Haula has reportedly been playing through a lower-body injury for a week, but might not be able to go tonight vs. the Devils. If Haula can’t go, Joel Eriksson Ek is expected to make his NHL debut.
Devan Dubnyk started the first two games of the season, but Kuemper will make his season debut tonight in Minnesota. The 26-year-old had a mediocre 2015-16 season, having gone 6-7-5 with a 2.43 GAA and .915 SV%. He draws a good matchup tonight against a struggling Kings team without Jonathan Quick. They’re 0-2-0 and averaged just 1.50 goals per game so far.
Armia had just one shot on goal in 10:38 in the Jets’ season opener on Thursday. Armia will be replaced be Chris Thorburn on the fourth line.
Laughton is recovering from a sprained knee that he suffered in training camp. With Laughton expected to miss at least 10 games, his move to LTIR helps the Flyers with some cap relief and a roster spot. Start monitoring Laughton’s status in about three weeks when he will be eligible to be removed from LTIR.
Laughton reportedly suffered the injury when he lost an edge in practice on Wednesday. Laughton was on-pace to make the Flyers’ opening night roster, but this injury leaves the door open for Travis Konecny to make the team after a tremendous training camp.
Ceci, 22, had his best offensive season of his young career in 2015-16, collecting 10 goals and 16 assists (26 points) in 75 games. The former 15th overall pick has 56 career points (18G / 38A) in his first 205 NHL games. Ceci will spend the 2016-17 season on the Senators’ second pairing behind Erik Karlsson.
Armia, 23, split his 2015-16 season between the AHL and NHL. He appeared in 43 games with the Jets, collecting 10 points (4G / 6A). In his time with Manitoba, Armia picked up eight points (3G / 5A) in 18 games. He will likely play his first full NHL season in 2016-17.
Kuemper appeared in 21 games, including 16 starts as Devan Dubnyk’s backup last season. He had a 6-7-5 record with a 2.43 GAA and .915 SV% in those games and will return for one more season as Dubnyk’s backup. The 26-year-old has a career .912 SV% in 72 NHL starts and 12 relief appearances.
Forsberg, 23, was 1-3-0 with a 3.03 GA and .907 SV% in four games with Columbus, but it was his work with Lake Erie (AHL) that was most impressive. He was 23-10-5 with a 2.40 GAA and .914 SV% in the regular season and led Lake Erie to the Calder Cup championship with a 9-0-0 record, 1.34 GAA, .949 SV% and two shutouts.
Haula missed game one, but will be back in the lineup for game two. He had 34 points (14G / 20A) in 76 games this season and has eight points (5G / 3A) in 15 career playoff games in 2014 and 15.
Haula has been listed as questionable for game one, but travelling to Dallas suggests that he will be in the lineup on Thursday. With that said, monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate.
Haula missed his second straight practice with an undisclosed injury, but head coach John Torchetti said that he “likes Haula’s chances” of playing in Game 1. Haula was on a tear in March, but has been held off of the scoresheet for the last four games. He finished the year with 14 goals and 20 assists (34 points) in 76 games.
Zucarello missed the Rangers practice on Friday and will be held out of the lineup on Saturday. The Rangers have already clinched a playoff spot, so they will give Zuccarello the night off, hoping he will be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.
Dumoulin was injured in Sunday’s win vs. the Capitals and was listed as a game-time decision for tonight’s game. He took part in the morning skate and said that he is ready to play tonight. Dumoulin has no goals and 16 assists in 72 games this season.
Dumoulin was injured in Sunday’s win over the Capitals after going into the boards awkwardly. Dumoulin is still searching for his first goal of the season and has registered 12 assists in 72 games.
