Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug suffered a left ankle injury and is set to be re-evaluated after three weeks of wearing a walking boot, general manager Don Sweeney announced.
Krug fractured the same ankle during the club's second-round series versus the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, but his current ailment is unrelated, Sweeney said.
The 27-year-old recorded 59 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game last season.
The Bruins kick off their season Wednesday in Washington against the Capitals.
The Atlantic Division features a few of the league's strongest teams, but also some of its weakest. Only one of the top dogs made a significant addition, while two of the rebuilding teams pulled off blockbuster trades.
Here's how each Atlantic club fared this offseason:
Some contract figures are reported. Most players on two-way deals have been omitted. Total contract value doesn't include bonuses.
Boston Bruins
STR / AFP / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
John Moore
D
5 years
$13.75M
Jaroslav Halak
G
2 years
$5.5M
Joakim Nordstrom
LW
2 years
$2M
Chris Wagner
C
2 years
$2.5M
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Rick Nash
LW
Unsigned/Considering retirement
Riley Nash
C
Signed with Blue Jackets
Anton Khudobin
G
Signed with Stars
Tim Schaller
LW
Signed with Canucks
Tommy Wingels
RW
Signed in Switzerland
Paul Postma
D
Signed in KHL
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Ryan Donato
LW
2014 2nd-round pick
Anders Bjork
LW
2015 5th-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Sean Kuraly
C
3 years
$3.825M
Riley Nash's departure as the club's third-line center could hurt more than some think, especially if Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci miss some time like they did a year ago.
John Moore was a nice addition at a reasonable cost to solidify the left side of the club's blue line, but no other major upgrades were made. Instead, the Bruins will look to give bigger roles to some of their younger players.
Grade: C
Buffalo Sabres
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Conor Sheary
LW
2 years
$6M (trade with Penguins)
Matt Hunwick
D
2 years
$4.5M (trade with Penguins)
Patrik Berglund
C
4 years
$15.4M (trade with Blues)
Vladimir Sobotka
LW
2 years
$7M (trade with Blues)
Tage Thompson
RW
2 years
$1.85M (trade with Blues)
Jeff Skinner
LW
1 year
$5.725M (trade with Hurricanes)
Scott Wilson
LW
2 years
$2.1M (trade with Red Wings)
Carter Hutton
G
3 years
$8.25M
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Ryan O'Reilly
C
Traded to Blues
Robin Lehner
G
Signed with Islanders
Chad Johnson
G
Signed with Blues
Viktor Antipin
D
Signed in KHL
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Rasmus Dahlin
D
2018 1st-round pick
Casey Mittelstadt
C
2017 1st-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Sam Reinhart
RW
2 years
$7.3M
Trading Ryan O'Reilly was unnecessary, and the three depth forwards they received in the deal won't be able to replace one of the game's best two-way centers.
However, there are a lot of positives to take away from the Sabres' offseason. The Jeff Skinner trade was a steal if he signs an extension, Carter Hutton was signed to a low-risk, high-reward contract, and they won the rights to draft a franchise cornerstone in Rasmus Dahlin.
Buffalo won't be contending for a playoff spot in this top-heavy division this season, but it's generally moving in the right direction.
Grade: B
Detroit Red Wings
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Thomas Vanek
LW
1 year
$3M
Jonathan Bernier
G
3 years
$9M
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Henrik Zetterberg
C
Playing career over (back)
Xavier Ouellet
D
Signed with Canadiens
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Michael Rasmussen
C
2017 1st-round pick
Evgeny Svechnikov
RW
2015 1st-round pick
Dennis Cholowski
D
2016 1st-round pick
Joe Hicketts
D
Undrafted
Christoffer Ehn
C
2014 4th-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Martin Frk
RW
1 year
$1.05M
Tyler Bertuzzi
LW
2 years
$2.8M
Mike Green
D
2 years
$10.75M
Andreas Athanasiou
C
2 years
$6M
Anthony Mantha
LW
2 years
$6.6M
Dylan Larkin
C
5 years
$30.5M
Other than losing the heart and soul of the team in Henrik Zetterberg, the Red Wings won't look a whole lot different this coming season. They added Thomas Vanek up front but failed to upgrade their back end, which mostly contains over-the-hill veterans.
