Dumoulin, who has been battling an upper-body injury, took part in Wednesday’s practice and today’s morning skate, so it looks like he’ll play tonight. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan loves the “game-time decision” tag, so expect Dumoulin to be in the lineup.
Dumoulin shed his non-contact jersey during Wednesday’s practice session and skated on the top pair with Kris Letang, which is a good sign that he will be available for Thursday’s season opener vs. the Capitals. Dumoulin doesn’t carry a to of fantasy value despite playing over 20 minutes a night for one of the best teams in hockey. He had just 18 points (5G / 13A) in 80 games a season ago.
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.
Ducks GM Bob Murray announced on Wednesday that Perry underwent surgery to repair his right knee and the initial timetable is set for 20 weeks of about five months. This is a tough blow to a Ducks team that looked as deep as they have in years, but opens the door for young forwards like Troy Terry and Sam Steel to play big roles right out of the gate.
Armia was the No.16 overall pick in 2011 and is coming off of his best season in the NHL. The 25-year-old had 12 goals and 17 assists (29 points) in 79 games with the Jets. The big-winger will fill out a role in the Canadiens’ bottom-6.
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.
