Nieto set a career-high with 15 goals while adding 11 assists (26 points) in 75 games with the Avalanche last season. The former second-round pick, who was a huge offensive producer at Boston University, has not been able to find the same success in the NHL. Regardless of his lack of offence, Nieto is a great skater with a strong two-way game and has found a home on a bottom-6 line with Carl Soderberg.
Rust has become a valuable middle-6 winger for the Penguins, scoring 13 goals with 25 assists (38 points) in 69 games this past season. Rust occasionally sees time on a line with Evgeni Malkin but is equally effective in a checking-line role. He grades out as the No.52 ranked RW in hockey according to Corsica Player Ratings.
Grzelcyk, 24, became an integral part of the Bruins’ blueline in 2017-18 after spending the majority of his first pro season in the AHL. The 2012 third-round pick (No.85 overall) registered three goals and 12 assists (15 points) in 61 games with the Bruins. Grzelcyk will likely be a third-pairing defenseman on the left-side behind Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara next season.
The Senators did not give a reason for Karlsson not travelling with the team but you have to assume it is related to the recent death of his son. The heartbreaking loss will keep the Senators’ star out for at least one more contest.
Karlsson has missed the last two games following the death of his son. Despite the tragedy, Karlsson wants to play tonight against the Hurricanes, so he will replace Marian Gaborik as the Senators go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Karlsson has been hot as of late, picking up 20 points (3G / 17A) in his last 17 games.