Standing pat wasn't necessarily the wrong move for general manager Ken Holland, since the youth movement is essentially in full swing. However, it'll take some time before the Wings are competitive again.
Grade: C-
Florida Panthers
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Mike Hoffman
RW
2 years
$10.375M (trade with Sharks)
Troy Brouwer
RW
1 year
$850K
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Radim Vrbata
RW
Retired
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Henrik Borgstrom
LW
2016 1st-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Frank Vatrano
LW
1 year
$925K
Jared McCann
C
2 years
$2.5M
Alex Petrovic
D
1 year
$1.95M
Making minimal changes was probably the best move for the cap-strapped Panthers. They took some time adjusting to a new coach in Bob Boughner in 2017-18, but really hit their stride in the second half, finishing the season 25-8-2 and one point out of the playoffs.
Work could've been done to address the blue line, but the addition of Mike Hoffman gives the Cats one of the league's most potent top-six forward groups. The Panthers are talented enough to earn a wild-card berth, but their questionable depth means they'll need a clean bill of health.
Grade: C+
Montreal Canadiens
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Max Domi
C
2 years
$6.3M (trade with Coyotes)
Joel Armia
RW
1 year
$.185M (trade with Jets)
Xavier Ouellet
D
1 year
$700K
Tomas Tatar
LW
3 years
$14.4M (trade with Golden Knights)
Matthew Peca
C
2 years
$2.6M
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Alex Galchenyuk
C
Traded to Coyotes
Max Pacioretty
LW
Traded to Golden Knights
Daniel Carr
LW
Signed with Golden Knights
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Jesperi Kotkaniemi
C
2018 1st-round pick
Noah Juulsen
D
2015 1st-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Phillip Danault
C
3 years
$9.25M
Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin got a solid return for Max Pacioretty, getting a decent replacement in Tomas Tatar, a top prospect in Nick Suzuki, and a draft pick. However, the trade makes the club worse in the short term. The Domi-Galchenyuk swap, however, could prove to look bad for the Habs both for this season and in the future.
Montreal is still a ways away from competing, but it's moving in the right direction by acquiring young talent.
Grade: C+
Ottawa Senators
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Mikkel Boedker
LW
2 years
$8M (trade with Sharks)
Chris Tierney
C
2 years
$5.875M (trade with Sharks)
Dylan DeMelo
D
2 years
$1.8M (trade with Sharks)
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Mike Hoffman
RW
Traded to Sharks
Alex Burrows
RW
Retired
Fredrik Claesson
D
Signed with Rangers
Erik Karlsson
D
Traded to Sharks
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Brady Tkachuk
LW
2018 1st-round pick
Colin White
C
2015 1st-round pick
Alex Formenton
LW
2017 2nd-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Chris Wideman
D
1 year
$1M
Mark Stone
RW
1 year
$7.35M
Cody Ceci
D
1 year
$4.3M
The Senators failed to maximize the return of two valuable trade assets and made the questionable decision to keep this year's first-round pick instead of 2019's, when potential franchise-changer Jack Hughes will be available, amid an offseason full of drama.
It's safe to say Ottawa's front office isn't inspiring much confidence. It's going to be a long year in the nation's capital after an abysmal summer.
Grade: F
Tampa Bay Lightning
Mike Carlson / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Key arrivals
N/A
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Chris Kunitz
LW
Signed with Blackhawks
Matthew Peca
C
Signed with Canadiens
Andrej Sustr
D
Signed with Ducks
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Mathieu Joseph
LW
2015 4th-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Louis Domingue
G
2 years
$2.3M
J.T. Miller
LW
5 years
$26.25M
Ryan McDonagh
D
7 years
$47.25M
Slater Koekkoek
D
1 year
$865K
Nikita Kucherov
RW
8 years
$76M
Cedric Pacquette
C
1 year
$1M
Adam Erne
LW
1 year
$800K
The Lightning didn't make any significant additions this offseason; frankly, they didn't need to. They're arguably the NHL's most complete team, and could hold that title for years to come after locking up big pieces of their core.
