Blankenburg tallied one goal and two assists (three points) in seven games with the Blue Jackets after turning pro following his final year at the University of Michigan. With the Blue Jackets' blueline entering the season healthy and adding Erik Gudbranson in free agency, there's a good chance that Blankenburg starts the year in the AHL.
Gravel appeared in 109 NHL games from 2016-to-2020 but has played exclusively in the AHL for each of the last two seasons. The 30-year-old defenseman provides organizational depth on D but will likely spend most, if not all of 2022-23 in Milwaukee (AHL).
Smith turned pro with the Predators in 2022, appearing in nine NHL games and 82 AHL games since. In 2022, he was third on Milwaukee (AHL) in goals (21) and fourth in points (41) in 59 games.
Lucchini was an undrafted free agent out of Michigan Tech who has played in the AHL for the last four years. He was tied for the team-lead in goals (20) and led the Belleville in points (51) in 2021-22. Expect him to remain with Belleville to open 2022-23.
Bunting missed the final three games of the regular season and Game 1 vs. the Lightning but will replace Kyle Clifford (suspended) for Game 2. Bunting had an outstanding season on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, scoring 23 goals with 40 assists (63 points) in 79 games.
Bunting missed the final three games of the regular season, was not on the ice for Sunday's practice and is listed as doubtful to play in Game 1. With Bunting likely not available, Alex Kerfoot is expected to skate on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
Blankenburg scored one goal with two assists (three points) in seven games since turning pro but will miss the final two games of the regular season with an upper-body injury.
Saros suffered a lower-body injury on Tuesday and will miss at least the final two games of the regular season. Connor Ingram has been recalled and will serve as their No.2 behind David Rittich until Saros is back. His injury is an obvious concern, as his availability for the postseason is now in question.
Bunting will miss the last couple of games with the injury he suffered early in the Maple Leafs' loss in Florida on Saturday. There has been no word on his availability for Game 1 of the postseason.
Lauzon took an ugly-looking fall early in Saturday's game vs. the Blackhawks and is expected to miss an extended period of time. Matt Benning replaced Lauzon in the lineup on Sunday and will likely remain in the lineup moving forward.
