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Capitals Activate, Waive Spencer Smallman

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The Capitals have placed right winger Spencer Smallman on waivers for the purpose of assignment to AHL Hershey, PuckPedia reports. That signals he’s been activated from season-opening injured reserve and is cleared to return from the undisclosed injury that kept him out of training camp.

Smallman, 28, has never cracked an NHL roster. His career began as a fifth-round pick of the Hurricanes in 2015. He spent his first five professional seasons playing for the organization’s AHL and ECHL affiliates before becoming a Group VI UFA in 2022 and signing with the Avalanche.

His time with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles didn’t yield him any NHL call-ups, but he did post a career-best 13 goals in 61 AHL games in 2022-23. The 6’1″, 198-lb winger is a decent skater but hasn’t posted the point totals at the minor-league level to even receive outside consideration for a call-up at this stage. The Prince Edward Island native has 95 points (38 G, 57 A) in 244 career appearances at the AHL level.

Washington inked Smallman to a two-way deal ($775K/$350K) this summer, bringing him in to join the Hershey Bears as they try for their third straight Calder Cup championship.

Jets Place Kaapo Kähkönen On Waivers

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The Jets have placed goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen on waivers, per PuckPedia. It appears he’s lost the backup battle to Eric Comrie and can be claimed by any team after signing a one-year, $1MM deal in Winnipeg over the offseason.

It’s likely not the result the Jets nor Kähkönen expected after coming to terms on the deal. Most assumed Comrie, who struggled to the tune of a .874 SV% in 10 games with the Sabres last year, would be the one to end up on waivers and sit at No. 3 on Winnipeg’s goaltending depth chart after inking a two-year, $825K AAV deal to kick off his fourth stint in the Jets organization.

The Jets were able to wait to make their decision, as starter Connor Hellebuyck’s brief absence due to personal reasons forced them to carry three goalies on their opening night roster. But Hellebuyck returned to pitch a shutout in last night’s season opener against the Oilers with Comrie on the bench, meaning Kähkönen watched from the press box.

It’s worth noting that taking Kähkönen off the roster instead of Comrie frees up an additional $175K in cap space. But it’s hard to imagine him passing through waivers. His $1MM cap hit is fully buriable in the minors if he doesn’t work out with a new club and lands back on the waiver wire, and he’s an intriguing pickup after he managed a .898 SV% in 37 games last year despite spending most of the campaign with the league-worst Sharks. The 28-year-old’s numbers weren’t too far below average, and he closed the campaign on a tear with a .923 SV% in six games for the Devils after New Jersey acquired him via trade.

Kähkönen was a Minnesota fourth-round pick back in 2014. He has a career .899 SV%, four shutouts, and a 49-67-15 record in 139 appearances with the Wild, Sharks, and Devils.

Oilers Place Raphael Lavoie On Waivers

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Forward Raphael Lavoie has hit waivers for the third time this week. Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic reports that the Oilers will try again to sneak him through to AHL Bakersfield.

Lavoie, a second-round pick of Edmonton in 2019, initially hit waivers on Sunday as the Oilers needed him off their opening night roster to be cap-compliant. The Golden Knights pounced on the 24-year-old, taking him out of the Oilers organization, but they weren’t interested in keeping him on the NHL roster and instead claimed him in the hopes they could pass him through to AHL Henderson the following day.

The Oilers never wanted to lose Lavoie, though, and took the opportunity to re-claim him off the wire yesterday. They weren’t the only team to submit a claim, though. One of the eight teams who finished ahead of them in the league standings last season also made one, meaning Edmonton couldn’t assign Lavoie directly to Bakersfield after re-claiming him. As such, he’s back on the wire today as Edmonton tries to return him to the minors for a second time.

Lavoie cracked the AHL All-Star Game roster for the first time last season while recording 28 goals and 50 points in 66 games for the Condors, all career-highs. He also made his NHL debut, going without a point and posting a -2 rating in seven appearances for Edmonton. After a brief dance with restricted free agency, he signed a one-year, two-way pact ($775K/$200K) to return to the Oilers over the offseason.

Canadiens Sign, Waive Gustav Lindström

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Oct. 10: The Habs announced that Lindström has cleared waivers and has been assigned to Laval.

Oct. 9: The Canadiens have signed depth defenseman Gustav Lindström to a two-way contract, per a team release. The Swede spent training camp on a PTO with the Ducks but didn’t make the roster and was released last week. He’s subsequently been placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment to AHL Laval, the team said.

