Joel Armia, Paul Byron Out “Week-To-Week”
The Montreal Canadiens have been struck with some more bad injury news, as head coach Claude Julien told reporters including Eric Engels of Sportsnet that both Joel Armia and Paul Byron will be out on a “week-to-week” basis. Armia was injured on Monday night against the Winnipeg Jets, while Byron hasn’t played since the middle of November. The team will get one forward back however, as Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to play tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Armia, 26, has been an absolute bargain for the Canadiens since being acquired in a salary dump in 2018. Montreal took Steve Mason and his hefty contract from the Winnipeg Jets and proceeded to buy the goaltender out, but ended up with a depth forward who had just set career highs with 12 goals and 29 points. Right away Armia was a huge addition for the Canadiens, changing the look of their penalty kill while also providing some much needed secondary scoring. Though last season was also cut short to injury, he still provided 13 goals in 57 games.
This year has been even better, with Armia scoring at the best pace of his career. With 12 goals in 35 games he trails only Tomas Tatar and Brendan Gallagher for the team lead, while his 21 points put him fifth among Canadiens forwards. His presence in all situations will be missed dearly, especially as Montreal tries to keep pace with the red hot Toronto Maple Leafs and make up some ground on the bruised Boston Bruins.
Torey Krug Placed On Injured Reserve
After sustaining an upper-body injury on December 23rd, Torey Krug has been placed on injured reserve. The Boston Bruins have recalled Steven Kampfer from the minor leagues to take his place under emergency conditions. Krug left the game on Monday after taking a hard hit from Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, though it is not clear exactly what the ailment is at this point.
If Krug misses any significant time, the Bruins will have to find other ways of moving the puck quickly to their talented forwards. The 28-year old has been one of the most consistent offensive defensemen in the league the last several years and had 26 points in his first 33 games this season. That included 14 powerplay assists, a spot that the Bruins will need to find a replacement for as well.
Obviously the exit of Krug doesn’t completely torpedo a Bruins team that sits firmly in first place in the Atlantic Division, but the group had already shown cracks in their armor recently. Boston is just 2-4-4 in their last ten games and do have a hard-charging Toronto Maple Leafs team now within nine points. The ship needs to be righted at some point, and losing Krug certainly doesn’t help.
Prospect Notes: WJC Injuries, Groulx, Mysak
The World Junior Championship began today and it took just 53 seconds for the first notable injury to occur. Czech Republic forward Jakub Lauko (BOS) was sandwiched between two Russian checks within the first minute of this morning’s game (video). Lauko’s right knee buckled from knee-to-knee contact on the first hit and as he he fell there was knee-to-knee contact on the second hit, not to mention shoulder-to-chest and head-to-ice. Lauko struggled off the ice and did not return. He was later seen watching the game with his right knee taped and using crutches. After the game, head coach Vaclav Varada indicated that it was an MCL injury for Lauko and that the early expectation is that he will miss the rest of the tournament. The host Czechs escaped with the win against the Russians, but will struggle without Lauko, one of the top forwards on a shallow unit up front. Lauko has eight points in 18 games with the Providence Bruins in his first pro season.
Team Finland also suffered a blow in the first game of their title defense and it wasn’t just the loss to rival Sweden. Rasmus Kupari (LAK) suffered a left knee injury in the third period on an awkward check that sent him airborne (video). Kupari was helped off the ice and did not return. Early indications is that it is a serious injury. Kupari had eight points in 27 games with the AHL’s Onatio Reign prior to the injury but now one has to wonder if his first season in North America is now over, ended by the overseas tournament. Fortunately for Kings fans, the team still leads all NHL teams in WJC participants, even with Kupari’s absence.
