Connauton is dealing with what is believed to be a knee injury. He returned to practice recently, but no decision has been made on his availability for the season opener. Connauton is expected to play on the left side of the Coyotes’ third pairing.
Bjugstad broke his hand during Tuesday’s preseason game against the Stars. The 24-year-old is a key face-off man and third line centre for the Panthers, but will miss at least the first month of the season.
Crouse, 19, was drafted 11th overall in 2015 and is coming off of a season where he had 62 points (23G / 39A) in 49 games with the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL). Crouse is a big-boy (6’4” / 212 lbs.) who adds even more offensive upside to a youthful Coyotes organization. He will fight for a roster spot in training camp, but could start the year in the AHL.
Weber, 30, spent the first 10 years of his NHL career in Nashville after being picked 49th overall in 2003. He is a mammoth at 6-foot-4, 230 lbs. who excels at both ends of the rink. He is coming off of one his best seasons, having posted 20 goals and 31 assists (51 points) in 78 games. Acquiring Weber for Subban gives the Canadiens $1.143 million in cap relief.
Maatta was on the ice for the second day in a row and skated alongside Kris Letang in Tuesday’s practice, but remains a game-time decision for Game 1 vs. the Rangers. Monitor his status during the Penguins morning skate on Wednesday, but things are trending in the right direction for him to return after a nine-game absence.
Maatta missed the final nine games of the regular season and might miss the start of the postseason as well. He took part in the Penguins’ practice this morning, but said “I really can’t say for sure” when he was asked if he would play on Wednesday.
The Predators are comfortably in the playoffs so they will rest a number of players in their season finale. Weber will come out of the lineup vs. Dallas.
Maatta finished Thursday’s game in New Jersey, but will miss multiple weeks with a lower-body injury that he suffered. With Maatta out, Ben Lovejoy will draw back into the Penguins lineup on Saturday.
Weber remains day-to-day and the Predators have not provided a clear update on his status, but he will miss his third straight game tonight vs. the Blues. The Predators have a back-to-back coming up on Monday and Tuesday, so monitor his status during Monday’s morning skate.
