Flames Reassign Justin Kirkland
Feb. 2: Kirkland has cleared waivers, per Friedman. The team later announced he’s been reassigned to Calgary.
Feb. 1: The Calgary Flames have placed forward Justin Kirkland on waivers, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
This is Kirkland’s second waiver placement of the year, as he was also waived in November. Kirkland has been on the Flames’ NHL roster since mid-December, serving largely as a spare forward option. He’s played 20 NHL games this season and has been a healthy scratch for eight, including yesterday.
In the 20 contests he was dressed for, Kirkland managed one goal and two points across 9:49 time on ice per game. He also managed to play a role on the Flames’ penalty kill, averaging nearly two minutes per game of short-handed ice time.
At the AHL level, Kirkland has been a steady top-six scoring option for the Flames’ affiliates, both when they were based in Stockton and now Calgary. Kirkland, who joined the Flames organization in 2019-20, has five goals and seven points in 14 AHL contests this season and had 30 points in 43 AHL games last year.
While there are some qualities that would suggest Kirkland is a candidate to be claimed — namely, the fact that he can play center and has played on an NHL penalty kill with some regularity — it seems more likely he’ll once again clear waivers. The fact that he’s set to make $900K this year as an owner of a one-way contract increases the likelihood that teams pass on claiming him.
While it’s certainly not impossible he gets claimed, largely for those aforementioned reasons, the most likely outcome is that Kirkland will remain in the organization he’s contributed to for the entirety of the 2020s.
Hurricanes Activate, Reassign Charles-Alexis Legault
The Hurricanes announced that they’ve activated defenseman Charles-Alexis Legault from injured reserve and assigned him to AHL Chicago. He had been out since early November due to surgery to repair several torn extensor tendons on his right hand.
Legault, 22, was one of Carolina’s sharpest risers in training camp. A fifth-round pick in 2023, he’s in just his second professional season after notching 14 points in 63 games for Chicago last year. He didn’t crack the Canes’ opening night roster but found his way back up after just two AHL games when Carolina’s defense was in disarray due to injuries.
The 6’4″, 220-lb righty played in eight games for the Canes before sustaining his hand injury in a fight against the Maple Leafs on Nov. 9. He registered his first two NHL points, a goal and an assist, with a +4 rating while averaging 13:16 per game. He had great underlying possession numbers in his small sample, controlling 57.8% of shot attempts at even strength.
That surely has Carolina excited about his defensive upside, but with their defense back at full health, there’s no role for him right now. He’ll get some more consistent reps in Chicago before entering the final season of his entry-level deal and gunning for more ice time next season. Regardless, he’s still rather high up on their list of right-shot recalls if they need one.
Oilers Sign Atro Leppanen To Two-Way Extension
The Oilers announced they’ve signed defenseman Atro Leppänen to a two-way extension. The deal carries an $850K NHL salary for 2026-27 with a $360K minors salary and a $400K guarantee, per PuckPedia. He would have become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Leppänen, 27, landed in North America for the first time last April when Edmonton inked him to a one-year entry-level deal. While he didn’t win a spot on the Oilers’ roster in training camp, the veteran of 10 professional seasons in Europe accepted an assignment to AHL Bakersfield.
The 6’0″ lefty has been a revelation for Edmonton’s minor-league defense corps, which lacks much puck-moving ability. Despite only playing in 28 of Bakersfield’s 43 contests, he leads their defense in scoring with 20 points (three goals, 17 assists) – although his -5 rating is tied for the worst among Bakersfield rearguards.
It’s largely what was expected out of Leppänen after the previously unheralded Finn exploded for 21 goals and 63 points in 60 games for Liiga’s Sport last season, just his second year in Finland’s top flight after spending most of his pro career in lower-level domestic leagues. Two-way play wasn’t his strong suit in Europe, either.
He’d only ever grade out as a power-play specialist if he lands a recall, but it’s evident he’s happy with the fit in the Oilers’ system and lands a nice AHL pay raise to stick around, up from the minimal $85K he’s making as an entry-level player.
Golden Knights Recall Tanner Laczynski
The Golden Knights have brought up some extra forward depth heading into their game tonight against Anaheim. The team announced (Twitter link) that they’ve recalled forward Tanner Laczynski from AHL Henderson. Vegas had an open roster spot so no corresponding move needed to be made.
It’s the third recall of the season for the 28-year-old and it comes just two days after being sent back to the Silver Knights. Since he played on Friday, he’s eligible to be recalled so quickly after being sent down.
Laczynski has played in eight games with Vegas this season but is still looking for his first goal of the campaign. However, he has a pair of assists and has won just over half of his faceoffs while averaging 10:33 per game. Over parts of five NHL campaigns now, he has three goals and four assists across 54 appearances.
While he hasn’t put up many points in the NHL, Laczynski has been quite productive this season with Henderson. Through 33 games, he has 13 goals and 23 assists, putting him one point shy of last season’s output.
