Grzelcyk in concussion protocol
Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com: Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said that defenseman Matt Grzelcyk isn’t traveling with the team and is in concussion protocol.
Sundqvist suspended
NHL Player Safety: St. Louis Blues forward has been suspended Oskar Sundqvist for one game for his boarding of Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk.
Jeremy Rutherford: NHL Player Safety: “Sundqvist adjusts his course, then hits (Grzelcyk) forcefully from behind with speed, driving him violently into the glass and causing an injury. This is boarding.”
Wild and Maple Leafs make a minor swap
Bob McKenzie: The Minnesota Wild traded for the rights to Toronto Maple Leafs unsigned draft pick Fedor Gordeev. He would re-enter the draft if not signed by June 1st. The Leafs will get a 2020 seventh-round pick if he signs.
Minnesota PR: The Wild have signed Fedor Gordeev to a three-year entry-level deal.
Chris Peters: “Wild need more depth in their system and Gordeev is an interesting project. Still needs some significant development time, but huge kid, athletic and some skill. There are tools. Good low-risk add for a team that has room to fill out below the NHL level.”
Scott Wheeler: “The scouting report on Gordeev for Wild fans: Huge, excellent skater for his size, confident with the puck through the neutral zone, good hands, his challenge has always been making the plays once he carries it in, not getting there. An interesting project at minimum.”
Player signings
Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins have signed defenseman Juuso Riikola to a one-year, one-way contract worth $850,000.
Penguins assistant GM Bill Guerin: “He’s a great skater that moves the puck really well. We expect him to make an even bigger impact this year.”
Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes have signed Eetu Luostarien to a three-year, entry-level deal.