Fast, who underwent offseason hip surgery could be cleared for contact in the next couple of weeks, but is not expected to return to the Rangers lineup until late-October. With Fast out, one of the Rangers’ first-round picks, Lias Andersson and/or Filip Chytil, are expected to make the opening night roster.
Valimaki is a mobile defenseman that oozes with offensive ability. The Finnish blueliner piled up 61 points (19G / 42A) in 60 games with the Tri-City Americans—good for fourth on the team. He’ll bring a lot of high-octane offence to the Flames blueline in the future.
Fast has missed the last seven games with a shoulder injury, but will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Panthers. Fast has just 20 points (5G / 15A) in 59 games this season.
Fast is believed to have separated his shoulder Tuesday vs. the Capitals. The injury would sideline Fast indefinitely and move Matt Puempel back into the Rangers’ lineup on Thursday.
Gostisbehere served as a healthy scratch in the last three games, but will draw back into the lineup tonight after the Flyers were shutout in two straight games. Gostisbehere had a sensational rookie campaign, but has had some struggles in 2016-17. The man known as the “Ghost Bear” has four goals and 17 assists (21 points) in 48 games this season.
Carrier was in the lineup for the last three games, but will come out tonight because of a knee injury. Carrier is expected to miss “a bit” of time, so the Sabres have recalled Justin Bailey from Rochester (AHL). Consider Carrier as day-to-day.
Deslauriers sat for the last two games, but will draw into the lineup for Cal O’Reilly versus the Rangers. Deslauriers has no points in 23 games this season.
Gostisbehere has had a difficult season, recording 21 points (4G / 17A) in 48 games this season, which has him well off of last year’s pace. Gostisbehere will be scratched and replaced by Nick Schultz.
Fast has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury, but will replace Oscar Lindberg in the lineup on Tuesday. Fast has three goals and 12 assists (15 points) in 45 games this season.
Fast suffered an injury Tuesday vs. the Stars and will miss at least one week with an upper-body injury. Expect Oscar Lindberg to draw into the lineup for Fast on Thursday.
