Welcome to the NHL Buzz. The 2022-23 regular season is underway and NHL.com brings you all the latest news.
Arizona Coyotes
Jakob Chychrun suffered a setback in his recovery from wrist surgery, and the Coyotes defenseman is considered week after week.
“He went to see his doctor in New York,” chief executive Bill Armstrong said Thursday. “We’ll deal with him week by week and we’ll deal with him. He’ll join the team as soon as he’s cleared and he’ll step in and train hopefully, but we’ll deal with him week by week for him. .
“We’re thrilled to have him back in the lineup. He’s a big piece for us.”
Chychrun underwent wrist surgery in the offseason and has not played since March 12, when he suffered a season-ending ankle injury.
The 24-year-old had 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 47 games last season. He had 41 points in 56 games in 2020-21, including 18 goals to lead all NHL defensemen. –Dan Rosen
bison sabers
Defenders Mattias Samuelson and Henri Jokiharju were placed on injured reserve by the Sabers on Thursday and are each expected to be out for a few weeks.
Samuelsson, who signed a seven-year, $30 million contract (average annual value of $4.29 million) on October 12, suffered a lower-body injury in a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. He has no points in five games this season.
“It’s going to take a few weeks, but maybe it’s better than we initially thought,” Sabers general manager Kevyn Adams said. “So a few weeks and then we’ll go from there. He’s going to be out for a while but not terrible.”
Jokiharju was injured when a puck hit him in the face in a 6-3 win over the Calgary Flames on Oct. 20. He’s missed the last two games and has one assist in four games this season.
“A little fracture that doesn’t change his progression too much or anything,” Adams said. “The good news for him is he’s feeling a lot better, he’s making progress. … The fact that he had a better day today is a good sign. You’ll probably see day by day here, but [we’ll] see if he gets back on the ice a bit next week. Probably more week to week for him.”
Buffalo recalled its defenders Laurent Pilut and Kale of Rochester of the American Hockey League. With two more Rochester defenders injured, the Sabers could make additional moves, if needed.
“For the past two days we’ve been looking at all the options,” Adams said. “What we won’t do is make big reaction or emotional type moves. But if we think something makes sense, we could provide a bit more depth to the organization, not at a cost where we’re giving up assets or whatever, so maybe that’s something we’ll be looking to do.” –Heather Engel
Chicago Blackhawks
Tyler Johnson was placed on the injured list with a left ankle injury.
The striker was injured when he awkwardly entered the boards after a blow from the center of the Panthers Alexander Barkov in the third period of a 4-2 victory on Tuesday.
Johnson has played in all six games for the Blackhawks and is their leading scorer with six points (two goals, four assists).
“Ankle sprains are quite common these days, especially with the stiff boots and skates they wear,” Chicago coach Luke Richardson said. “I saw the replay, and it’s a big man who got knocked down on him, so we’re lucky it’s hopefully short-term. He’s playing so well too. We’ll miss him That’s definitely good news (that Johnson didn’t do long-term IR) because it could have been worse.”
Johnson underwent artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery on December 3 before returning on March 3.
“It’s tough, he was playing so well,” said Blackhawks forward Sam Lafferty said. “He brings us so much to the table, so much energy and so much talent. He scores, he makes plays, he punches. He does everything.” –Bruce Miles
Ottawa Senators
Marc Kastelic signed a two-year, $1.67 million contract with the Senators on Thursday. It has an average annual value of $835,000.
“I knew it was coming but we finalized it last night and I couldn’t be more excited to be here another two years after this season,” Kastelic said on Thursday. “I’ve had so much fun so far and I hope this is just the beginning. … Now that I’ve signed, I don’t see anything changing. I’m going to keep putting my head down, working and trying to enjoy every day and earn every day here.”
The 23-year-old forward has two goals in six games this season and leads the NHL in faceoff percentage (71.2, minimum 50 faceoffs). He is expected to take on a bigger role with the center Josh Norris sidelined long-term with a shoulder injury.
“He’s tall, strong (6-foot-3, 233 pounds), obviously tough, but also his face-offs, he’s responsible, and then his ability to hold the pucks in the [offensive] zone, check yourself forecheck,” said Senators coach DJ Smith. “His game has really improved. And I think as he gains more confidence he will get better and better.”
Selected by Ottawa in the fifth round (125th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft, Kastelic has six points (four goals, two assists) in 22 regular season games.
“Mark has worked tirelessly to deserve everything that’s happened to him since he was selected late in the round three years ago,” Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said. “He is reliable, competitive, takes exceptional pride in his physical condition and regularly shows a willingness to take on any challenge. He sets a very good example for young players and hopefuls throughout the organisation.” — Callum Fraser
#NHL #Buzz #Chychrun #suffers #setback #Coyotes