With the Olympic break coming up in a few days, it’s likely that Laczynski’s recall will be a short-term one as Vegas won’t want to further use up his waiver exemption while games aren’t being played.
Ducks Activate Troy Terry, Place Leo Carlsson On Injured Reserve
In advance of tonight’s home game against Vegas, the Anaheim Ducks activated Troy Terry, while Leo Carlsson has landed on injured reserve, per Derek Lee of The Hockey News.
Although not yet official, Terry figures to return to the lineup, as noted by Lee, for his first action since January 6. Meanwhile, the Carlsson news is no real surprise, as he was listed as out three to five weeks in mid-January with a Morel-Lavallée lesion which required a procedure. With the young star’s Olympic status still in flux, today’s note is not necessarily indicative of an update, rather than that Anaheim simply hadn’t yet needed to place him on IR in terms of roster management.
Even without two key players up front, the Ducks have started to turn the tide, winning seven of their last 10. A brutal stretch across New Years where they secured just one point in nine contests appeared to spell the end of a possible run, however, the team is right back into the Wild Card hunt as they aim to end a seven year playoff drought.
The 28-year-old Terry had been playing at a peak level before going down with an upper-body injury, recording 42 points in 43 games, not previously coming so close to point-per-game output so far in his career. Terry particularly showcased playmaking ability, on pace to shatter his current career high of 38 assists, set in 2022-23.
Terry’s metrics also indicate his new heights this season, with an all-time best 54.7% Corsi For in all situations, to go with an elite 91.2% Corsi For in power plays. Naturally having missed 10 games, the Colorado native has slipped among team leaders in scoring, but he still ranks fourth, right in the mix alongside the team’s dynamic young core.
By end of week, Carlsson will have reached three weeks out, after his initial 3-5 week estimation. It’s not too late for some good news in the coming days, but it seems most likely the 21-year-old will have to miss Milan, at least benefiting from the time off. On the other hand Terry will give a big boost for Anaheim as they host the Golden Knights tonight, along with Seattle on Tuesday, before the Olympic Break.
Lightning Activate Victor Hedman, Reassign Maxim Groshev
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is set to return under the lights of today’s Stadium Series game against Boston. The team activated him off injured reserve while assigning Maxim Groshev to the AHL in a corresponding transaction, as reported by Erik Erlendsson of Lightning Insider.
Hedman returning today has been expected in the last 24 hours, but the team had to clear $841k of salary cap space, now out of the way.
The 35-year-old has been sidelined since December 9 after undergoing elbow surgery. Remarkably, even without their #1 defender, the Bolts managed to come away with an 18-3-2 record while he was absent, along with fellow key lefty Ryan McDonagh also missing time. The success is in large part thanks to J.J. Moser and Darren Raddysh, both who are having career years complementing each other in a top pairing role.
Despite being bothered by the lingering elbow issue prior to surgery, Hedman hardly missed a beat, posting 12 helpers in 18 games and handling business in his own end as well, all on 21:05 a night. Finally able to return to action, the 17-year veteran will also have an opportunity to make his Olympic Games debut shortly, where he’ll help lead Team Sweden in Milan.
Considering their dominance even while so thin on the back end, his return along with McDonagh is a scary thought for opponents ahead.
Headed back down, Groshev has been subject of several such transactions throughout the campaign so far, oftentimes a healthy scratch but managing to make his NHL debut in late December, along with another appearance early last week against Utah. The 24-year-old defender notched an assist in his debut, averaging 11:30 across the two games.
Naturally, with Hedman as well as McDonagh healthy again, Groshev could be set to spend the rest of the year with Syracuse, as opportunities narrow. Even if such is the case, the 2020 draftee impressively earned his way to an NHL debut and helped the Lightning hold down the fort, playing as strong as ever. Tonight will be a memorable event for the club as they take the ice at Raymond James Stadium, with a long-awaited return of their captain, no less.
Red Wings Sign Sheldon Dries To Two-Year Extension
The Red Wings announced they’ve signed forward Sheldon Dries to a two-year, two-way contract extension. Financial terms were not disclosed. He was slated for unrestricted free agency this summer.
Dries was returned to AHL Grand Rapids on Friday after a one-day call-up, his second of the season. The 31-year-old has yet to play an NHL game for Detroit since signing a two-year, two-way deal with his hometown team in free agency in 2024, despite being recalled a handful of times now for injury insurance.
The veteran of 122 NHL games with Colorado and Vancouver has nonetheless provided immense value to the organization in a minor-league role. Long a top producer in the AHL, he’s put up 40 goals and 69 points in 99 games with Grand Rapids over the past two seasons. That includes a resurgent 15-14–29 scoring line this season in 39 games, tied for second on the team in points, as they’ve marched to a ridiculous 33-6-3 record with a +65 goal differential, winning games by 1.55 goals on average.