Grade: B-
Toronto Maple Leafs
Claus Andersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Par Lindholm
C
1 year
$925K
Igor Ozhiganov
D
1 year
$925K
John Tavares
C
7 years
$77M
Tyler Ennis
LW
1 year
$650K
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Tyler Bozak
C
Signed with Blues
Tomas Plekanec
C
Signed with Canadiens
Roman Polak
D
Signed with Stars
Leo Komarov
LW
Signed with Islanders
James van Riemsdyk
LW
Signed with Flyers
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Andreas Johnsson
LW
2013 7th-round pick
Igor Ozhiganov
D
Undrafted
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Connor Carrick
D
1 year
$1.3M
Andreas Johnsson
LW
1 year
$788K
The Maple Leafs are one of the offseason's big winners after landing one of the best free agents to hit the open market in NHL history. However, failing to add a proven right-handed defenseman to solidify the back end prevents them from receiving a perfect grade.
The NHL is a lot of hockey to follow and there's just not enough time to keep up with your favorite team and its prospects, who are often scattered across North America, and in some cases, the world. Fortunately, we've got you covered.
All season long, we'll bring you a prospect notebook to keep you up-to-date with both drafted players and those vying for the top spots in the 2019 NHL Draft. Here's how the season is kicking off.
In the Show
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty
The youth takeover is in full effect. Veterans are being cut in training camp or waived to be sent to the minors and fresh blood is taking their place. More prospects than in years past have the opportunity to make their club's opening-night roster and make an impression on the big stage.
Kailer Yamamoto had a nine-game tryout with the Oilers last season before returning to the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL, but this year it seems he might stick in Edmonton. His nine preseason points - including six goals - tied him with Nashville Predators star Filip Forsberg for third overall, behind only teammates Connor McDavid and Ty Rattie.
Under the direction of new head coach Bill Peters, the Calgary Flames are engaging in a youth movement of sorts. After six points - four goals - in the preseason, rookie forward Dillon Dube has likely done enough to make the team, and chances are high that defenseman Juuso Valimaki will join him.
Both Brady Tkachuk and Alex Formenton have made the Ottawa Senators' opening-night roster. We may not know what the Senators are going to be this season, but here's a not-so-bold prediction: Tkachuk (and his big mouth and gritty play) will lead the team in penalty minutes, while also contributing on the score sheet.
Elias Pettersson was practically the only bright light in the abyss that was the Vancouver Canucks' preseason, and it appears he's on the fast track to adapting to the NHL game. You almost hate to waste him on the Canucks, who are about to embark on a "Lose For Hughes" campaign to bring 2018 seventh overall pick Quinn Hughes' brother, Jack, to Vancouver.
But then, with moves like these, it'll be hard to keep him down:
Pretty sure Elias Pettersson ended Ryan Strome's life at the end of the first period tonight pic.twitter.com/pflbgrKj78
One interesting surprise: with injuries freeing up roster spots, it looks as though Jaret Anderson-Dolan might make the Los Angeles Kings' opening-night roster after making a great impression in the preseason. That's what many envisioned for Gabriel Vilardi before his back issues flared up again. Anderson-Dolan will likely get the typical nine-game look, and what happens after that may not only depend on how he plays, but also how quickly the other Kings players are able to return.
In the Minors
A significant number of top prospects get the chance to develop against a higher level of competition in the AHL this season, rather than in the junior leagues where they would likely dominate the game and learn very little.
Potential 2019 first-rounder Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL) has started the season off with a bang, racking up 10 points, including a league-best six goals, through his first four games.
Out west, Kirby Dach of the Saskatoon Blades was named CHL Player of the Week for the first week of the regular season. Dach had seven points, including three goals, in the Blades' first two games of the year. One of those games was an 8-0 blowout of the Swift Current Broncos in which Dach had five points. Beyond the impressive skill set, Dach's high hockey IQ allows him to think and play the game at a fast pace, something that will greatly benefit him in the NHL.
Over at the U.S. National Team Development Program, top gun Jack Hughes has five points in three games. Teammate Matthew Boldy has six, including four goals. Keep your eye on Boldy this season. He's going to make the team that drafts him in June very happy.
