Provorov and the Flyers wrap-up their RFA stalemate with a six-year extension that makes him the highest-paid defenseman on the team (per PuckPedia). After a breakout 2018 campaign, Provorov had a disappointing 26 points (7G / 19A) in 82 games last year. He has not missed a game in three years and is poised to lead the Flyers in ice-time again in 2020.
Werenski has been excellent since breaking into the NHL in 2017, scoring double-digit goals in all three seasons and 40-plus points in two out of three. Overall, he is 11th among defensemen in goals (27) and 24th in points (81) over that span.
Aston-Reese spent most of the 2018-19 season with the Penguins, where he had eight goals and nine assists (17 points) in 43 games. The 24-year-old posted ridiculous numbers at Northeastern University and solid AHL numbers but will be limited by his bottom-6 role with the Penguins.
Luoto played the last three seasons in the Finnish Elite League and recorded 16 points (8G / 8A) in 58 games with Tappara Tampere. Luoto and Patrik Laine were teammates for several Tappara teams growing up, including their U18 and U20 teams
Merzlikins, 25, was selected by the Blue Jackets in the third-round back in 2014 but remained with Lugano in Switzerland, where he had a 2.44 GAA and .921 SV% in 43 games this season. Merzlikins represented Latvia at the World Championship, where he had a 2.78 GAA and .914 SV% in five games.
Tarasov was a third-round pick (No.86 overall) in 2017 and played in the VHL and KHL last year. Tarasov was 17-6 with a 1.71 GAA, .928 SV% and two shutouts in 25 VHL games before making his KHL debut, where he had a 2.86 GAA and .917 SV% in two games.
Olivier is an undrafted centre who played five years in the QMJHL, where he had 27 goals and 22 assists (49 points) with Sherbrooke in his final season. Olivier turned pro this year, collecting four goals and eight assists (12 points) in 54 games with Milwaukee (AHL).
Kuraly has been sidelined by a fractured hand since March 21st but will replace Joakim Nordstrom in the lineup for Game 5. Kuraly will skate with Noel Acciari and Chris Wagner and comes into play with eight goals and 13 assists (21 points) in 71 games.
Johnson was a healthy scratch in Game 1 with Brian Dumoulin returning from injury but Johnson will likely replace Olli Maatta, who struggled in the overtime loss, on the blueline in Game 2. Johnson appeared in all 82 regular season games this season, picking up one goal and 12 assists (13 points).
Aston-Reese missed the last 12 games of the regular seasons but skated as an extra in Tuesday’s practice but remains a game-time decision for Game 1. Aston-Reese had eight goals and nine assists (17 points) in 43 games this season.
The Flames have clinched a roster spot and it looks like Monahan will be the latest forward to be rested. Mikael Backlund is expected to replace him in the lineup and Derek Ryan will skate on the first line.
