The Daily: NHL Star Injured, Coach’s Son Signs, Senators and Chychrun?

The NHL regular-season hasn’t launched and yet injuries are mounting. Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares is the latest casualty.

Captain Tavares will be out at least three weeks with an oblique injury. “He’s a huge part of our team and that alters our (Oct. 12 opening night) plan for sure,” Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe told the Toronto Sun. “But we’ve played without guys before. There’s opportunity to step in and fill up that space.”

Elsewhere in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks face the reality of playing for a while without forward Ilya Mikheyev and Brock Boeser. Mikheyev, penciled in for 20 goals this season, is out week-to-week with a lower body injury. Boeser, a proven scorer, will be gone three to four weeks because of hand surgery.

The Philadelphia Flyers have been hit hard by injuries this fall, starting with last week’s announcement that defenseman Ryan Ellis is gone for the season. Goalie Carter Hart will miss the first three preseason games. Center Sean Couturier is out week-to-week. Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher will update his condition Wednesday.

Just a reminder when someone tells you John Tavares is old and finished, he was 15th highest scoring centre last year despite 2nd line usage.
At this point how underrated is he?

— Edna Garrett (@WatchMyReview) September 26, 2022

Trade Talk

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman says the Ottawa Senators talks with Arizona Coyotes about a trade for Jakob Chychrun has been on-again and off-again. The Coyotes want Shane Pinto and the Senators won’t budge on that.

In Case You Missed It

The Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-2 in their opening preseason game. Dominik Kubalik scored twice.

The Husso vs. Ned goaltending competition could be the X Factor of this Red Wings’ season.

Coach Derek Lalonde said we are unlikely to see Detroit’s Czech forwards all playing together.

Even if he is a longshot to be signed, Jeremie Biakabutuka has made an impression on the Red Wings.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: David Pastrnak is not one of the players who doesn’t want to talk contract during a season. He is willing to continue to discuss a new deal into the season. Boston Bruins.

Montreal: MHN writer Marc Dumont projects what we should expect from Cole Caufield this season. Montreal Canadiens.

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New York: It appears that Robin Salo has won a job as Scott Mayfield’s defensive partner. New York Islanders.

Philadelphia: Sam Carchidi provides five observation about the Flyers 2-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Philadelphia Flyers.

Washington: Coach Peter Laviolette’s son, Peter Laviolette III, has signed with the Wheeling Nailers, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ECHL affiliate.The younger Laviolette, 24, was born in Wheeling while his father was coaching the Nailers in 1997-98. Peter Laviolette III had been in Washington’s development, rookie and training camp on an amateur tryout agreement. He was a Division III college player at Plymouth State. Washington Capitals.