Around the CHL
Montreal Canadiens prospect Nick Suzuki - acquired in the Max Pacioretty trade - had a hat trick Saturday night with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL in their game against the Ottawa 67's.
In his first game back with the Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) since being sent back by the Florida Panthers, forward Owen Tippett had a hat trick and finished with four points. Fellow Panthers prospect in the OHL, Serron Noel of the Oshawa Generals, also had a hat trick with one coming on the penalty kill.
While Chicago Blackhawks defensive prospect Adam Boqvist made a strong argument for himself in the preseason, he was returned to the London Knights of the OHL. He's already making quite an impression:
It's game one and Adam Boqvist is out there dangling defenders by jumping over the puck, getting breakaways, and faking out players from the point. It's going to be a fun year for the Chicago Blackhawks prospect. pic.twitter.com/pI1moIUzDR
Sunday night, the Prince Albert Raiders scored three goals in 20 seconds against the Saskatoon Blades. Ouch.
NCAA hockey has yet to begin, but the Avalanche had two prospects on the preseason All Hockey East Team (chosen by the Hockey East Writers and Broadcasters Association): Shane Bowers and Cale Makar.
Top 2020 prospect Alexis Lafreniere has seven points in four games for Rimouski of the QMJHL. Lafreniere is already drawing comparisons to Sidney Crosby, which are no doubt fueled by the fact he plays for Crosby's former junior team.
Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on Twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.
If Carrick suits up in 50 or more games this season, Toronto's newly acquired pick gets bumped up to a sixth-rounder.
Earlier Monday, Carrick was included in the Leafs' latest round of cuts, but the club evidently found a trade partner before he officially hit the waiver wire.
Carrick has struggled to carve out a consistent role within the Maple Leafs' top six over the past two seasons and was frequently a healthy scratch last year. The 24-year-old played in 47 games for the Leafs in 2017-18, recording four goals and eight assists in just over 15 minutes per contest.
Gagner was set to enter the second season of a three-year contract signed with the Canucks that pays him $3.15 million annually.
In 74 games with Vancouver last season, Gagner had 10 goals and 21 assists. The 29-year-old has suited up for five teams since 2013-14, but should garner some interest on the waiver wire as a serviceable depth center.
McElhinney served as the Leafs' backup for the past two seasons and posted a .934 save percentage in 18 appearances in 2017-18. Pickard appeared in just one game after Toronto acquired him via trade in October.
Toronto's backup goalie job now belongs to Garret Sparks, who was named the AHL's top goalie last season after going 31-9-1 with a .936 save percentage.
As for Carrick, he's been unable to carve out a role on the Leafs' blue line over the past two seasons. The 24-year-old appeared in just 47 games for Toronto last year, registering four goals and eight assists in over 15 minutes per night.
With the latest round of cuts, Toronto's roster now sits at 23 players, with forward William Nylander still absent with just two days until puck drop.
Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every weekday until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 3.
Josi has blossomed into a true impact player, capable of neutralizing opponents with outstanding positioning and a strong stick. He can also drive an offense with his smooth skating stride, high-end skill, and good instincts. -- Wegman
29. Artemi Panarin, Blue Jackets
Wegman
O'Leary
Gold-Smith
Hagerman
39
20
30
24
Panarin erased any doubts he could produce elite numbers without Patrick Kane on his opposite flank after putting up a career-high 82 points in his first season in Columbus. The Bread Man has established himself as one of the NHL's best wingers, and you can bet he'll remain at the top of his game in a contract year. -- O'Leary
28. Jamie Benn, Stars
Wegman
O'Leary
Gold-Smith
Hagerman
27
31
28
21
He does it all. Benn will crush you into the boards, set up a nice goal, or rip one himself. He's still the straw that stirs the Dallas Stars' drink, leading the team in points, finishing second among Stars forwards in hits, and pacing the club with seven game-winning goals last season. -- Hagerman
27. Jack Eichel, Sabres
Wegman
O'Leary
Gold-Smith
Hagerman
24
33
23
23
