Yes, we are finally approaching the start of the 2022-23 season, a time when all 32 teams have a chance to win the Stanley Cup. Here are some of the top headlines and notes prior to the NHL season:
Järnkrok's Season Expectations
Calle Järnkrok was a pleasant surprise to many Leafs fans this weekend, playing in his first preseason game of the year. Järnkrok recorded two goals, on three shots, while playing just over 17 minutes during a 4-2 defeat to the Ottawa Senators.
In that game, Järnkrok was seen paired playing with Auston Matthews and Michael Bunting. Will Calle see first-line minutes this season? Of course, preseason is a trial run and players can always breakout, but does Järnkrok bring first-line abilities to the table?
A more suitable role for the 31-year-old Swedish forward would probably be to slot in on either the second or third line. Even though the Swedes played well, we must remember that hockey is a marathon, not a sprint.Järnkrok's best offensive statistics of his career would be during the 2017–18 season, when he put up 35 points.
There is no doubt that Järnkrok won't be a positive aspect on a top, high-end Leafs roster. It is just unlikely he will continue to play with the likes of Matthews and Bunting the closer we get to the NHL season.
It's Philip Broberg Time in Edmonton.
Broberg surprised many during his first preseason game against the Seattle Kraken. Although Edmonton was handed a 3-0 loss, there were many key bright spots within the young d-man's game.
As expected, Broberg played a big role in the hockey game, logging over 22 minutes during the game. Broberg ended the game with a -1 with three shots on ice. Broberg showed the urge of wanting to make the lineup after blocking a shot directly in the face, yet putting the team first and getting back into position. Props to Broberg.
The Swedish d-man was Edmonton's 8th overall selection during the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. In all, Broberg has logged in to 23 NHL games, all of which he played last year. The D-man has one goal and two assists since the beginning of his career.
Edvinsson will most likely begin the season in the AHL
Simon Edvinsson is another Swedish defenseman attending NHL training camp with a chance to make an NHL roster. The former sixth-overall pick is the Red Wings' top defensive prospect and is ready to take his talents to North American ice.
Why is the AHL more suitable for Edvinsson to start the season? Edvinsson struggled defensively during the Red Wings training camp practice games. It was reported that Edvinsson was a turnover machine during the games, further altering the offensive side of his game.
There should be no need to rush Edvinsson into the NHL lineup! Of course, one day it is projected that he will be a top-pairing shutdown d-man, but that time isn't now. Starting the rookie in the AHL would allow for a more comfortable development path and could lead to a mid-season NHL call-up.
Edvinsson spent the entire 2021-22 season playing for Frolunda of the SHL. The D-man played in 44 games, recording two goals and 17 assists.
Carter Hart Update:
The Philadelphia Flyers have reported that star goaltender Carter Hart is currently dealing with a lower-body injury.
It's like it couldn't get any worse for the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers. It was expected that Hart would figure as one of the most important players within the Flyers organization to start the season.
Hart has not been cleared to play in any games, but has been working and training with his team. The Alberta native is entering the season after a 13-24-7 record.