- Benoit-Olivier Groulx (ANA), the final cut from Team Canada’s WJC roster, will be on a new team when QMJHL action resumes. The Moncton Wildcats have announced that they have acquired the former Halifax Mooseheads captain in exchange for a 2021 first-round pick and second-round picks in 2020 and 2022. Groulx, a second-round selection of the Anaheim Ducks in 2018, had 41 points in 28 games with Halifax prior to the trade and will look to keep that momentum going with his new team. The skilled, two-way center is a major addition for Moncton, who currently hold the third-best record in the league and have their eyes on a Memorial Cup berth this season.
- 2020 NHL Draft prospect Jan Mysak made a splash in his WJC debut, named the player of the game for the Czech Republic versus Russia. The young winger is a dynamic offensive talent who has flown somewhat under the radar due to his participation in the Czech pro league instead of a more recognizable locale. However, many expect that by the end of the tournament he will have assured any doubters that he is worthy of his first-round billing. Meanwhile, older brother Josef Mysak didn’t want to miss out on the headlines. Mysak, a defenseman in the NAHL, has committed to play college hockey at Niagara University. The elder Mysak becomes the first graduate of HC Litvinov, the program that both he and his brother grew up in, to play in the NCAA, while Jan could become the first to be drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft.
Five Key Stories: 12/16/19 – 12/22/19
The days leading up to the NHL’s Holiday Roster Freeze are always full of potential for big moves by teams looking to make a change before a stretch of mandatory inactivity. This year did not disappoint, as the biggest target on the rental market was dealt, highlighting a busy week. Here are the five biggest stories of the past week:
Taylor Hall Traded To Arizona: The week started with a bang, as the Taylor Hall saga came to an end with a trade to Arizona. The Coyotes sent a 2020 first-round pick, a conditional 2021 third-round pick, and prospects Nate Schnarr, Nick Merkley and Kevin Bahl to the Devils. New Jersey retained half of Hall’s $6MM cap as well. Hall was the top name in the rental market this season, but many were left underwhelmed by the trade return. The asking price may have been affected by Hall’s reluctance to negotiate an extension in-season, which he has maintained since arriving in the desert. Nevertheless, the Coyotes’ acquisition could make them the favorite to win the Pacific Division this year as they pursue the franchise’s first Stanley Cup.
Ilya Kovalchuk Leaves Kings: Veteran Ilya Kovalchuk is on the move as well, but his destination is yet to be determined. He and the Los Angeles Kings came to a mutual agreement on a contract termination on Monday, with Kovalchuk clearing unconditional waivers on Tuesday. The former superstar never fit with the Kings after returning from the KHL and could be tempted to return to Russia after this failure. However, he is reportedly willing to sign a minimum deal to remain in the NHL as he too is pursuing his first Stanley Cup, without much time left in his lengthy career.
Eric Comrie, Stefan Noesen Claimed: Three players entered the waiver wire on Wednesday and two emerged on new teams. Both goaltender Eric Comrie and forward Stefan Noesen were claimed on waivers. For Comrie, he returns to the Winnipeg Jets, the team with which he began the season, after making stops with the Arizona Coyotes and Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, Noesen only signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins a few weeks ago, but is already on the move to the San Jose Sharks. Austin Czarnik, the most accomplished player waived on Wednesday, but also the most expensive, was not claimed and remains with the Calgary Flames.
The Injury Bug Bites: Injuries are not exactly an uncommon occurrence in the NHL, but this week in particular took a heavy toll across the league. Just how bad was it? Here is the list of players who were announced this week as being out long-term: Josh Anderson, Danny DeKeyser, Troy Terry, Derek Grant, Andrew Peeke, Ryan Murray, Darcy Kuemper, Jason Zucker, Josh Leivo, Brandon Saad, Cal Clutterbuck, Anthony Mantha, and Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Chris Snow Diagnosed With ALS: Calgary Flames Assistant General Manager Chris Snow has been diagnosed with ALS, as disclosed by his wife in a public letter. As Snow begins this difficult battle, we here at PHR wish he and his family the best this holiday season.
