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Training Camp Cuts: 09/28/19

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The final weekend of the preseason is upon us with the regular season getting underway next week. Final training camp cuts will be coming in with regularity over the next 48 hours or so. We’ll keep track of all of today’s right here. Keep up with the news, as the page will be updated throughout the day:

Arizona Coyotes (per team release)

F Michael Bunting (to Tucson, AHL)
F Michael Chaput (to Tucson, AHL)
F Hudson Fasching (to Tucson, AHL)
D Aaron Ness (to Tucson, AHL)

Calgary Flames (per team release)

F Devante Smith-Pelly (released from PTO)

Dallas Stars (per team releases)

D Joseph Cecconi (to Texas, AHL)
D Joel Hanley (to Texas, AHL)

Detroit Red Wings (per team release)

D Oliwer Kaski (to Grand Rapids, AHL)
F Ryan Kuffner (to Grand Rapids, AHL)
D Gustav Lindstrom (to Grand Rapids, AHL)
F Jarid Lukosevicius (released from ATO)
F Gregor MacLeod (released from ATO)
F David Pope (to Grand Rapids, AHL)
D Vili Saarijarvi (to Grand Rapids, AHL)
F Dominik Shine (released from PTO)
F Givani Smith (to Grand Rapids, AHL)
F Evgeny Svechnikov (to Grand Rapids, AHL)
F Joe Veleno (to Grand Rapids, AHL)
F Filip Zadina (to Grand Rapids, AHL)

Edmonton Oilers (per team release)

F Anton Burdasov (released from PTO)

Los Angeles Kings (per team release)

F Nikolai Prokhorkin (to Ontario, AHL)

New York Islanders (per team release)

F Travis St. Denis (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Matthew Lorito (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Cole Bardreau (to Bridgeport, AHL)
D Kyle Burroughs (to Bridgeport, AHL)
D Seth Helgeson (to Bridgeport, AHL)
G Christopher Gibson (to Bridgeport, AHL)
G Jared Coreau (to Bridgeport, AHL)

San Jose Sharks (per team release)

D Jacob Middleton (to San Jose, AHL)
F Antti Suomela (to San Jose, AHL)

Toronto Maple Leafs (per team releases)

F Pontus Aberg (to waivers for purpose of assignment to Toronto, AHL)
F Tyler Gaudet (to waivers for purpose of assignment to Toronto, AHL)
D Ben Harpur (to waivers for purpose of assignment to Toronto, AHL)
D Jordan Schmaltz (to waivers for purpose of assignment to Toronto, AHL)
F Darren Archibald (to Toronto, AHL)
F Jeremy Bracco (to Toronto, AHL)
F Adam Brooks (to Toronto, AHL)
F Rich Clune (to Toronto, AHL)
F Hudson Elynuik (to Toronto, AHL)
F Pierre Engvall (to Toronto, AHL)
D Teemu Kivihalme (to Toronto, AHL)
G Joseph Woll (to Toronto, AHL)

Vegas Golden Knights (per team tweet)

G Dylan Ferguson (to Fort Wayne, ECHL)

Washington Capitals (per team release)

F Shane Gersich (to Hershey, AHL)
D Lucas Johansen (to Hershey, AHL)
F Beck Malenstyn (to Hershey, AHL)
F Brian Pinho (to Hershey, AHL)
G Vitek Vanecek (to Hershey, AHL)
D Colby Williams (to Hershey, AHL)

Metropolitan Notes: Capitals Goalies, Kempny, Farabee, Holmstrom

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The Washington Capitals may have the ability to keep three goaltenders on their roster with the suspension of forward Evgeny Kuzetsov being off the books for the next few games. However, Capitals head coach Todd Reirden said keeping three goaltenders on the roster is not the plan, according to Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan.

The team intends to start Braden Holtby in net on Sunday, but the real question is who might be his backup. Last year’s backup, Pheonix Copley remains in the mix and isn’t waiver-exempt, which could be an issue if the team attempts to pass him through waivers. However, the team also has their goaltender-of-the future in Ilya Samsonov close to ready as well and the team may want to see what they have in him sooner than later.

Regardless, it looks like the team intends to make a decision on their goaltending situation before the start of the regular season.

