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:
Bruins' Studnicka Most Likely to Make the Opening Roster
It looks as if Bruins prospect Jack Studnicka has earned himself a roster spot for at least the start of the season. Yesterday, the Bruins made another round of cuts, sending down Marc McLaughlin, John Beecher, and Fabian Lysell, among others, to the AHL.
So far, Studnicka has impressed so far through training camp and preseason. The 23-year-old has shown an improvement in his offensive and defensive game. The Ontario native has been stronger in puck battles and looks noticeably stronger on the ice.
The Bruns forward has played in a career-high 37 games, up-and-down from the NHL to the AHL. Last season, Studnicka played in a 15-game stint with the club, recording three assists.
Arber Xhekaj is among the names still fighting for roster spots.
Xhekaj has fared well throughout the preseason, as he continues to fight for a position on the opening night roster. Xhekaj is a player that you would love to play with but hate to play against. The 21-year-old defenseman is already known as an agitator around the league.
Xhekaj is no stranger to sticking up for teammates by dropping the gloves. The Hamilton, Ontario native, has already dropped the gloves twice this preseason. This included a fight with NHL veteran and tough guy Austin Watson.
The Habs' d-man is a player that is likely fighting for a bottom-pairing position. Throughout the preseason, Xhekaj has effectively played the body while playing a steady defensive game. Last season, the d-man played for the Kitchener Rangers and Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL.
Demoting Cam York doesn't make sense.
The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have sent defenseman Cam York to the AHL. The move comes as the Flyers look to trim down their roster as opening night quickly approaches. It is worthy of note that the Flyers are in the midst of an organization rebuild, as they count on players like York to drive their future.
Does it make sense to demote York? No, it doesn't. Again, the Flyers aren't expected to win many games this season, so why not play your best defensive prospect to give him confidence and experience? Instead, the Flyers have opted to give roster spots to aging veterans like Kevin Connauton and Justin Braun.
York was the 14th overall selection by the Flyers during the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The California native has suited up in 33 NHL games, recording 10 points.