Last night had only a few games on tap around the NHL but still provided us with some wild finishes and highlight reel goals. The Washington Capitals are starting their title defense off well, and other teams are looking for roster edges to keep up. We’ll be paying attention for you and keeping track of all those minor moves right here:
- The New York Islanders have sent Tanner Fritz to the AHL to make room for the soon returning Andrew Ladd. Fritz had played in two of the Islanders first three games and even recorded an assist, but will be heading back to a more comfortable role in the minor leagues. The 27-year old forward has played just 36 games in his NHL career, but is nearly a point-per-game player in the AHL.
- Tristan Jarry has been officially recalled by the Pittsburgh Penguins to serve as backup tonight, taking the roster spot of Derek Grant for the time being. Grant cleared waivers today and has been assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. Jarry won’t start, but could get some work with Matt Murray out with a concussion—though the latter was already skating with the team today.
- The Calgary Flames have sent Matt Taormina to the minor leagues after clearing waivers, where he’ll take residence in his usual offensive defenseman role. The 31-year old is coming off back to back seasons with at least 52 points in the minor leagues, and should find similar success again this year.
- Tomas Hyka is on his way up to the Vegas Golden Knights, who moved Paul Stastny to injured reserve yesterday. The Golden Knights are not off to quite the same start as a year ago, but might be able to coax some offensive production out of the 25-year old Hyka. Signed last year out of the Czech league, Hyka was nearly a point-per-game player at the AHL level and even contributed three in his short stint with the Golden Knights.