  • Sticking with the Capitals, the good news for the team is that defenseman Michal Kempny, who has been out with a hamstring injury, passed his conditioning skating test, but isn’t likely to be ready for the season opener and is currently listed as doubtful, according to The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir. While he still could miss some time as he tries to catch up after missing most of training camp, it’s also just as unlikely that the team will place the veteran defenseman on LTIR either. The team has options to replace him in the lineup, including Martin Fehervary, Jonas Siegenthaler and Christian Djoos.
  • The Athletic’s Charlie O’Connor (subscription required) writes that it looks like Philadelphia Flyers rookie Joel Farabee may have wrapped up a roster spot with the Flyers after an impressive performance on the ice Thursday. While Farabee, who has been competing with fellow rookies Morgan Frost and German Rubtsov (as well as a host of veterans), hasn’t put up much offense on the scoreboard, he has performed impressively well as he was all over the ice and created many opportunities for the team. While it was his best game, nothing is written in stone. “You know what, if he’s not in the lineup that first game (of the regular season), it’ll be a surprise,” head coach Alain Vigneault said.
  • The New York Islanders surprised many at the draft earlier this summer when they nabbed forward prospect Simon Holmstrom with the 23rd-overall pick with many believing he should have gone in the second or third round. Homstrom, however, remains in the Islanders camp and now may decide to stay in North America this season afterall with his performance in camp so far. The Athletic’s Arthur Staple (subscription required) writes that Holmstrom may stay in North America and play for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers as opposed to playing in the SHL. “That is what we’re preparing for, my wife and I,” Jonas Holmstrom, Simon’s father, said in a phone conversation on Thursday. “He can play in the AHL and in his mind, he’s willing to stay.”

Training Camp Cuts: 09/25/19

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Like always, we’ll keep track of all the training camp cuts right here. Keep checking back to see the updated list:

Boston Bruins (per team release)

F Jakub Lauko (to Providence, AHL)
D Josiah Didier (to Providence, AHL)

Dallas Stars (per team release)

F Ty Dellandrea (to Flint, OHL)
F Joel Kiviranta (to Texas, AHL)
F Joel L’Esperance (to Texas, AHL)
G Landon Bow (to Texas, AHL)
G Jake Oettinger (to Texas, AHL)

Detroit Red Wings (per team release)

D Alec Regula (to London, OHL)

Edmonton Oilers (per team release)

D Evan Bouchard (to Bakersfield, AHL)
G Shane Starrett (to Bakersfield, AHL)

Florida Panthers (per team release)

F Troy Brouwer (released from PTO)

Montreal Canadiens (per team release)

F Riley Barber (to Laval, AHL)

New Jersey Devils (per team release)

D Julian Melchiori (to Binghamton, AHL)

New York Islanders (per team release)

F Kieffer Bellows (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Arnaud Durandeau (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Scott Eansor (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Ryan Hitchcock (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Mason Jobst (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Otto Koivula (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Jeff Kubiak (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Kyle MacLean (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F Nick Schilkey (to Bridgeport, AHL)
F John Stevens (to Bridgeport, AHL)
D Sebastian Aho (to Bridgeport, AHL)
D Grant Hutton (to Bridgeport, AHL)

New York Rangers (per team release)

F Phillip Di Giuseppe (to Hartford, AHL)
F Tarmo Reunanen (to Hartford, AHL)
G Adam Huska (to Hartford, AHL)
D Matthew Robertson (to Edmonton, WHL)

San Jose Sharks (per team release)

F Alexander True (to San Jose, AHL)

Toronto Maple Leafs (per team release)

F Nicholas Baptiste (to Toronto, AHL)
F Colt Conrad (to Toronto, AHL)
D Joseph Duszak (to Toronto, AHL)
D Mac Hollowell (to Toronto, AHL)
D Jesper Lindgren (to Toronto, AHL)
D Kristians Rubins (to Toronto, AHL)

Washington Capitals (per team release)

F Alexander Alexeyev (to Hershey, AHL)

Winnipeg Jets (per team release)