Columbus’ Oliver Bjorkstrand Expected To Miss 4-6 Weeks
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced they have placed Oliver Bjorkstrand on injured reserve as the forward is expected to miss four to six weeks due to a rib/cartilage contusion with an oblique strain, an injury he received during the team’s 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
Bjorkstrand suffered the injury in the third period of the game when he was cross-checked by the Devils’ Damon Severson. He left the game and did not return. It’s a severe blow for an injury-plagued team. The team now has seven players on injured reserve and 10 total players injured, including Josh Anderson (shoulder), Cam Atkinson (lower body), Emil Bemstrom (ribs), Brandon Dubinsky (wrist), Sonny Milano (upper body), Ryan Murray (lower body), Markus Nutivaara (upper body), David Savard (illness) and Andrew Peeke (hand).
The injury is even more significant that he has been red-hot recently, having scored four goals in the last five games and moved into a tie with Pierre Luc-Dubois for the scoring lead with 12 goals, two of which came during Saturday’s victory over the Devils. Bjorkstrand has 12 goals and 23 points and was on target to break career highs in several categories. The 24-year-old is also tied for 17th in the NHL with 122 shots.
The team has recalled Nathan Gerbe from the Cleveland Monsters on an emergency basis. The 32-year-old veteran hasn’t played in the NHL since appearing in two games during the 2017-18 season, but the quick-moving veteran has eight goals and 25 points in 30 games for the Monsters.
Atlantic Notes: Fabbri, Chara, Sabourin, Anderson
The Department of Player Safety revealed that while Detroit Red Wings forward Robby Fabbri will not be suspended for spearing Toronto Maple Leafs forward Alexander Kerfoot. However, they did announce that they have fined Fabbri $2,419.35, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for the incident.
The incident happened during the second period of Saturday’s game with both Fabbri and Kerfoot receiving offsetting minor penalties on the play. This is Fabbri’s first run-in with the Department of Player Safety. Fabbri has turned his career around since being traded to Detroit where he has eight goals and 16 points in 20 games for them.
- The Boston Bruins will be without defenseman Zdeno Chara as the team announced that the 42-year-old will miss Monday’s game against Washington to undergo a follow-up procedure on his surgically-repaired jaw that he sustained during the playoffs last season. The Athletic’s Joe McDonald adds that an infection has developed within the plates and screws in his jaw and must be replaced. With the three-day break coming up, that should give the veteran some time to recover from the procedure without missing much playing time.
- Ottawa Citizen’s Ken Warren revealed that injured forward Scott Sabourin is expected to return for Monday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres. Sabourin hasn’t appeared in a game since Nov. 2 after a scary collision with Boston Bruins forward David Backes. Sabourin fell face-first into the ice and suffered a concussion. He’s been skating with the team for several weeks now, but looks finally ready to suit up. The 27-year-old was faring well with Ottawa’s fourth line, posting two points and 26 hits over 11 games.
- Sticking with Senators, Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reports that the team will also be getting back starting goaltender Craig Anderson. It might come at the perfect time with Anders Nilsson out with a concussion and on injured reserve. Anderson has been out with a knee injury since Dec. 7, but is expected to serve as the backup to Marcus Hogberg on Monday against Buffalo. Anderson has a 3.01 GAA in 16 games and a .901 save percentage.
Western Notes: Arvidsson, Granlund, Demers, Glass
The Nashville Predators expect to get two big returns to their lineup Saturday as the forward’s Viktor Arvidsson and Mikael Granlund are expected back, according to NHL.com’s Matt Kalman. Both have been out with lower-body injuries, but the hope is that both players will boost Nashville’s struggling team.
Arvidsson has missed 12 games over four weeks. He was originally estimated to be out for four to six weeks, which means he will return at the early part of the estimation. The 26-year-old started strong with six goals and 15 points in 22 games. Granlund, on the other hand, has missed four straight games with a lower-body injury as well. Granlund has four goals and 12 points in 28 games.
