Chychrun underwent knee surgery in August and his season appeared to be in jeopardy. However, Chychrun is an athletic freak and is already close to getting back on the ice and it looks like he will return at some point this season. The second-year defenseman remains without a timetable for his return, but it’s great news that he is already ahead of schedule.
Wilson will miss the first four games of the regular season for boarding the Blues’ Sam Blais. This is not the ideal start to the season for the bruising winger, but it will likely give the Capitals a chance to take an extended look at Alex Chiasson.
Vecchione, 24, signed with the Flyers after posting 63 points (29G / 34A) in 38 games at Union College and should be a big part of the Flyers’ bottom-6 in 2017-18. He has shown the ability to score in college, but likely won’t be a big contributor in his first full NHL season.
McIlrath, 25, was acquired from the Panthers as a part of the Thomas Vanek trade and picked up four assists in 21 games with Grand Rapids (AHL) and another five assists in 19 playoff games in the Griffins Calder Cup run. McIlrath’s stock has fallen a long way since being drafted No.10 overall in 2010, but offers organizational depth and toughness at the AHL level.
In 2016-17, Oshie set a new career-high with 33 goals despite missing 14 games with a pair of upper-body injuries. Oshie tied for the team-lead in goals and ranked fifth in points (56), making it the fifth straight (full 82 game) season that he has topped 50 points. The American-born winger will turn 31-years-old in December, so the Capitals have him locked up at $5.75M per season until he is 39, which is quite an investment.
After being selected in the expansion draft yesterday, it was rumoured that van Riemsdyk could be on the move before Friday’s draft and Carolina is where he ends up. The 25-year right shot defenseman was limited to 58 games in 2016-17, but set a career-high with 16 points (5G / 11A). TVR is just scratching the surface offensively and should be a key member of an already talented Hurricanes’ blueline.
