Stone was acquired from the Senators and signed an eight-year extension with the Golden Knights right away. Stone, who is one of the league’s best wingers, will make his debut on a line with Max Pacioretty and Paul Stastny.
Stone was a pending free-agent and the Golden Knights likely wouldn’t have part with their top prospect Erik Brannstrom if they weren’t re-signing Stone. Stone is projected to start on the Golden Knights’ top-line with William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault, where he should take his game to the next level.
Stone became the face of the Senators franchise after they traded away Erik Karlsson but it became clear that they were unlikely to reach an extension, which is why he was ultimately dealt at the deadline. Stone has already set a career-high in goals (28), marking the fifth straight season he has recorded 20-plus goals and 30-plus assists. Stone is also a reliable defensive player and is one of the league’s great pickpockets. He projects to skate in the Vegas top-6 and could even start on the top-line with William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault.
Hill was brought up to serve as Calvin Pickard’s backup on Tuesday but his return to the AHL suggests that Darcy Kemper will be back on Thursday vs. the Blue Jackets.
Darcy Kuemper suffered and upper-body injury in Dallas last night, so Hill comes up to serve as Calvin Pickard’s backup on Tuesday. Hill could remain with the team and get some playing time if Kuemper misses some time.
Smith has missed the last seven games with an injury but was on the ice for Friday’s morning skate and will be game-time decision in Carolina. Smith has nine goals and 18 assists (27 points) in 45 games this season.
Hill allowed two goals on 23 shots in the Panthers loss to the Oilers on January 2nd. Darcy Kuemper has been starting the majority of the Coyotes games but Hill will make his 11th start tonight in Calgary. The 22-year-old has gone 5-1-0 with a 2.03 GAA, .930 SV% and one shutout on the road this season.
Eichel has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury but will be back Friday in Carolina. Eichel has enjoyed a quality campaign, collecting 15 goals and 34 assists (49 points) in 40 games.
As expected, Smith remains day-to-day with an undisclosed injury that he suffered vs. the Devils on Sunday. Max Pacioretty will fill in for him on the Vegas top-line and Brandon Pirri will draw back in on the second line.
Eichel was on the ice for Tuesday’s morning skate but the Sabres will hold him out for the third straight game. The Sabres want to be “cautious” with their star centre, leaving the door open for him to return during their Friday/Saturday back-to-back.
Smith was forced to leave Sunday’s game vs. the Devils and missed Monday’s practice due to an undisclosed injury. Head coach Gerard Gallant listed Smith as day-to-day so look for Brandon Pirri to replace him on Tuesday.
Sissons has missed the last seven games but appears set to return to the Predators lineup in Montreal on Saturday. Sissons has quietly had a solid season, scoring seven goals and nine assists (16 points) in 35 games—on-pace for a career-high 15 goals and 34 points.
Eichel was listed as questionable for Monday’s game but ended up playing before leaving after just 2:42 TOI. The Sabres want to be cautious with their star centre, so they will scratch him on Thursday and re-evaluate him early next week.
Hill gave up four goals on 41 shots in the Coyotes win in Anaheim last Saturday. Hill had a ridiculous stretch of games to start his NHL career but his game has fallen off as of late. Hill has allowed at least three goals in six straight games, giving up a total of 21 goals on 186 shots (.887 SV%). He just isn’t experienced enough to trust from a fantasy perspective, especially against Connor McDavid.