Lindström, 26 later this month, has played in parts of five NHL seasons. The 2017 second-round pick of the Red Wings established himself as a bottom-pairing/press box option there, posting 25 points (2 G, 23 A) and a -33 rating in 128 appearances. The nephew of former Shark Marcus Ragnarsson has minimal offensive upside and mostly relies on his footspeed to put himself in position to break up plays, leading to some unimpressive but not catastrophic possession metrics (44.6 career CF%, but playing on rebuilding clubs).

The Red Wings parted ways with Lindström last year, trading him to the Canadiens in a late-summer swap for Jeff Petry. He’s now back for his second stint in Montreal. He posted four points in 14 games, averaging 15:17 per night, but couldn’t avoid the waiver wire and was claimed by the Ducks in January. He finished out the year with a strong run of play in Anaheim, logging six assists with an impressive +12 rating in 32 games on one of the league’s worst defensive teams. He did so in heavy defensive usage, too, with a 60.2 dZS%. His 44.6 CF% still managed to check in 0.1% better than the Ducks’ shot attempt share without Lindström on the ice.

There’s a bit of defensive upside there, one that may convince a team to claim him off waivers. But since he had to wait until Day 2 of the regular season to earn even just a two-way deal, it seems interest in his services is low. The Canadiens don’t have a huge need for depth help at the NHL level, with youngsters like Lane Hutson and Jayden Struble set to lock down full-time roles, but they only have three healthy non-roster defenders under contract, and Laval is seriously understaffed. That’s where they’ll hope to fit him in for now. Lindström has made 62 AHL appearances in parts of three years, posting eight assists and a -18 rating.

Lindström won’t count against the 23-man roster limit while on waivers since he was signed and waived on the same day.

Canucks Recall Arshdeep Bains

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The Canucks have recalled left winger Arshdeep Bains, per a team announcement. The Canucks had an open spot on the 23-man roster and ample cap space, so no corresponding transaction is necessary.

Bains, 23, has just eight NHL games under his belt – all coming with the Canucks last year. He went without a point and struggled with a -5 rating and 6 PIMs in that small sample. Vancouver signed Bains as an undrafted free agent out of WHL Red Deer in 2022 after he led the league in scoring with 112 points (43 G, 69 A) in 68 games.

It’s been a smooth adjustment to the pros for Bains, who dominated with AHL Abbotsford last season. The Surrey, British Columbia native was one of Abbotsford’s best per-game producers, posting 55 points (16 G, 39 A) in 59 games en route to a trip to the league’s All-Star Game.

Bains is still waiver-exempt, so he didn’t make the opening night roster to give Vancouver some initial flexibility. But he’s back up now, and he’ll compete to move one of Nils Åman or Kiefer Sherwood out of the lineup to make his season debut. There’s increased opportunity for him to play while Pius Suter is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Boone Jenner Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, May Not Return This Season

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Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell announced today that captain Boone Jenner is out indefinitely after undergoing shoulder surgery. “Our hope is he can return before the end of the season,” Waddell said, but there’s no guarantee he’ll suit up at all in 2024-25. Waddell later added Jenner would be out for at least five months, marking the beginning of March as his earliest opportunity to return, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Jenner sustained the injury in practice last week after losing an edge and crashing into the boards. After landing on IR before the season-opening rosters were due, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic indicated he could be out multiple months. Today’s news isn’t quite the worst-case scenario for Jenner, but it’s certainly not promising.

The shoulder surgery adds to a long list of injuries that’s prevented Jenner from playing more than 70 games in a season since the COVID-19 pandemic. While the 31-year-old has been an invaluable piece for Columbus, putting up the best offensive numbers of his career after assuming the captaincy in 2021, a broken jaw and recurring back problems have truncated his last three campaigns at 59, 68 and 58 games, respectively.

A Blue Jackets lifer, Jenner was a second-round pick of Columbus back in 2011. His career averages suggest the offensive output of a squarely middle-six center, posting 22 goals and 42 points per 82 games. But he’s averaged over 20 minutes per game in the last three years, and with increased usage has come increased production. The Ontario native has produced a 32-goal, 55-point clip per 82 games since the 2021-22 campaign. He’s done so on a bargain-bin four-year, $15MM extension he signed before his 2021 resurgence – some will remember his 30-goal, 49-point breakout campaign for the Jackets way back in 2015-16.

Jenner’s absence will deprive Columbus of their top forward for most of the season, diminishing the effectiveness of an already thin group. He was expected to shift to the wing from center this year, so Adam Fantilli and Sean Monahan won’t see much of an increase in responsibility from their already-anticipated top-six roles. But Jenner’s injury will lead to more ice time for late-summer UFA pickups Kevin Labanc and James van Riemsdyk, who now each project to play tonight’s season opener in second-line roles flanking Fantilli, per the team’s Jeff Svoboda.