F Skylar McKenzie (to Manitoba, AHL)
F Jansen Harkins (to Manitoba, AHL)
D Jonathan Kovacevic (to Manitoba, AHL)
D Luke Green (to Manitoba, AHL)
D Leon Gawanke (to Manitoba, AHL)
G Mikhail Berdin (to Manitoba, AHL)
F Kristian Reichel (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
F Emile Poirier (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
F Cole Maier (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
D Jacob Cederholm (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
G Adam Carlson (released from tryout, will report to AHL camp)
F Seth Griffith (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)
F Logan Shaw (placed on waivers before AHL assignment)

Overseas Notes: Holtz, Riat, Ramo

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Alexander Holtz is expecting to be selected early in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft. However, he may not be expecting to make the jump to the NHL right away. The 17-year-old forward, considered by many to be a guaranteed top-ten pick next June, is already playing at Sweden’s highest level, suiting up for Djurgardens IF of the SHL. The team was excited to announce that their young star could be in the fold for several more years as well. Holtz has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him with Djurgardens through the 2021-22 season. Of course, the NHL and SHL have a transfer agreement that would allow the future top prospect to move across the Atlantic when he is ready. However, the length of the deal was compounded further by comments from Djurgardens GM Joakim Eriksson, who says that Holtz’ plan is “to continue his talent development here for as long as possible.” Holtz’ development track can change greatly between now and 2022, depending on his performance at the top level this season and where and to whom he is drafted this spring. However, at the very least, the talented forward seems willing to take his time in his native Sweden if that is what he feels is best for his playing future. A skilled player who can line up at any forward position and can score from seemingly anywhere on the ice, it’s hard to imagine that whichever team ends up with Holtz won’t try to convince him otherwise and get him in an NHL lineup as soon as possible.

  • Swiss winger Damien Riat was cut from Washington Capitals training camp, but he is feeling no shortage of attention and appreciation in his career. The 22-year-old, a fourth-round pick of the Capitals in 2016, is entering the final season of his contract with the NLA’s EHC Biel-Bienne and already competitors are lining up to sign the young forward. Riat recorded 25 points in 48 games last season and was among the top young players in the league. Swiss Hockey News reports that SC Bern is just one of many NLA teams hoping to land him on the open market as he continues to develop into a top offensive talent. Of course, Riat is also still interested in the NHL. Washington has until June 30, 2020 to sign Riat to his entry-level contract, otherwise he could become a UFA by NHL standards, as well as NLA. It would not be a surprise to see other teams in North America pursue the young forward, especially if he has another strong season. It will be up to Washington to decide whether or not to extend Riat an ELC or instead let the bidding war commence from teams in Switzerland as well as possibly the NHL.
  • Swiss Hockey News also reports that veteran goaltender Karri Ramo is back to work in his native Switzerland. Ramo, 33, has over 100 NHL appearances to his credit and last played in the NHL as an equal part of a Calgary Flames tandem from 2013-2016. A free agent this summer, there was some thought that Ramo was interested in a return to the NHL, especially after a stellar season with Jokerit of the KHL in 2017-18 in which he proved he did not need consistent starts to maintain an elite level of play. However, the UFA goalie market was anything but active this off-season and Ramo could not even earn a PTO, nevertheless a contract with a shot at the backup role for an NHL team. Part of the reason is because he missed all of last season with a knee injury and it seems health concerns have scared off more than just NHL teams. Ramo is still without a club for this season, but Swiss Hockey News states that he is currently practicing with SC Rapperswil and is likely to sign with a team in the NLA, the Lakers or otherwise. Ramo has proven to be a reliable keeper during many stops in his journeyman international career, so hopefully a team steps forward ready to give him a shot to play.

Jimmy Hayes, Griffin Reinhart Among Notable AHL Camp Invites

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It’s a position that no NHL veteran wants to find himself in, but sometimes it’s the only way to stay employed in North America. With NHL training camps starting to cut mass amounts of participants, AHL camps are opening for another round of evaluation and to prepare young pros for the start of the minor league season. However, these AHL camps can also be a last-ditch source of hope for older players looking to stay relevant with an NHL affiliate. Every year a few recognizable names opt for this route, and this year is no different.

