Hughes missed several practices with a non-COVID illness but was back on the ice for Tuesday's session. While he's expected to play in the season opener, monitor Hughes' status during the morning skate.
Kiersted was not on the ice for Monday's practice, leaving the Panthers with just five defensemen in practice. Expect Kiersted to skate next to Radko Gudas, if he plays vs. the Islanders. Kiersted has one goal and one assist in 17 career NHL games.
Sturm missed the Sharks' final preseason game with an undisclosed injury but is a "full go" for the first game of the season, according to head coach David Quinn. Sturm, who had nine goals and 11 assists (20 points) in 74 games last season, will make his Sharks debut on the fourth line with Jonah Gadjovich and Steven Lorentz on his wings.
Brink underwent hip surgery in July after being injured in off-season workouts. Brink turned pro following his Junior season, where he had 57 points (14G / 43A) in 41 games with the University of Denver. Brink had four assists in 10 games with the Flyers.
Kirkland was a third-round pick in 2014 but has yet to make his NHL debut since turning pro in 2017. The 25-year-old, who had 48 points (25G / 23A) in 66 games with Stockton (AHL) last year, will likely report to San Diego (AHL) to start 2022-23.
Pickard has appeared in 116 career NHL games with five different teams since 2015, going 35-54-19 with a 3.03 GAA and .903 SV%. In 2022, he spent most of the year in the AHL, going 21-16-5 with a 2.58 GAA and .918 SV% with Grand Rapids. He'll likely replace Stuart Skinner in Bakersfield.
Spurgeon missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but will play Friday vs. the Avalanche. IN addition to Spurgeon, Matt Dumba will also play on Friday.