Eichel had his best NHL campaign in 2017-18 despite missing 15 games. The soon-to-be 22-year-old has been hindered by injuries in each of the past two campaigns but he's clearly an elite offensive talent who's only scratching the surface of his potential. Don't be surprised if he truly breaks out this season. -- Gold-Smith
26. Aleksander Barkov, Panthers
Wegman
O'Leary
Gold-Smith
Hagerman
15
29
27
31
Barkov is maybe the most underrated player in the league. Yes, he has a ridiculous set of hands, but the 6-foot-3 center is as good without the puck as he is with it, finishing fifth in the league with 82 takeaways and second among Panthers forwards with 67 blocked shots last season. An elite penalty killer, Barkov will be a perennial Selke Trophy candidate for the next decade. -- Wegman
25. Patrik Laine, Jets
Wegman
O'Leary
Gold-Smith
Hagerman
30
22
24
26
It's only a matter of time before Laine starts winning Rocket Richard trophies; his devastating release is simply unsolvable for opposing netminders. While goal scoring is Laine's greatest asset, his underrated passing ability and hands help make him one of the best young players in the NHL. -- O'Leary
24. Claude Giroux, Flyers
Wegman
O'Leary
Gold-Smith
Hagerman
35
24
19
18
Giroux is coming off a monstrous 2017-18, nearly doubling his 2016-17 point total to finish second in league scoring after moving to the wing. He's recorded the fifth-most assists over the last four seasons as one of the top playmakers in the league. -- Hagerman
23. Blake Wheeler, Jets
Wegman
O'Leary
Gold-Smith
Hagerman
25
27
26
16
Wheeler not only posted a career-high 91 points last season, his versatility and selflessness practically saved the Jets' campaign. After top center Mark Scheifele went down with an injury, Wheeler shifted from right wing to center - almost unheard of for a veteran of his pedigree - and totaled 16 points in as many games as the Jets went 11-2-3. That's the sign of a true leader. -- Wegman
22. P.K. Subban, Predators
Wegman
O'Leary
Gold-Smith
Hagerman
19
18
25
28
The Predators have four excellent defensemen, but Subban is the best of the bunch and the heart and soul of the group. He's a great skater who can score and get under his opponents' skin. Few NHLers play with as much passion as Subban does, and few are as versatile. -- Gold-Smith
21. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Capitals
Wegman
O'Leary
Gold-Smith
Hagerman
17
21
22
29
Kuznetsov's 2017-18 cemented him as one of the league's top players. The charismatic Russian was bumped up to Alex Ovechkin's line and produced a career-high 83 regular-season points, then recorded a Conn Smythe-worthy 32 points in 24 postseason games as the Caps captured the Cup. -- O'Leary
In addition, the club announced forwards Paul Byron and Brendan Gallagher will serve as alternate captains for the upcoming season.
Weber takes over for Max Pacioretty, who was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights over the offseason. The 33-year-old blue-liner joined the Canadiens in 2016 in the trade that sent P.K. Subban to the Nashville Predators, for whom Weber formerly served as captain.
It will be a while before Weber can officially don the "C," as he continues to recover from knee surgery.
Scott Hartnell has retired from the NHL after 17 seasons.
He made the announcement on his Twitter account:
Every young kid from a small town across Canada dreams of playing a game in the NHL ... I was fortunate enough to play 1,249 of them.
A huge thank you to the Nashville Predators (twice), the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. You are all world class organizations and it was an honor playing for your cities! (Seventeen) years in the NHL was the best job anyone could ever ask for. The games, the fans, the travel, the hotels, the food, the pregame soccer games, are just some of the things that I will always remember and miss. ...
Thanks again to my family, friends & all of the fans that cheered for me (and against) along the way. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my wife Katie and son Wesley. Cheers to the NHL, and the next phase of life!
Hartnell spent the 2017-18 season with the Nashville Predators - who initially drafted him sixth overall in 2000 - but wasn't offered a contract from the club and hit unrestricted free agency over the summer.
The pick turns into a fifth-rounder if Jerabek plays in more than 50 regular-season games for the Blues in 2018-19.
The 27-year-old spent last season split between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals, winning the Stanley Cup with the latter. Overall, he appeared in 36 games during the 2017-18 campaign, recording eight points.
Jerabek signed a one-year, $1-million contract with the Oilers in August.