Of the many invites announced thus far, Jimmy Hayes stands out as the top AHL camp participant. The Iowa Wild specifically acknowledged the veteran winger’s presence in camp when announcing their roster. Hayes, 29, has 334 NHL games and over 100 points to his credit over eight seasons with five different NHL teams. However, Hayes’ two-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season saw him play exclusively in the AHL. While he was productive, recording 30 points in 72 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, it wasn’t enough to earn another two-way deal. To this point, Hayes hasn’t even earned an AHL deal. He’ll work to earn a contract, and hopefully the attention of the Minnesota brass, when he takes part in Iowa camp.

Griffin Reinhart is another name that sticks out among the crowd of AHL camp invites. Like Hayes, Reinhart is a player whose trade value far outweighed what he ever produced on the ice in the NHL. The 25-year-old was drafted fourth overall in 2012 by the New York Islanders, who dealt him to the Edmonton Oilers a few years later for a first- and second-round pick. Yet, Reinhart has just two points in 37 games to show for his NHL impact. Even in three straight seasons of exclusive AHL action, Rienhart has failed to impress. However, on name value alone he will be able to find a shot somewhere. This time around, the Belleville Senators have invited the young defenseman to camp. Former Vancouver Canucks prospect Cole Cassels, the son of long-time NHLer Andrew Cassels, will also join the junior Senators in camp after playing in Germany last season.

Among the other recognizable faces in minor league camp is veteran forward Lance Bouma. After missing almost all of last season due to injury, Bouma signed a PTO with the Los Angeles Kings and seemed like a dark horse candidate to earn a contract. The 29-year-old has a proven track record as a checking forward in the NHL and has flashed offense from time to time as well. However, the Kings opted to go with their younger options, but not before asking Bouma to take part in AHL camp with the Ontario Reign, the team announced. Bouma could still earn a spot with the organization yet. Talented young goaltender Hayden Hawkey surprisingly remains a free agent searching for a landing spot. The property of both the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers during his four years at Providence College, Hawkey nevertheless ended up without an NHL team after graduation and became a UFA in August. He recently took part in training camp with the Washington Capitals, but was cut. He will now join the Stockton Heat in camp, the team revealed, and could prove to be a sneaky addition to the organization for the Calgary Flames. Hawkey posted a 2.19 GAA or lower in each of his four dominant collegiate seasons. Finally, Connor Brickley seems determined to stay with the New York Rangers organization at all costs. Brickley, 27, is a big, capable bottom-six forward who performed well down the stretch for the Rangers last season following a deadline trade. However, New York would not commit to a contract extension for the former second-round pick. Instead, he accepted a PTO to join the team in camp. When that ended today with his release from Rangers camp, the team announced that he will still participate in minor league camp with the Hartford Wolfpack and could stay in the organization after all.

None of these players are likely happy with their current predicament, but if they work hard in camp and in the AHL regular season, the fastest way back to NHL relevance is through production and consistency at the minor league level. Even for veterans and especially for those still considered prospects, AHL training camp can still be a valuable stepping stone toward a return to the top level.

Metropolitan Notes: St. Louis, Mattheos, Patrick, Capitals

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It looks like the coaching career of former NHL star Martin St. Louis will be put on hold. The Hall of Famer, who had spent half of last season in an advisory role with the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, said that he won’t be back with Columbus in 2019-20, according to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline (subscription required).

Blue Jackets’ head coach John Tortorella said that St. Louis’ situation will just be put on pause as he tends to family matters.

“I really enjoyed working with the team last year and want to thank Jarmo (Kekalainen, the general manager), (coach John Tortorella) and everyone at the Blue Jackets for the opportunity,” St. Louis said in a statement released via the team. “While I would have loved to do it again, my priority continues to be my family and those commitments would make it too difficult this year. They have a really good, young team and I wish them the best of luck.”

