Valimaki has one goal and 11 shots on goal in nine games with the Flames this season. With Travis Hamonic (face) ready to return tonight, Valimaki will be a healthy scratch for the first time this season.
Walker was recalled from Ontario (AHL) on Monday and will make his season debut tonight in Dallas. The 23-year-old defenseman will replace Oscar Fantenberg and play with Dion Phaneuf.
Walker, 23, was an undrafted free agent out of Bowling Green State University. Walker had 28 points (7G / 21A) in 64 games during his first pro season with Ontario in 2017-18 and has amassed six points (3G / 3A) in his first seven games this season. His call-up means the Kings are carrying eight defenseman on their active roster right now.
Dzingel has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, but will play Saturday vs. the Canadiens. Dzingel has enjoyed a strong stat to the season, picking up two goals, two assists and 12 shots on goal in four games.
Dzingel was a game-time decision for the last two games, but it looks like the lower-body injury has finally caught up to him. Dzingel lands on IR, so he will miss at least one week. Nick Paul was recalled from Belleville (AHL) to take Dzingel’s spot on the roster.
Dzingel was a game-time decision on Monday, but ended up playing and scoring two goals. He was not on the ice again this morning, so he’s questionable for tonight’s meting with the Flyers. It sounds like it is a very similar situation to Monday and the young winger should be expected to play.
Dzingel left Sunday’s practice early and his status for Monday’s game is up in the air. Monitor his status when the Senators hit the ice for warmups at 12:30pm ET. He is projected to play with Matt Duchene and rookie Brady Tkachuk if he is able to play.
Smith is a two-way defensemen with amazing skating ability. Smith was a beast on the power-play this season, posting 27 points (3PPG / 24 PPA) on the man-advantage. Overall, he was second among WHL defensemen in points with 73 (14G / 59A).
Kotkaniemi climbed up draft boards throughout the season, racking up 10 goals and 19 assists (29 points) in 57 games as a 17-year-old in Finland’s top league. Kotkaniemi is the top centre in the draft and has drawn comparisons to Aleksander Barkov.
Svechnikov started his season with a hand injury that cost him 17 games, but he still went on to finish second in Barrie Colts’ scoring with 40 goals and 32 assists (72 points) in 44 games. Svechnikov could step into the NHL next season and plays a powerful offensive game.
Golden Knights’ head coach Gerard Gallant would not confirm any lineup changes, but based on the morning skate it looks like Carrier will replace Ryan Reaves. Carrier has yet to record a point in nine playoff games but brings a physical edge to the fourth line.