Dries now sees his contributions rewarded with another couple of seasons of financial security. He was already well-compensated for a two-way player with a $525K guarantee, and it’s hard to see that figure changing much. The Western Michigan product may not have appeared in an NHL game since 2022-23 with the Canucks, but he remains a reliable recall option and an important veteran centerpiece to anchor the Wings’ developing prospects in Grand Rapids.
Calgary Flames Recall Zayne Parekh
According to a team announcement, the Calgary Flames have recalled defenseman Zayne Parekh from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. The Flames sent Parekh to their AHL affiliate two weeks ago on a conditioning loan and were required to decide his immediate future, given that a conditioning loan may last only 14 days.
Parekh, 19, hasn’t played in a game for the Flames since November 11th. The former ninth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft was loaned to Team Canada for the U20 IIHF World Junior Championships in December. During the tournament, he scored five goals and 13 points in seven games, contributing to the team’s bronze medal finish.
Although Calgary would have liked to have Parekh see more NHL action before his debut in the World Junior Championship, he lost nearly a month due to an upper-body injury. The Flames sent him on a conditioning loan to the Wranglers almost immediately upon his return.
Fortunately, he performed well throughout his first bout of AHL action. Parekh appeared in four games for the Wranglers, scoring two goals and five points with a +1 rating. Earlier this season, he tallied one assist in 11 games for the Flames, averaging 14:46 of ice time per game.
Unfortunately, Parekh didn’t draw into today’s game against the San Jose Sharks. Calgary acquired defenseman Zach Whitecloud in the recent trade that sent Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, so he doesn’t have a clear path to playing time. Unless the Flames decide to move Whitecloud leading up to the trade deadline, or take Brayden Pachal out of the lineup on a nightly basis, Parekh may be the odd man out in Calgary, like he has been most of the year.
Lightning Expected To Activate Victor Hedman
The Tampa Bay Lightning should have their captain back for tomorrow’s Stadium Series. According to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, the Lightning are expected to activate Victor Hedman ahead of tomorrow’s outdoor matchup against the Boston Bruins.
Unfortunately, it won’t be a straightforward activation. According to PuckPedia, Tampa Bay will need to clear $841K of salary cap space to activate Hedman. Still, it’ll be fairly easy to get there. The Lightning could move Brayden Point from injured reserve to long-term injured reserve, or reassign Maxim Groshev to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch.
It’s been nearly two months since Hedman last participated in an NHL contest. The 17-year veteran hasn’t played since December 9th after undergoing elbow surgery, limiting him to 18 games on the season.
Still, he’s been his typical self when healthy. Before the injury, Hedman registered 12 assists while averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time per game. Half of those tallies came on the Bolts’ powerplay.
Additionally, he hasn’t missed a step on the defensive side of the puck. Specifically at even strength, Hedman averaged a 53.7 CorsiFor% and 92.1 on-ice SV%. The latter output is the highest he has managed since the 2017-18 campaign.
It’ll be interesting to see how head coach Jon Cooper redeploys Hedman upon his return. He is a natural top-pairing option, but Cooper is likely to be hesitant about breaking up the combination of J.J. Moser and Darren Raddysh, given how well the pair has been performing lately.
Given that fellow veteran Ryan McDonagh recently returned from a foot injury, the Lightning could slide him down to the bottom pairing with Maxwell Crozier. That would give both McDonagh and Hedman ample time to ramp up to their natural playing time and spread out the depth as Tampa Bay returns to full strength.
Avalanche Reassign Keaton Middleton
Jan. 31st: Shortly after their dominant win over the Detroit Red Wings this afternoon, the Avalanche announced that Middleton has been sent back to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.
Jan. 27th: Earlier today the Colorado Avalanche shared that Keaton Middleton has been recalled from AHL Colorado. No corresponding transaction was made, as the team had an open roster spot, Middleton becoming the seventh defenseman on the roster.
The 27-year-old has been a member of the Colorado Eagles since the 2020-21 season, appearing in 270 games in that timeframe. Middleton earned his way into a real NHL showing last season, skating in half of the Avalanche’s 82 games, posting two points and 28 penalty minutes. Standing at 6’6”, the lefty is naturally a shot blocker, limited in mobility but imposing nonetheless.
Selected in the fourth round by Toronto in 2016, the Edmonton native and younger brother of the Minnesota Wild’s Jacob Middleton was not signed by the Leafs. Since then he has managed to stick around in North America, with a contract which runs through what will be his ninth pro season in 2026-27.
Colorado’s next matchup tells the story as to why the league’s top team is calling upon such a player at this time. The group will travel to Ottawa tomorrow night for a rematch from January 8, where the Avs defeated the Senators 8-2. The game featured 58 penalty minutes, 42 of which came from the Senators, as Nick Cousins and Ridly Greig received misconducts.
Although not yet confirmed, it seems likely the Avs will insert their hulking blueliner into the lineup on Wednesday in Ottawa, in what could be another chippy night.