  • The Carolina Hurricanes got some good news today as prospect Stelio Mattheos returned to the ice today after the team announced last month that the 20-year-old would miss training camp after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and would need time to undergo treatment. Those treatments have now been completed and he’s ready to return to hockey, according to NHL.com’s Michael Smith. Mattheos, a third-round pick in 2017, had just completed two impressive years with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings, where he combined for 87 goals and 186 points. He then joined the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL in their Calder Cup Championship run in which he scored three goals in 14 games and had hoped to challenge for a spot on the Hurricanes roster this summer. While he’s almost guaranteed to be spending much of the year with Charlotte, although he is now cancer free, which is great news.
  • Philadelphia Flyers center Nolan Patrick has been dealing with injuries on and off for years, but was listed was listed as week-to-week several days ago. Now, Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault told Philly.com’s Sam Carchidi that he doesn’t know if Patrick will be ready for the season opener. In fact, it looks unlikely that the 20-year-old will be ready for the start of the season. Patrick, the team’s second overall pick back in 2016, has struggled in his development over two years although injuries didn’t help that. However, the team finally went out and traded for the rights to center Kevin Hayes and then eventually signed him to be their second-line center, which would allow Patrick more time to develop as a third-line option instead. However, now an upper-body injury has held him back throughout training camp even though he has skated on his own since then, suggesting it could be another concussion-related injury, although nothing is confirmed on that. The team hopes Patrick will be back as quickly as possible.
  • Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan reports that two Washington Capitals skaters, including Lars Eller and Michal Kempny were skating Saturday. Eller has been out with a upper body injury, while Kempny has been dealing with a hamstring injury. No word on what their status will be for the start of the regular season.

 

 

Evening Notes: Officials, OHL, Capitals

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The focus of late has been on peaceful collective bargaining talks between the NHL and NHLPA. The players’ association formally declined their opt-out on Monday, extending the current CBA through the 2021-22 season, while the two sides continue to work toward a new agreement. Meanwhile though, the league has been embroiled in another labor negotiation. The NHL Officials’ Association watched their deal with the NHL expire at the end of August and the two groups have been working hard to come to a resolution before the puck drops on a new season. Fortunately, a deal has been made with time to spare. Sports Illustrated’s Michael Farber was the first to report that the terms of a new agreement have been agreed for the NHL’s referees and the deal needs only to be ratified by the Officials’ Association. While neither side has confirmed the new agreement, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun also hears that a resolution has been reached, adding that it is a four-year term. Luckily, the NHL won’t have to deal with replacement referee any time soon, a debacle that played out poorly for the NFL in 2012.

  • The Ontario Hockey League began their regular season today and the league announced Opening Night rosters for each of its 20 teams. While many of the biggest names in the OHL are still competing in NHL training camps, many have already been returned to their clubs to start the junior season on time. Ontario will also be home to three of the biggest names in the 2020 NHL Draft class: forwards Quinton Byfield (Sudbury Wolves) and Cole Perfetti (Saginaw Spirit) and defenseman Jamie Drysdale (Erie Otters). After a down year for the OHL – and Canada as a whole – in last year’s draft, this promises to be a bounce-back year with plenty of draft-eligible talent to watch.
  • Drysdale’s team, the Erie Otters, also started off the season with an exciting announcement. The team revealed a new ten-year lease agreement with the Erie Insurance Arena, keeping the team in the Pennsylvania city through the 2028-29 season. The decision was likely a no-brainer for the city of Erie. The Otters have been one of the top junior teams in all of the CHL over the last decade, winning the 2016-17 OHL Championship and producing the likes of Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, Anthony Cirelli, and, of course, Connor McDavid. The “McDavid Era” vaulted the popularity of the Otters and has created a nice fan base in Erie.
  • The Washington Capitals have cut two junior players from training camp, but won’t return them to their clubs just yet (if at all). Both Kody Clark and Riley Sutter, a second- and third-round pick respectively in 2018 and both part of famous hockey families, are no longer competing for an NHL roster spot. However, the team announced that they have been assigned to minor league camp with the Hershey Bears for now. Why? Both players are dealing with injuries and will continue to rehab under the supervision of the Washington medical staff before likely heading back to junior. Clark and Sutter are both currently battling upper-body injuries, but should be back competing in the CHL soon, with a possibility they stick in Hershey.

Snapshots: Rantanen, Slater, Abramov

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The Colorado Avalanche have been in the headlines constantly thanks to their ongoing negotiations (or lack thereof) with Mikko Rantanen, and today more information came out about the contract talks. Ryan S. Clark of The Athletic reports (subscription required) that the Avalanche are trying to secure a six- to eight-year deal that would carry an average annual value somewhere between $8.4MM and $8.75MM. A three-year term with a $9.5MM cap hit would be a “non-starter” for the Avalanche according to Clark, and that the goal is still to get the young forward signed long-term.