In much more positive news, winger Dmitri Voronkov, who also started the season on IR, isn’t expected to miss nearly as much time as Jenner with his upper body injury, per Waddell. He doesn’t require surgery and could return by the end of next month, Svoboda relays.

Atlantic Notes: Benson, Peterka, Tkachuk, Stützle, Poitras

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The Sabres may get winger Zach Benson back in the lineup tonight against the Kings. He’s a game-time decision with the lower-body injury that kept him out of the second game of last week’s Global Series against the Devils, head coach Lindy Ruff said today. However, they won’t have John-Jason Peterka’s services for the home opener – he’s been ruled out against L.A. with a concussion.

Buffalo only has 13 forwards on the active roster, including Benson and Peterka. They don’t have any open spots on the 23-man roster, so if Benson can’t go, the Sabres will run 11 forwards and seven defensemen tonight. That means Jacob Bryson or Dennis Gilbert could make their season debut after sitting in the press box for both Global Series games.

Injuries up front are the last thing the Sabres need after their offense sputtered against New Jersey, producing just one goal apiece in each contest en route to a pair of multi-goal losses. Peterka, who finished fourth on the team in scoring last season with 50 points (28 G, 22 A) in 82 games, is the far more notable loss in that regard, although the sophomore Benson is a valuable middle-six piece in his own right. Rookie Jiri Kulich, who the Sabres picked up with the No. 28 overall pick in 2022, will skate in Peterka’s place on the top line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch in just his third career NHL game, per Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic Division:

  • If there was any doubt, Senators star forwards Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk will play in their season opener tonight after leaving a late preseason game against the Canadiens with upper body injuries, per the team. They’ll reprise their top-line roles with Claude Giroux, who also missed a bit of exhibition action while on personal leave, on their right wing. The Sens host the defending champion Panthers in their first game of the season, which also marks Linus Ullmark’s first regular-season appearance for Ottawa after inking a four-year, $33MM extension yesterday.
  • Bruins sophomore center Matthew Poitras remains on IR with an undisclosed injury but is closer to returning, head coach Jim Montgomery told reporters today, including Conor Ryan of the Boston Globe. He shed his no-contact jersey today, and since his IR placement was retroactive to Oct. 3, he’s now eligible to return at any time. The Bruins have an open roster spot for now, so there’s no corresponding transaction necessary to reinstate him. The 20-year-old had 15 points in 33 games for Boston last season before shoulder surgery truncated his campaign.

Sponsored: Today is World Mental Health Day

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This is a sponsored post from BetterHelp.

Get Matched to the Best Therapist for You. Self-Care is Focusing on Your Mental Health

What’s an important holiday you might not know about? World Mental Health Day on October 10th – encouraging all of us to talk about and take care of our mental health since 1992.

The Mental Health Of Athletes: Statistics, Self-Care, And Support

Athletes often experience high pressure, busy schedules, and exposure to harmful stigmas and stereotypes that can lead to mental health conditions or chronic stress and burnout.

If you’re an athlete, there are various ways you can practice self-care to improve your mental health.

Mental health challenges common in athletes

Up to 35% of elite professional athletes are living with a mental illness, and student-athletes and those who participate in athletics for pleasure are also at risk. Below are statistics on the most common mental health conditions in athletes.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders may be more common in athletes due to pervasive stereotypes about what an athlete’s body “should” look like. In addition, bullying or rejection from teammates, coaches, and team supporters can lead to individuals experiencing fear of shame or the loss of their athlete status if they gain weight, lose muscle, or experience bodily changes.

Depression

One study found that the prevalence of depression in athletes is around 15.6% to 21%. The same study reported that athletes who were at a higher risk of depressive disorders were those with sports injuries, those who had been terminated from their career as athletes, and those rated poorly in performance. Depression can lead to a higher suicide risk in athletes, so therapy is often recommended.

Anxiety

Research by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) found that almost 85% of certified athletic trainers believe anxiety disorders are an issue for student-athletes. Other studies report that sports can lead to high levels of stress and pressure, which can cause anxiety.

Substance use disorders

According to studies, medication and alcohol misuse are the most common forms of substance use in athletes. Athletes may self-medicate due to other mental health challenges, physical pain, or difficulty sleeping. In addition, “sports culture” can sometimes lead to social pressure to drink or take other substances. Breaking down stigmas on a societal and team level can be a way to reduce these challenges.

