Huberdeau was coming into 2016-17 with massive expectations after a career-year last season. His injury will keep him out until at least January and opens the door for younger players like Jonathan Marchessault, who moved to the top line following Huberdeau's injury on Saturday.
Huberdeau was injured in Saturday’s preseason game against the Devils when the skate of Sergey Kalinin came down on Huberdeau’s ankle. Huberdeau had to be stitched up and is expected to undergo an MRI on Sunday. The 23-year-old winger was spotted in a walking boot and all signs point towards this being a serious injury. This would be a huge blow to the Panthers’ forward group, that is already missing Nick Bjugstad.
Backlund suffered a concussion while representing Team Sweden at the World Cup of Hockey and he will return to Calgary where he will be reevaluated this week. The 27-year-old has had a tough time staying healthy during his career, but is coming off of a year where he played 82-games for the first time in his career. With two weeks before the start of the regular season, Backlund could be ready for opening night.
Strome, 23, was a restricted free agent who is coming off of a tough year. The 23-year-old had just 28 points (8G / 20A) in 71 games with the Islanders and was sent to Bridgeport (AHL) for a period of time. The former fifth overall pick (2011) had 17 goals and 33 assists (50 points) in 2014-15, showcasing his high-end offensive ability. He is an intriguing late-round pick for 2016-17.
Huberdeau, 23, is coming off of a career-year, having posted 20 goals and 39 assists (59 points). The former third overall pick (2011) has turned in back-to-back 50-plus point seasons and appears to only be scratching the surface of what he might be able to accomplish on the Panthers’ top-line with Aleksander Barkov and Jaromir Jagr.
Maatta was on the ice for the second day in a row and skated alongside Kris Letang in Tuesday’s practice, but remains a game-time decision for Game 1 vs. the Rangers. Monitor his status during the Penguins morning skate on Wednesday, but things are trending in the right direction for him to return after a nine-game absence.
Maatta missed the final nine games of the regular season and might miss the start of the postseason as well. He took part in the Penguins’ practice this morning, but said “I really can’t say for sure” when he was asked if he would play on Wednesday.
Maatta finished Thursday’s game in New Jersey, but will miss multiple weeks with a lower-body injury that he suffered. With Maatta out, Ben Lovejoy will draw back into the Penguins lineup on Saturday.
