Gawdin was originally a fourth-round pick of the Blues in 2015 but he turned pro with the Flames in 2019. He's only appeared in nine NHL games to-date but had a solid 2022 season in the AHL, scoring 15 goals with 35 assists (50 points) in 62 games with Stockton. The one-way contract suggests he could make the NHL roster to open 2022-23.
The Kings acquired Fiala from the Wild on Wednesday and signed him to a massive seven-year extension, which represents a $2.775M AAV raise for the Swiss winger. Fiala will play a huge role in Los Angeles, next to either Anze Kopitar or Phillip Danault, both spots could allow him to build off of his career-best 2022 season.
Fiala was set to become an RFA and the Wild likely weren't going to have the cap-space to re-sign him. They moved him and added a second first-round pick in 2022 and Brock Faber, who was a second-round pick (No.45 overall) in 2020. For Fiala, he heads to Los Angeles, where he'll likely play a key top-6 role next to either Anze Kopitar or Phillip Danault. Fiala is coming off of the best season of his career, scoring 33 goals with 52 assists (85 points) in 82 games.
Kuemper left Game 1 with an upper-body injury and did not return. He was not on the ice for Thursday's morning skate and head coach Jared Bednar officially ruled him out. Pavel Francouz will start Game 2 vs. the Oilers.
Kuemper left Game 1 shortly after taking a shot off the mask and did not return. When head coach Jared Bednar was asked about Kuemper's availability for Game 2, he said "we'll see." Pavel Francouz, who allowed three goals in relief, will start if Kuemper can't play.
Kuemper missed Game 4 vs. the Predators with an eye injury but has been cleared for Game 1 and will most likely start vs. the Blues. Kuemper was 2-0-0 with a 1.63 GAA and .934 SV% in Round 1.
Kuemper has swelling around his eye and will not be available for Game 4 in Nashville. Pavel Francouz will start in his place and Justus Annunen will serve as his backup. Kuemper is day-to-day and should be ready if there's a Game 5.
