The Florida Panthers have made a number of roster moves today, predicated on the fact that Carter Verhaeghe is now listed out on a week-to-week basis with an upper-body injury. Anthony Duclair has been activated from injured reserve, while both Lucas Wallmark and Spencer Knight have been recalled from the taxi squad. Kevin Connauton has been moved to the taxi squad to make more room, as Sam Bennett and Nikita Gusev have also been added to the active roster.
It’s tough news for Verhaeghe, who has been one of the biggest stories of the season so far in Florida. A breakout star, the 25-year-old forward has scored 17 goals and 35 points in 42 games, often skating on the top line with Aleksander Barkov. He’ll now miss several games with this injury, though the team has certainly brought in some reinforcements to help while he’s out.
Duclair hasn’t played since March, missing the team’s last six games after suffering an upper-body injury against the Detroit Red Wings. He’ll be back tonight and is joined on the active roster by recent additions Wallmark, Bennett, and Gusev when they will each make their respective debuts.
Also patiently awaiting his professional debut is Knight, who signed out of Boston College but has yet to see any NHL or even AHL action. The 19-year-old netminder is one of the top goalie prospects in the world and posted a .932 save percentage this season for BC. Selected 13th overall in 2019, he’s been the subject of much debate due to the presence of Sergei Bobrovsky and an emerging Chris Driedger.
Verhaeghe being able to play with Barkov, allowing Huberdeau to slide down to anchor the second line changed the dynamic of this team. Huge loss.
Would like to see Gusev get a chance with Barkov in Verhaeghe’s absence. It’s been a rough season for him with injuries & covid. Kid looked good last season.