Fantucchio’s Focus: Injury Bug And Trade Rumors Strike NHL Early

Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Tuesday, October 17, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Mayfield Missing From Islanders Practice:

Scott Mayfield missed practice with the New York Islanders on Monday after blocking a shot in the team’s win against the Buffalo Sabres over the weekend. Mayfield is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury and is a game-time decision for the Islanders’ tilt with the Arizona Coyotes this evening.

Scott Mayfield’s Status TBD After Missing Islanders Practice

Habs Lose Kirby Dach Long-Term:

The Montreal Canadiens announced that they’ll be without Kirby Dach for the foreseeable future due to an injury he suffered while getting hit by Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Jared Tinordi on Saturday.

Kirby Dach Injury Early Curve Ball For Montreal Canadiens

Brandon Tanev Out Four To Six Weeks:

Another significant injury early this NHL season is that of Seattle Kraken forward Brandon Tanev, who is expected to miss four to six weeks of action.

Injury update on #SeaKraken forward Brandon Tanev. pic.twitter.com/iWyK8eibZ8

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 16, 2023

Nashville Has Rumored Interest In Conor Garland:

The Vancouver Canucks have given forward Conor Garland permission to seek a trade, and the Nashville Predators are one of a handful of teams interested in making a deal.

Predators Trade Talk: Team Eyes Disgruntled Canucks Forward

Yesterday’s Scoreboard:

Rangers: 2, Coyotes: 1

Panthers: 4, Devils: 3

Red Wings: 4, Blue Jackets: 0

Capitals: 3, Flames: 2 (SO)

Blackhawks: 4, Maple Leafs: 1

Today’s Schedule:

*All Times EST*

Arizona Coyotes vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 6 p.m.

Minnesota Wild vs. Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7:30 p.m.

Edmonton Oilers vs. Nashville Predators, 8 p.m.

Los Angeles Kings vs. Winnipeg Jets, 8 p.m.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken, 10 p.m.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. San Jose Sharks, 10 p.m.

Dallas Stars vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights, 10:30 p.m.

More From National Hockey Now:

Carolina: Amid intense trade rumors, it has been reported the Hurricanes offered defenseman Brett Pesce a contract extension worth between $4 and $5 million during the offseason.

New Jersey: Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald spent much of the offseason signing his players to contract extensions. Could goalie Akira Schmid be next?

Pittsburgh: Lars Eller has been a solid addition early on for the Penguins. If only he’d stay out of the penalty box.

Boston: Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery is shuffling his lines ahead of the team’s first road trip of the season.

Detroit: The Red Wings are looking to up their win total this season by increasing their shots per game.

Florida: How the Panthers survived their date with the Devils.

Chicago: In a game that featured Connor Bedard and Auston Matthews, Blackhawks goalie Arvid Soderblom was the star of the show.

San Jose: One of the newest Sharks is teaching a young teammate how to swim in NHL waters.

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