Talbot was solid in his first season in Edmonton, but he was excellent in year-two. The 30-year-old netminder led the NHL in both games started (73) and wins (42) and will likely have a good chance to defend those crowns in 2017-18. Talbot is a workhorse on a team that many believe is a Stanley Cup contender this season. A year ago he was 3-0-0 vs. the Flames, but this is an improved Calgary team he will see tonight.
DeBrincat, 19, was “sent down” yesterday as a paper transaction to get under the salary cap ceiling before they put Marian Hossa on LTIR. The 2016 No.39 pick had 127 points (65G / 62A) in 63 games with Erie (OHL) last season and is expected to open the 2017-18 season on either the second or third line.
Copp was dealing with a sore knee after taking a shot off of his right leg during the preseason. Copp is expected to start the season on the third line with Adam Lowry and Joel Armia. The 23-year-old forward had nine goals and eight assists (17 points) in 64 games with the Jets last season.
Hamonic’s name has been swirling on trade fronts for over a year, but the Islanders finally pulled the trigger on the draft floor on Saturday. Hamonic dealt with some injuries in 2016-17, but posted 14 points (3G / 11A) in the 49 games he was able to dress for. Hamonic has good size (6-foot-2/205lbs) and is a solid two-way defenseman who is both physical in his own end while possessing a big point shot at the other. The Flames are following the Predators’ model by stacking their blueline as Hamonic joins Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton and TJ Brodie as the Flames’ big-4.
Chiarot is a valuable third-pairing defensemen for the Jets, but has had difficult time staying healthy during his young NHL career. The 26-year-old tallied two goals and 10 assists (12 points) in 59 games while averaging 15:19 TOI/GM including 1:58 SH TOI/GM a season ago.
Rasmussen is a huge kid, standing in at 6-foot-6, 215 lbs. and his big frame had NHL teams intrigued. Rasmussen had 55 points (32G / 23A) in 50 games and led the Tri-City Americans (WHL) in power-play goals (15). The Canadian skates well for his size and will bring a power-forward type of game to the Red Wings lineup.
Talbot allowed one goal on 35 shots in the Oilers win over the Kings on Tuesday. Talbot got back on track after two disastrous outings in a row. Tonight he will face the Sharks for the fourth time this season and he has gone 1-1-1 with a 2.99 GAA and .902 SV% in the previous three meetings.
