Kopitar was forced to miss Thursday’s game against the Islanders due to an illness, but he is feeling better and should be back vs. the Sabres. Kopitar was back between Alex Iafallo and Tyler Toffoli at Friday’s practice and comes into Saturday with two goals in six games this season.
Kuemper split last season between the Kings and Coyotes. During his time in Arizona, Kuemper was 2-6-2 with a 3.22 GAA and .899 SV%. The Coyotes are an improved team so far this season, allowing the fewest shots on goal per game (23.3) in the NHL through four games—8.4 fewer shots than Kuemper faced per game last season. He could be a decent spot-start option tonight vs. a Wild team averaging just 2.40 goals per game so far.
Rittich stopped all eight shots that he has faced in relief this season but struggled to a 2.92 GAA and .904 SV% in 21 appearances with the Flames last year. Rittich will have some spot-start value through the season, but he will be in tough tonight. The Avalanche, particularly their top-line is absolutely dominant on home-ice.
Edmundson said he wants to get through tomorrow’s morning skate before making a decision but it looks like he will play. Vince Dunn is expected to sit for Edmundson, meaning that Alex Pietrangelo will move to the top power-play and Colton Parayko on the second. Edmundson had 17 points (7G / 10A) in 69 games a season ago.
Copley went 15-17-4 with a 2.91 GAA and .896 SV% in 41 starts with the Hershey Bears (AHL) last season. Now that Philipp Grubauer is in Colorado, Copley takes over as the Capitals’ backup and will make his Washington debut tonight in New Jersey. Copley has allowed six goals on 35 shots in two NHL relief appearances.
Edmundson missed the Blues preseason finale with a groin injury and it doesn’t appear as if he will play in their season opener either. If Edmundson is unable to play, look for Chris Butler to get into the Blues lineup.
Doughty, who will turn 29 in December, is signed through the 2026-27 season. Doughty has played in all 82 games for four straight seasons, ranking eighth among defensemen in points (201) and tied for 16th in goals (43) over that span. Doughty will become the highest-paid blueliner when his extension kicks in.
Hicketts had three assists in his short five-game stint with the Red Wings this season. Detroit’s season is virtually over, but the Griffins’ isn’t so Detroit will return some reinforcements. The 21-year-old defenseman has scored three goals with seven assists (10 points) in 63 games with Grand Rapids this season, which is way-off of his 34-points from a season ago.
