Pearson was suspended for the final two games of the preseason and the first two games of the regular season for his hit on Oilers’ defenseman Brandon Davidson. Pearson is set to be a key member of the Kings’ top-6, but they will be without him for the first two games.
Namestnikov, 23, appeared in 80 games in his first full NHL season, collecting a total of 14 goals and 21 assists (35 points). The 2011 27th overall pick has collected 51 career points (23G / 28A) in 127 NHL games and enters 2016-17 as a third line option for the Lightning.
Schenn, 26, started the 2015-16 season in Philadelphia before being traded to Los Angeles in the Vincent Lecavalier deal. Schenn finished the season with four goals and 12 assists (16 points) in 72 games. Schenn adds depth to the Coyotes’ blueline, where he will likely battle with Kevin Connauton for the last spot in the opening night lineup.
After a solid 2014-15 season, the Jets were expecting Lowry to take a step forward, but instead he took a step in the other direction. Lowry had just 17 points (7G / 10A) in 74 games with Winnipeg and four assists in four games with Manitoba (AHL). Lowry will try and bounce-back with the Jets this year.
Scheifele, 23, the former seventh overall pick (2011) is coming off of his best season as a professional, having collected 61 points (29G / 32A) in 71 games. The 6-foot-3 centre emerged as the Jets’ top-line centre and this extension will keep him in that role for many years to come. If Scheifele can stay healthy in 2016-17, he could approach the 70-point plateau.
Connor, 19, was a Hobey Baker Finalist this season after scoring 35 goals and 36 assists (71 points) in 38 games with the University of Michigan. Connor was the 17th overall pick in 2015 and had a massive Freshman season in Ann Arbor and will turn pro with the Jets next season.
Miller, 23, has split his season between Boston and Providence. He has collected 15 points (3G / 12A) in 39 games with Boston and 12 points (4G / 8A) in 19 games with Providence. He will appear in his 40th NHL game of the season on Tuesday, replacing Zach Trotman.
Morrissey, 20, was the 13th overall pick in 2013 and was an elite point-producer from the blueline in juniors. He has collected three goals and 19 assists (22 points) in 56 games with Manitoba (AHL) this season.
Morrissey, 20, was the 13th overall pick in 2013. He has 22 points (3G / 19A) in 56 games in his first season with Manitoba. With Jacob Trouba sidelined with an upper-body injury, Morrissey will make his NHL debut alongside Tyler Myers.
Namestnikov will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury. Ondrej Palat is listed as a game-time decision and if he can’t play like Namestnikov, look for the Lightning to go with seven defensemen again. Namestnikov practiced on Tuesday and took part in today’s morning skate, so he isn’t far from returning to the lineup.
Namestnikov was banged up on Sunday, but took part in Tuesday’s morning skate and is listed as a game-time decision. Namestnikov skated on the fourth line this morning and is expected to be replaced by Erik Condra if he is unable to play.
Hellebuyck’s demotion likely won’t be longterm, but it was a necessary move for the Jets in the short term. Hellebuyck has gone 13-11-1 with a 2.34 GAA and .918 SV% in 26 starts while Ondrej Pavelec was sidelined.
Hellebuyck stopped 21 of 22 shots in the Jets win in St. Louis on Tuesday. It was a big win for Hellebuyck, who had lost five of his previous six starts. Hellebuyck has gone 13-10-1 with a 2.25 GAA and .921 SV% on the year and comes in at 8-7-0 with a 2.66 GAA and .911 SV% on home ice. He’ll take on a Bruins team that was pummelled 9-2 in their last game.
Hellebuyck was yanked after allowing three goals on six shots in the Jets loss to the Hurricanes last Friday. Hellebuyck has dropped five of his last six starts while posting a 3.41 GAA and .881 SV%. The 22-year-old struggled in his first start against the Blues, allowing four goals on 26 shots in a 4-3 loss.
