Training camp decisions are tightening across the league, with the New York Islanders adding depth on the blue line, the Buffalo Sabres monitoring a pair of injured goaltenders, and the Minnesota Wild awaiting clarity after Brock Faber took a hard shot in a preseason game.
Islanders add Stanley and set early roster moves
New York signed defenseman Logan Stanley to a one-year deal Sunday, giving the club another experienced option for its back end ahead of the regular-season opener.
- Stanley, 28, posted nine goals and 17 assists in 76 regular-season games last season between the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres.
- Buffalo acquired him from Winnipeg on March 6, and he recorded five assists in 17 games with the Sabres.
- The defenseman did not register a point in eight Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.
- Defensemen Kashawn Aitcheson and Isaiah George, along with forward Cole Eiserman, were sent to AHL Hamilton.
- Goaltender Vitek Vanecek was placed on waivers with the intention of assigning him.
The Islanders begin the regular season on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with Prime and MSGSN carrying the game.
Sabres watching crease injuries closely
Buffalo’s final preseason game brought a fresh concern in net when Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen exited during the third period of a 3-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
Coach Lindy Ruff said Luukkonen “tweaked something” and was removed as a precaution. The issue was described as lower body, with the club unwilling to risk further aggravation in an exhibition game.
Alex Lyon is also expected to be unavailable for several days after sustaining an upper-body injury in Thursday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Lyon had lunged forward to secure a loose puck, then flexed his left arm before heading directly to the bench during the first period.
Kulich remains precautionary case
Forward Jiri Kulich sat out Saturday after leaving Thursday’s game midway through the second period for precautionary reasons. Ruff said Kulich skated in the morning and appeared to be progressing well.
- Luukkonen left Buffalo’s preseason finale in the third period with a lower-body issue.
- Lyon is expected to miss at least a few days following an upper-body injury.
- Kulich did not dress Saturday but was back on the ice earlier in the day.
The Sabres open their schedule Thursday at the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 7 p.m. ET start will air on CBJHN, CBJNHL and MSG-B.
Faber leaves Wild preseason loss after blocked shot
Minnesota defenseman Brock Faber did not return after the second period of Friday’s 2-1 preseason defeat against the Dallas Stars.
Faber was struck by a point shot with 9:36 remaining in the middle frame. He stayed down briefly, got to the bench under his own power, returned for another shift and completed the period before being held out afterward.
Wild coach John Hynes said the decision was partly precautionary, while acknowledging that any situation requiring a player to be removed merits attention. Hynes said the team did not yet know whether the injury was serious.
Minnesota opens the regular season Thursday at the Nashville Predators, with an 8 p.m. ET faceoff on Wild+, MINNHL and SCRIPPS.