- The Athletic’s Craig Morgan reports that Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jason Demers was a full participant in practice Saturday and while he is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against Detroit, but is expected to be re-evaluated on Monday against Nashville. This is a quick turnaround for Demers who underwent a minor procedure on his knee just two weeks ago.
- Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant said that while forward Cody Glass is closing in on a return, he will not play in their back-to-back games against San Jose and Colorado Sunday and Monday, according to Las Vegas Review-Journal’s David Schoen. Glass, who has been out since Dec. 8 with a concussion, skated Saturday in a non-contact jersey, suggesting he’s close to returning. That could suggest that the rookie could make his return Friday vs. Anaheim.
- The Minnesota Wild hope to get back a player as well. Star Tribune’s Sarah McLellan reports that center Joel Eriksson Ek should be able to return at some point next week. The 22-year-old has been out with an upper-body injury for the past week and is expected to practice with the team on Sunday. Eriksson Ek has two goals and 12 points in 30 games this season.
Blackhawks Place Brandon Saad On Injured Reserve
The Chicago Blackhawks have the least number of victories in the Western Conference and while the team is hoping it can rebound from their poor record, but they will have to do it without one of their most productive scorers as the Blackhawks announced they have placed forward Brandon Saad on injured reserve with a right ankle injury, retroactive to Dec. 19.
Saad was injured Thursday against Winnipeg when he was hit against the boards by defenseman Luca Sbisa in the second period. Saad’s leg twisted underneath him as he fell. He did not return. He could be out as long as two weeks. Saad is second on the team in goals as he currently has 11 goals this year.
The Blackhawks are expected to move Dylan Sikura into Saad’s spot on the first line next two Jonathan Toews and Dominik Kubalik. The 24-year-old winger is still looking for his first goal through 40 NHL games.
Jason Zucker To Miss Four-To-Six Weeks Following Surgery
The Wild will be without winger Jason Zucker for the next little while. They announced that he has undergone successful surgery to repair a fractured right fibula and that he will miss the next four-to-six weeks as a result.
The injury was sustained back on Sunday against Chicago early in the game after taking a shot to his leg on a dump-in attempt. Surprisingly, he didn’t miss a shift despite being helped off the ice and wound up logging 16:33 in the contest which is slightly higher than his season average.
This is certainly a tough blow for Minnesota who is within striking distance of a Wild Card spot. Zucker sits second on the Wild in scoring behind only Eric Staal and had been picking up his production as of late, collecting seven goals and five assists over his previous 14 games.
The fact that he will miss at least a month means that he’s eligible to be placed on LTIR if they need to open up short-term extra cap space although they have enough cap room to call up a replacement from AHL Iowa, something that they’ll likely need to do so as they’re now down to just 12 healthy forwards on their active roster.
Senators Notes: Nilsson, Hainsey, Prospects
The Ottawa Senators will be without Anders Nilsson for a while, as GM Pierre Dorion told TSN radio that the goaltender has suffered a concussion. Nilsson has been excellent for the the Senators this season even with a leaky defense corps, putting up a .909 save percentage and 9-9-2 record.
Craig Anderson will be back in the net for the Senators, but Nilsson is going on injured reserve.
- The team also is dealing with a minor injury to Ron Hainsey, after the 38-year old logged at least 24 minutes in each of his last four games. Hainsey is going to be out until after Christmas, a tough break for a Senators group that is already missing Nikita Zaitsev and Dylan DeMelo. Maxime Lajoie will be recalled to give them another option on the roster.
- Still, that leaves the Senators without many healthy defensemen on NHL contracts in the organization. With that in mind, Dorion admitted that they are considering recalling Lassi Thomson or Olle Alsing, who are both playing in Europe. While the team obviously doesn’t want to give up future assets for NHL players right now, they may be forced to if the injuries continue.