Things did not go well for Laine after he was traded to the Blue Jackets, scoring 10 goals with 11 assists (21 points) in 45 games--18-goal, 20-assist per 82 game pace. However, Laine should benefit from the Blue Jackets and John Tortorella parting ways and the one-year deal gives him an opportunity to have a bounce-back season and cash in next year.
Blais has been a fixture of the Blues' bottom-6 over the last three seasons and likely won't be able to expand on that role with the Rangers. He doesn't offer a lot of offence, posting a career-high of just 15 points (8G / 7A) in 36 games a season ago. The Rangers have plenty of capable top-9 forwards, so expect Blais to be a fourth-liner to start 2021-22.
Belzile had another strong AHL campaign in 2021, scoring four goals with 10 assists (14 points) in 17 games with Laval. He's an AHL veteran with just two games of NHL experience, so expect the 29-year-old to remain with Laval to start the 2021-22 season.
Caufield was a healthy scratch in the first two games of the series but will replace Eric Staal (undisclosed) in the lineup on Monday. Caufield scored four goals with one assist (five points) in 10 games this year, including two goals in four games vs. Toronto.
Evans was banged up in Game 1 vs. the Maple Leafs and will not play in Game 2 on Saturday. Jesperi Kotkaniemi will draw into the lineup to replace him.
Caufield will be a surprise scratch for Game 1 of the postseason, as the Canadiens go with a more veteran lineup. In addition to Caufield, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Alexander Romanov will both be scratched as well.
Newhook was the No.16 overall pick in 2019 and is set to make his NHL debut after just eight games at the AHL live. The 20year-old centre had 16 points (7G / 9A) in 12 games at Boston College and nine points (5G / 4A) in eight games with the Colorado Eagles (AHL).
