Breaking: Maple Leafs’ Goalie Anthony Stolarz Returns to Practice, Eyeing Homestand Comeback; Buffalo Welcomes Back Defenseman Michael Kesselring; Senators’ Linus Ullmark Returns to Practice While Bruins’ Matthew Poitras Switches Agents
In a significant update to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup, goaltender Anthony Stolarz has returned to practice, revealing he’s been dealing with a nerve issue that sidelined him for over two months. The netminder, who signed a four-year, $15MM extension in training camp, could potentially return to action during the team’s upcoming five-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres will have defenseman Michael Kesselring back in the lineup today against Minnesota, after missing seven games with a high ankle sprain. However, forward Joshua Norris remains out with an injury. In Ottawa, Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark returned to practice for the first time since taking a leave of absence last month, but there’s no set timeline for his return. Lastly, Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras has switched agents, signing with Newport’s Wade Arnott as he heads towards restricted free agency.
Atlantics’ Goaltending Woes, Trades, and Agent Changes: A Deep Dive into the LatestNHL Rumors
Stolarz’s Nerve Issue: A Setback for the Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz has been sidelined for over two months with an upper-body injury, but it’s now revealed that he’s been battling a nerve issue. In a recent interview, Stolarz opened up about his challenge, stating that it required time to heal and that the severity was uncertain initially. Before his setback, Stolarz inked a four-year, $15MM extension, but he struggled mightily, posting a 3.51 GAA and a .884 SV% in 13 starts.
Did you know? Stolarz’s injury has opened the door for Jack Campbell and Erik Kallgren to share duties in net for the Leafs. Campbell, who is in the final year of his contract, has played well, while Kallgren has been a pleasant surprise as a inexpensive free-agent signing.
Sabres’ Kesselring Returns, But Norris’ Status Remains Unclear
The Buffalo Sabres will welcome back defenseman Michael Kesselring tonight against Minnesota. Kesselring has missed seven games with a high ankle sprain but hasn’t produced offensively in his first season with Buffalo, with no points in 16 appearances.
While Kesselring is set to return, center Joshua Norris remains day-to-day, leaving his status uncertain.
Ullmark’s Return: A Light at the End of the Tunnel for Senators?
Ottawa Senators’ goaltender Linus Ullmark skated with the team for the first time since stepping away on a leave of absence last month. Though a return to the lineup isn’t imminent, Ullmark’s participation in practice is a step in the right direction for the struggling Sens, who have relied on Leevi Merilainen and recently signed James Reimer between the pipes.
Poitras Switches Agents Ahead of Potential Contract Talks
Boston Bruins’ center Matthew Poitras has changed agents, signing with Wade Arnott of Newport Sports Management. Poitras, who has played in 33 games with the Bruins in each of the last two seasons, is in the final year of his entry-level deal and will be a restricted free agent without arbitration rights next summer.
Pro Tip: Agent changes often signal that a player is ready to negotiate a new contract. Keep an eye on Poitras’s situation as the Bruins’ management may need to prioritize re-signing him.
FAQs
- **Q: When might Stolarz return for the Maple Leafs?**
A: Stolarz indicated that he needs a few more practices with the team before potentially seeing game action, which could happen during the Leafs’ upcoming five-game homestand.
- **Q: Who will start in net for the Sens with Ullmark’s return uncertain?**
A: It appears Leevi Merilainen will continue to start while Linus Ullmark works his way back from his leave of absence.
- **Q: What’s next for the Sabres’ goaltending situation with Ullmark’s progress?**
A: With Ullmark’s return still uncertain, the Senators may look to acquire a goaltender ahead of the trade deadline to boost their playoff chances.
Stay Tuned for More NHL Rumors and Trends
As the Atlantic Division’s teams continue their push for playoff spots, expect more goaltending headlines and trade rumors. Stay with 247sports.new for the latest developments and analyses.
Related Keywords: NHL, Atlantic Division, Goaltending, Anthony Stolarz, Linus Ullmark, Michael Kesselring, Joshua Norris, Matthew Poitras, Trade Rumors
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