The NHL preseason is heating up as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the upcoming season. Several key players are currently dealing with injuries, and their statuses are being closely monitored.
Laughton Faces Weekly Evaluation for Maple Leafs
As the Maple Leafs prepare for their next game, forward Scott Laughton is under weekly evaluation due to an undisclosed injury. The timing is crucial as the season opener approaches.
Updates from Other Teams
- Carolina Hurricanes: Jaccob Slavin returned to full contact practice after an injury precaution. Coach Rod Brind’Amour expects him to be ready for the season opener on October 9 against the New Jersey Devils.
- Jesperi Kotkaniemi: The forward did not skate on Thursday after exiting a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Lightning due to a high-stick injury. Brind’Amour is optimistic about his quick recovery.
- Ottawa Senators: Drake Batherson skated for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury in training camp. Last season, he played all 82 games, scoring 26 goals and making 42 assists, totaling 68 points.
- Nashville Predators: Tyson Jost joined the Predators after being claimed off waivers from the Hurricanes. He previously collected nine points for Carolina in 39 games last season.
- Tampa Bay Lightning: Goalie Pheonix Copley was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. He has a record of 44 wins in 77 regular-season games across several NHL teams.
Upcoming Games
Teams are gearing up for critical preseason matchups. Notably, the Hurricanes are expected to face the Montreal Canadiens soon, where their injured players may make their returns.
The NHL season is just around the corner, and teams are focused on injury management to put their best rosters forward. Observers should keep an eye on updates concerning player evaluations as rosters solidify in the coming days.
