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Fantucchio’s Focus: Ex-NHL Player Passes Away From On Ice Incident; Latest On Kane’s Return

Published

6 months ago

October 30, 2023

Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Monday, October 30, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Ex-NHLer Adam Johnson Passes Away:

Adam Johnson, a former member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, tragically passed away in a freak in-game accident while playing for the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Hockey League in the United Kingdom. He was 29 years old.

Johnson reportedly suffered a severe cut to his neck in a collision during a game at Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England.

A native of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Johnson signed as a free agent with the Penguins in 2017 after spending two seasons at Minnesota-Duluth.

In 13 career NHL games, Johnson recorded four points with one goal.

Red Wings And Sabres Reportedly On Kane’s List:

Patrick Kane’s return to action is reportedly imminent after he underwent hip resurfacing surgery during the offseason.

Kane is an unrestricted free agent and remains unsigned. Could the Detroit Red Wings possibly be a landing spot?

McDavid Returns To Help Oilers Win Heritage Classic:

Connor McDavid returned to action in time for the NHL’s Heritage Classic on Sunday.

McDavid picked up an assist in the Oilers’ 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.

The reigning Hart Trophy winner had missed Edmonton’s last two games with an upper-body injury that he sustained back on Oct. 21.

Yesterday’s Scoreboard:

Sabres: 4, Avalanche: 0

Devils: 4, Wild: 3

Capitals: 3, Sharks: 1

Oilers: 5, Flames: 2

Today’s Schedule:

All Times EST

Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m.

Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.

Seattle Kraken vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m.

New York Rangers vs. Winnipeg Jets, 7:30 p.m.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Arizona Coyotes, 10 p.m.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Vegas Golden Knights, 10 p.m.

More From National Hockey Now:

New Jersey: A huge second period helped the New Jersey Devils pick up a win on Sunday afternoon.

Philadelphia: Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett give insight into the surprisingly strong start for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Washington: While the rest of his teammates have had slow starts to the season, Dylan Strome is stepping up for the Washington Capitals.

Boston: Although he’s once again an MVP front-runner, one Boston talking head believes David Patsrnak is overpaid.

Chicago: The Chicago Blackhawks are doing better than many originally thought they would, and their PK is a big reason why.

Colorado: Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog gave an update on his rehab process.

San Jose: One month into the season, and the San Jose Sharks are still searching for their first win. Sheng Peng has more on the team’s historically bad start.