking on the door of the NHL, especially considering current Golden Knights’ backup Ilya Samsonov is set for free agency following the season.

Also in the prospect mix is 2024 third round selection Pavel Moysevich, although the massive 6’5 prospect has yet to make his way over to North America from Russia. He has spent the season between the VHL and KHL, recording an .898 save percentage with SKA St. Petersburg through 18 appearances on the season. There is also 24-year-old Akira Schmid, who has seen limited action in parts of three NHL seasons, but has struggled mightily this season in the AHL, recording an 8-18-3 record to pair with his .884 save percentage.

Red Wings Activate Jeff Petry, Assign Prospect Emmitt Finnie To AHL

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After missing the previous 31 games with an undisclosed injury, Detroit Red Wings’ defenseman Jeff Petry has been removed from injured reserve and is in the lineup tonight against the Utah Hockey Club, per a team release. Petry, who last played Jan. 2 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, had recently returned to practice. He is skating with Simon Edvinsson on the team’s second defensive pairing. In his first full season in Detroit, Edvinsson has impressed with 26 points, 126 blocked shots, and a plus-4 rating in 65 games.

Although Petry has had just six points in 34 games to begin the year and a minus-seven rating, he has displayed offensive upside throughout his career. The 37-year-old veteran of nearly 1,000 career games has registered 383 points in the NHL and has added an additional 13 points in 48 career playoff tilts. Petry is in the final year of his contract and will be a free agent at season’s end. He had a $6.25MM cap hit this season.

While head coach Todd McLellan noted today that Petry can provide solid puck-moving abilities and a veteran presence for the team, he added the difficulty Petry will face in returning after such a lengthy absence. The Red Wings find themselves five points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card spot in the east.

The team also announced today that they reassigned forward Emmitt Finnie to the AHL from the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. He has captained the Blazers this season while recording 37 goals and 84 points through 55 games. The team’s seventh round selection in 2023 draft is shooting up Detroit’s prospect rankings thanks to his lofty numbers on the season. Finnie, 19, appeared in three AHL contests last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, but didn’t record a point.

Oilers’ Connor McDavid And Leon Draisaitl To Miss More Time

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Edmonton Oilers’ superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will not play this week, meaning they’ll miss an additional three games with injury, per team reporter Tony Brar.

McDavid suffered a lower body injury during last Thursday’s lost to the Winnipeg Jets after taking a cross check to the midsection, while Draisaitl has missed the team’s last two games with an undisclosed injury. On Friday, it was reported that both Draisaitl and McDavid were headed for further testing on help determine the severity and duration of their injuries.

Also on Friday, head coach Kris Knoblauch stated both players would be day-to-day moving forward. Knoblauch added it’s important to preach caution at this stage of the season, and that is especially true when it comes to the team’s two best players. However, today’s news seems to reset the timeline for their return. The Oilers next three games will be against the Stars on Wednesday, the Kraken on Thursday, and the Flames on Saturday.

If possible, Draisaitl has risen his game to an even higher level this season. He currently leads the league in goals with 49 and his 101 points are second behind Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon (105). He also leads the league in power play goals and game-winning goals. Meanwhile, McDavid has continued to produce at an MVP-candidate-level, posting 90 points in 63 games.

With the playoffs right around the corner, it goes without saying a full return to health for both players will be paramount to Edmonton’s hopes at another deep run. Last season, the two stars combined for an astonishing 73 points in 25 games, with McDavid securing the Conn Smythe Trophy despite coming up short of hoisting the Stanley Cup. The Oilers currently sit third in the Pacific with 87 points but are tied in points with Kings for second place.

 

 

Blue Jackets’ Sean Monahan And Erik Gudbranson Return

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After activating both center Sean Monahan and defender Erik Gudbranson from injured reserve earlier today, both players are in fact the lineup tonight against the Islanders, per a team release.

Both veterans return after lengthy absences. Gudbranson has missed the last 66 games with a shoulder injury that required surgery, while Monahan (upper body) returns following 28 games out of the lineup. The return of both should support Columbus’ attempt to secure a playoff spot, and their returns are particularly timely given the team’s recent six-game winless streak. The Blue Jackets currently find themselves four points out of the final wild card spot in the east.

Gudbranson has suited up in just three games on the season, his third in Columbus. A veteran of 792 games, Gudbranson has registered 133 points during his 13-year career, but his true calling card is in the defensive zone where he has carved out a solid career by utilizing his 6’5, 222-pound frame to play a physical and defensively responsible style. Gudbranson is paired with Denton Mateychuk on the team’s third defensive pairing tonight. The veteran also adds 31 games of playoff experience to his resume.

Meanwhile, Monahan is slotted back on the team’s first line between wingers Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko in his first game action since Jan. 7. In 41 games on the season, Monahan has posted 14 goals, 41 points, and a plus-17 rating. Monahan was a key part of Columbus’ early-season success, and his return should help the team’s offense as they make a run at the playoffs. Monahan has registered eight seasons with at least 20 goals during his 12-year career and was well on his way to hitting that mark again this season before his injury. In 805 career games, the 30-year-old has registered 258 goals and 579 points. He has added 22 points in 35 career playoff games.

Penguins’ Goalie Prospect Sergei Murashov Making Waves

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Pittsburgh Penguins’ goalie prospect Sergei Murashov is making the most of his first season playing in North America, as he recently set a franchise record for the AHL-affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton by winning his 10th game in a row, per a team release.

Pittsburgh’s fourth round selection in the 2022 draft, Murashov spent 26 games in the ECHL to begin the season before getting called up to the AHL. In 11 games for the Baby Pens, he has a 10-0-0 record to pair with his .916 save percentage. The 20-year-old from Yaroslavl, Russia also posted a 13-game win streak with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers from Nov. 6 to Jan. 8, which set the longest streak in their history as well.

While Murashov still has room to grow, his statistics and results this season show that he’s at least knocking on the door of the NHL. His development adds an extra element to Pittsburgh’s goaltending situation moving forward, which includes the shaky play of former all-star Tristan Jarry, the up-and-down contributions of backup Alex Nedeljkovic, and the continued development of fellow prospect Joel Blomqvist.

The most polarizing of these names is of course Jarry, who has struggled mightily since signing a five-year, $26,875,000 contract in July 2023. The 29-year-old, two-time all-star, has recorded a .894 save percentage this season, and found himself demoted to the AHL in an effort to rediscover his once promising game. His play of late has significantly improved – corresponding with the team’s surge in play – and has recorded a .928 save percentage over his last five games.

Due to Jarry’s mid-season demotion, Nedeljkovic has played the most games in Pittsburgh this season (33 starts) but has also struggled compared to previous success. Just last season, “Ned” played in 33 games for the Pens and recorded an 18-7-7 record to go along with a .902 save percentage. That was good enough to secure a two-year, $5MM contract to stay in Pittsburgh. But despite his usual standing as a trustworthy NHL-level backup, Nedeljkovic has recorded just a .893 save percentage on the season.

Blomqvist, Pittsburgh’s second round selection in the 2020 draft, has struggled in 15 games in the NHL this season, recording an .885 save percentage and a 4-9-1 record. However, in 15 games at the AHL-level, the 23-year-old has registered a strong .915 save percentage.

While there appears to be a bit of a log jam between the pipes in Pittsburgh, none of the goalies ahead of Murashov on the organization’s depth chart has done themselves any favors – even when factoring in the poor defensive play of Pittsburgh’s blueliners this season. General manager Kyle Dubas will have key decisions to make if he intends to clear a path for Murashov moving forward.

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