Schwartz, who hyperextended his left elbow in practice back on September 29th, was originally expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks (end of October), skated today for the first time since suffering the injury. However, Schwartz remains on his original timetable, but it is still encouraging to see that he is making progress.
Oleksiak has been bothered by a lower-body injury, but was able to skate this morning which indicates he may not miss much time past tonight’s season opener.
This is a tough start to the 2016-17 season for Schwartz, who was limited to 33 regular season games last year due to a foot injury he suffered in October. We’re still two weeks away from the start of the season, so Schwartz should only miss the first 8-10 games.
Murray broke his hand while representing Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey. The Penguins were expected to start the season with a two-goalie system, splitting time between Marc-Andre Fleury and Murray. The 22-year-old led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup last season and is still expected to be a huge part of their success this season. Murray will miss 1-4 weeks to start the regular season.
Schwartz, 24, missed 49 games in 2015-16 after fracturing his ankle in October, but still finished with 22 points (8G / 14A) in 33 games. The injury was frustrating for his fantasy investors, who were expecting another 25-goal, 60-point season out of him. Schwartz comes into 2016-17 with that kind of potential and should be drafted as a 60-point player with the potential for 30 goals.
Oleksiak, 23, was unable to land a full-time spot with the Stars in 2015-16, appearing in just 19 games and eight others with Texas (AHL). The 2011 14th overall pick is a huge body (6’7” / 260 lbs) but doesn’t possess a lot of offensive upside. Oleksiak will push for a regular role on the Stars’ blueline in training camp.
Larsson, 23, was the fourth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, but has yet to develop into the premiere two-way defenseman that he was expected to be. However, at just 23-years-old he still has a lot of years to become the top-pairing defenseman that the Oilers are hoping they just acquired. He had 18 points (3G / 15A) in 82 games with the Devils last season.
Murray turned aside 23 of 24 shots in the Penguins win over the Capitals in Game 2. The Penguins are committed to rolling with Murray for the rest of the playoffs, as long as he plays well. So far, it has been all gravy for Murray, who is 4-1 with a 1.74 GAA, .939 SV% and one shutout. He will look to give the Penguins a 2-1 series lead tonight on home ice—he won’t his only home playoff start, stopping 38 of 41 shots in a win over the Rangers.
