The Dallas Stars are staring at a long stretch without Matt Duchene, and that absence ripples beyond one lineup spot. Dallas announced that Duchene underwent core muscle surgery and will miss three months, leaving a team that was already light up front with another big hole to fill.
That reality is why the Stars may have to get creative fast. Patrik Laine and Vladimir Tarasenko are two names to watch as possible outside help, and both would be inexpensive options. With Duchene out until the new year approaches, Dallas will need to dig up offense quickly or risk falling behind in the standings.
In Chicago, Connor Bedard is moving closer to a return. He skated again with the Blackhawks, and head coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard is trending toward being a “coach’s decision.” Blashill then paused, laughed and added, “We’ll see how that goes,” which points toward Bedard being in the lineup Tuesday against Pittsburgh.
Emily Kaplan reported that the signs remain encouraging. “As long as things stay on track through morning skate, Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard likely to make his season debut tomorrow night against Pittsburgh.
He’s been feeling good three months post-shoulder surgery, medical team has been monitoring. Will be huge boost for Chicago.”
Over in Anaheim, Cutter Gauthier also got back on the ice. He returned to practice in a regular jersey after missing the final 50 minutes of Saturday’s game against Calgary, though he was not part of the line rushes. That leaves his availability for the next game uncertain.
The Rangers’ goaltending situation is still unsettled after Igor Shesterkin was ruled out for the season, but one rumored fix is off the board. Elliotte Friedman said on Sportsnet, “Don’t expect it,” when asked about Connor Hellebuyck, and added that he doesn’t believe the fit works.
Cost is a huge part of that. Hellebuyck carries an $8.5 million cap hit through 2031, while Shesterkin makes $11.567 million annually through 2033. Holding both contracts would leave nearly $20 million tied up in two goalies once Shesterkin returns.
Jonathan Quick could be another name in the mix. Kaplan reported that the retired veteran might be an option if the Rangers ask him to come back, though that remains speculation and New York could look at other choices first.
In Toronto, Chris Tanev is headed to injured reserve after leaving Saturday’s 6-3 win over Colorado with an upper-body injury. The Maple Leafs said he’ll be out at least three games, including Tuesday in Utah, Thursday against Buffalo and Saturday against the Islanders.
The Leafs also issued this update: “D Chris Tanev has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to October 10. D Marshall Rifai has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). D Oliver Ekman-Larsson (maintenance) will not participate in today’s practice.”
There’s always extra concern when Tanev is involved. The 36-year-old played just 11 games in 2025-26 after dealing with concussion, spine and groin injuries, and while he doesn’t bring offense, he eats tough minutes against top competition and is a key piece of the penalty kill.
In Other News...
Ducks Still Havent Solved The Problem Fans Thought Was Behind Them
The Ducks were back at Honda Center trying to turn the page after a frustrating start, and for a while the night had the feel of a chance to steady things. Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson gave Anaheim offense, Luk Dostl kept them in it with 32 saves, and the crowd also got its first look at Roger McQueen in an NHL debut that added a little extra intrigue to an already important home date.
Instead, the game slipped away in familiar fashion. Calgary, winless coming in, broke through for its first victory of the season behind goals from Adam Klapka, Aydar Suniev, Martin Pospisil and Yegor Sharangovich, while Dustin Wolf turned aside 23 shots at the other end. For Anaheim, the larger concern is how quickly the night exposed the same issue fans hoped was finally behind them, especially with Cutter Gauthier and Ryan Poehling out injured. [Read more 🡒]
Ducks Just Saw Why Calgarys New Call-Up Matters Fast
Aydar Suniev has made a fast impression since getting the call from Calgary on Oct. 7, and the Ducks got a firsthand look at why the Flames are giving him an immediate runway. Through three games, the young winger has slotted mostly on the second line with Morgan Frost and Matt Coronato, and he has already shown the kind of scoring touch that can matter quickly for a team looking to find its footing early in the season.
His production has climbed with each outing, capped by a stronger showing against Anaheim in Calgarys first win of the season. Suniev was active from different offensive areas and looked increasingly comfortable in a role that asks him to keep pace with proven NHL talent, a promising sign for the Flames and a reminder for the Ducks that this is the kind of call-up who can change a game sooner than expected. [Read more 🡒]
Gulls Get An Early Rivalry Test Ducks Fans Will Recognize
The San Diego Gulls are getting an early test in a rivalry that Ducks fans know well, with Ontario coming to Pechanga Arena San Diego tonight to open the season series. The two clubs have spent plenty of time circling each other in the Pacific Division, and the matchup already carries the kind of edge that tends to show up when nearby teams are separated by little more than familiarity and pride.
For the Gulls, it is also a useful measuring stick, since Dave Manson and Nico Myatovic have both pointed to the value of seeing where the group stands in a game like this. There is the usual rivalry heat attached to it, but there is also the more practical question of readiness, and this one should start offering a clearer answer once the Reign settle into their first real lineup look of the season. [Read more 🡒]