Matthew Kessel will exit the Blues' lineup on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, allowing Perunovich to enter the lineup for his season debut. The 26-year-old Perunovich has an offensive pedigree that has made him a near-point-per-game defenseman at every level other than the NHL. In 54 games with the Blues last season, Perunovich had 17 points (0G / 17A).
Due to a decimated defensive core, namely Sean Durzi (shoulder) and John Marino (lower-back) being sidelined for the next several months, Utah HC have opted to recall youngster Lamoureux from the Tuscon Roadrunners (AHL). The 20-year-old Lamoureux was drafted 29th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, and is currently playing his first professional season, tallying three points (2G / 1A) in his first four games with Tuscon.
Marino was acquired in a trade from the New Jersey Devils in the offseason but will not be able to make his debut with the Utah Hockey Club for another 3-4 months. The 27-year-old Marino was absent from training camp due to an upper-body injury and ultimately opted for surgery to address his lower-back injury. Marino is joining his third NHL franchise and had four goals, 25 points, 41 PIMs and 57 SOG in 75 games played with New Jersey in 2023-24. With Sean Durzi (shoulder) also sidelined for the next several months, Utah's decimated defensive core have welcomed Vladislav Kolyachonok and Robert Bortuzzo into the mix.
Durzi's absence from Utah HC will be a devasting blow for their blueline, but the talented defenseman could be back before the end of the season. The 26-year-old defenseman was off to a strong start to the season, with two points (0G / 2A), 11 blocks, and seven penalty minutes in three games. Mikhail Sergachev has emerged as the quarterback on Utah's top powerplay unit since Durzi has been out of the lineup.
Goldsmith was a fourth-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old defenseman is in his fifth season in the WHL. He had 15 points (3G / 12A) and 122 penalty minutes in 66 games with the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) last season.
Through three games this season, the Sharks have alternated between Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood between the pipes, a trend that will continue on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks when Vanecek occupies the crease. Despite a 2-0 losing effort, Vanecek was terrific in his only start this season, saving 28 of 29 shots (.966 SV%) against the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks enter action on Thursday as +163 road underdogs against a Blackhawks club that has only scored nine times in their first four games (1-2-1).
O'Brien will take a seat on Wednesday after drawing into the lineup for Monday's game in New Jersey. Michael Carcone will re-enter the lineup in his place.
Carcone will re-enter the lineup after sitting out Monday's game in New Jersey. Liam O'Brien will sit in his place.
Michael Carcone will replace O'Brien on Wednesday. O'Brien has played in two of four games for Utah HC so far this season, recording one shot on goal and 10 hits.
Liam O'Brien will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday, allowing Carcone to re-enter the lineup for Utah HC. Carcone has been held without a point in two games so far this season.
Peterka has missed two straight games due to a concussion but has been practicing with the team for a week and will return to the lineup on Wednesday. The 22-year-old Peterka broke out last season with 50 points (28G / 22A) in 82 games. He is expected to suit up on the Sabres' top line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch.
Durzi played only 9:09 time-on-ice before exiting Monday's game against the New Jersey Devils with an upper-body injury. The 26-year-old defenseman was off to a strong start to the season, with two points (0G / 2A), 11 blocks, and seven penalty minutes in three games.
Durzi played only 9:09 time-on-ice before exiting Monday's game against the New Jersey Devils with an upper-body injury. The 26-year-old defenseman was off to a strong start to the season, with two points (0G / 2A), 11 blocks, and seven penalty minutes in three games.
Peterka has missed two straight games due to a concussion but has been practicing with the team for nearly a week and could return to the lineup on Wednesday. The 22-year-old Peterka broke out last season with 50 points (28G / 22A) in 82 games.
Michael Carcone will be a healthy scratch on Monday afternoon, allowing O'Brien to draw back into the lineup to draw back into the lineup. The hard-hitting O'Brien has not played since Utah's season opener, when he tallied one shot and seven hits in 10:30 time-on-ice.
Carcone played the last two games for Utah HC but will be a healthy scratch, as he was in their season opener, on Monday against the New Jersey Devils. Liam O'Brien will enter the lineup as his replacement.
The Utah Hockey Club will turn to Vejmelka for his first start of the season on Monday afternoon against the New Jersey Devils. Vejmelka has showcased stints of elite netminding but has been largely inconsistent. In his first three seasons, the Czech goalie has posted a 3.50 GAA, .898 SV%, and five shutouts. Utah HC is sporting an undefeated 3-0-0 record early this season but is a +141 road underdog against the offensively potent Devils.