Rantanen’s agent recently posed a comparison between his client and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner, who notably signed a six-year deal as well. Unfortunately for the Avalanche, Marner’s cap hit came in at $10.893MM, quite a bit higher than the reported numbers Colorado is looking for. The Avalanche begin their season on Thursday, October 3rd.

  • The Washington Capitals have hired former NHL forward Jim Slater, adding him to their player development department. Slater spent the last four seasons in Switzerland and announced his retirement earlier this summer. A first-round pick of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2002, Slater played 584 games in the NHL and recorded 138 points.
  • The Montreal Canadiens aren’t the only Canadian team with a young forward dealing with a concussion. Vitaly Abramov of the Ottawa Senators has suffered a concussion as well according to Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia, obviously putting the rest of his training camp in jeopardy. The 21-year old forward made his NHL debut last year after a trade brought him to Ottawa, and was expected to compete for a spot this season.

Connor McMichael Sent Back To OHL

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With Evgeny Kuznetsov set to miss the first few games of the season due to suspension, there were some who believed that the Washington Capitals could keep first-round pick Connor McMichael on the roster to begin the year. They’ll have to find another center somewhere else instead, as the team has sent McMichael back to the London Knights of the OHL along with several other cuts.

[Related: Training Camp Cuts: 09/19/19]

The 25th pick of June’s draft, McMichael has blazing speed and high-end hockey sense that seemed to develop quickly last season. A depth player for the Hamilton Bulldogs and Knights in 2017-18, he scored just 16 points in 70 games. Last year however saw more responsibility coincide with an offensive explosion, leading the Knights with 72 points in 67 games. The true center will spend this year in the OHL once again and should compete for a spot on the World Junior squad.

Washington meanwhile will have to figure out a different answer down the middle to start the year. Lars Eller is expected to move into the second-line spot in Kuznetsov’s absence, but behind him it’s not clear how things will shake out at this point. His $7.8MM cap hit will fortunately not count during the suspension however, meaning the team doesn’t necessarily need to make a trade right away to clear room as expected.

Metropolitan Notes: Jarry, Johnson, Patrick, Kempny

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have a goaltending dilemma approaching them. The team has three goaltenders who are competing for the two spots on the Penguins roster with Tristan Jarry battling with incumbent Casey DeSmith for the backup spot behind Matt Murray. However, while the competition was the exact same one year ago, the Penguins were able to keep all three by simply sending Tristan Jarry to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL.

That may not be as easy this year, according to TribLive’s Seth Rohrabaugh. Jarry, who was waiver exempt last season, no longer will be, meaning Pittsburgh would have to pass him through waivers if they want to send Jarry back to the AHL. Rohrabaugh adds that the Penguins did attempt to move the 24-year-old this summer, but failed to get a decent return on any trade. However, general manger Jim Rutherford may have no choice but to look at trade options once again and even have to settle for a late draft pick as there is a good chance the team could lose him if Jarry can’t beat out DeSmith. Either way, there is a good chance Pittsburgh might lose one of their goaltenders before the season starts.

  • Sticking with the Penguins, The Athletic’s Rob Rossi (subscription required) writes that while Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jack Johnson says he’s equal at playing on both sides of the defense, head coach Mike Sullivan says he intends to move him back to his natural left-side in hopes of getting more out of the 32-year-old blueliner. Sullivan prefers to keep all his defensemen on their natural side, if possible. At the moment, the coach has Johnson penciled in next to Justin Schultz, who brought out the best in him.
  • Philly.com’s Sam Carchidi reports that Philadelphia Flyers forward Nolan Patrick skated today and attended a team meeting, but the 20-year-old is considered week-to-week due to an upper-body injury. Patrick, who already moved back a line after the team signed Kevin Hayes this summer, must prove that he can avoid the injury bug as the center has struggled off and on with minor injuries throughout his first two seasons.
  • J.J. Regan of NBC Sports writes that Washington Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny is doubtful to play in the preseason after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left hamstring in April, but the Capitals hope that he might be ready for the start of the regular season. Kempny, who has become one of Washington’s most reliable defensemen since they acquired him from Chicago at the 2018 trade deadline, but the 29-year-old hasn’t skated yet at any team practices.

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