How to practice self-care as an athlete

If you’re an athlete, whether you practice for fun or are in an elite team, there are a few self-care tips you can consider.

Prioritize mental health as much as physical health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental healthcare can reduce the risk of physical illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. To prioritize your mental health, pay attention to what your emotions tell you, learn about self-care, take breaks when needed, and address your stress when it arises.

Challenge harmful practices, stigma, and misconceptions

Stigmas, harmful practices, and misconceptions are common in athletic communities. Below are some ways to challenge these:

  • Refuse substance use if you’re not interested in partaking, and encourage teammates and other athletes to value bodily autonomy
  • Speak up when someone uses a stereotype or stigmatizing term
  • Report abusive or unethical team practices imposed in professional environments
  • Speak up against transphobia in sports
  • Share your own story about mental health and what helped you cope
  • Be open about stress and stress management
  • Take steps to address toxic masculinity in athletics
  • Be accepting of the religious and cultural practices of team members
  • Seek therapy and be open about it with others

Nurture a strong support system

Having a support system can significantly reduce mental health challenges, leading to increased wellness and quality of life and a reduced risk of physical illness. Nurture your support system by ensuring you spend quality time with those you love outside of a sports context.

How to find professional support as an athlete

Therapy can be an effective tool for reducing stress and the chances of mental burnout in athletes. For those facing barriers to in-person therapy, online platforms like BetterHelp may be more accessible. Through an online platform, athletes can access resources like support groups and worksheets and weekly therapy with a provider via phone, video, or live chat.

Studies show that online therapy can be effective in treating conditions commonly seen in athletes, like anxiety and depression. In one study, online therapy was found to be more effective in symptom reduction for these conditions than face-to-face therapy.

Takeaway

For those who are struggling, mental health treatment may be beneficial. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength, and over 41.7 million US adults see a therapist. By talking to a professional, you can develop ways to cope productively with your challenges and potentially receive referrals to other support options, such as psychiatry or support groups.

Evening Notes: Bennett, Lemieux, Filmon

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David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period wonders if the Florida Panthers will turn their attention to signing center Sam Bennett after they locked up Carter Verhaeghe last night. Bennett is eligible to be an unrestricted free agent next July as he plays out the final year of his four-year $17.7MM contract. The 28-year-old had two goals in the Panthers season opener and is coming off three consecutive 40-plus-point seasons.

Last year, the Holland Landing, Ontario native registered 20 goals and 21 assists in 69 regular season games and was fantastic in the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final, posting seven goals and seven assists in 19 games. Pagnotta believes that a new long-term deal for Bennett could cost Florida between $6MM and $7MM annually.

In other evening notes:

  • Carolina Hurricanes forward Brendan Lemieux suffered an injury in the team’s last preseason game and will miss some time (as per Chip Alexander of Raleigh News & Observer). The 28-year-old played quite a bit in the preseason and looked like a candidate to get more playing time this season after dressing in just 32 games last year as the Hurricanes 13th forward. Now, the undisclosed injury will force him to delay the start of his season.
  • The New Jersey Devils have activated forward Josh Filmon off Injured, Non-Roster and assigned him to the Utica Comets of the AHL. The 20-year-old was dealing with an upper-body injury all through training camp and appears back to health and ready to start his season. Filmon was a 2022 sixth-round pick and spent all of last season in the Western Hockey League with the Swift Current Broncos where he posted 27 goals and 40 assists in 64 games. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native will be playing his first full season of professional hockey this year but does have four games of AHL experience from 2022-23 when he registered a single goal with Utica.

Los Angeles To Host The 2025 NHL Entry Draft

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David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period is reporting that the 2025 NHL Entry Draft will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The draft will be the first of its kind in the NHL as the league is moving to a decentralized model that will see the team’s management groups and scouting staff at a separate location while the prospects and their families will be in attendance in Los Angeles.

 The details have yet to be finalized but reports are that Gary Bettman is working on wrapping up the arrangements at the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater. The theater is close to Crypto.com, the home of the Los Angeles Kings who will be hosting the event. Bettman will be in Los Angeles in the next handful of days to finalize details alongside much of the NHL’s executives.

While the details of the NHL Entry Draft are starting to emerge, there is very little information at this time about where the NHL Awards will be held and Pagnotta even wonders if the show will take place in 2025.

The NHL has been taking their events to bigger markets in recent years and will be hosting the draft in Los Angeles for the first time in 15 years. The last NHL Entry Draft the Kings hosted was at the Staples Center (now Crypto.com arena) in 2010.

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