The Ducks are expected to make final roster decisions by noon Wednesday as that is the deadline mandated by the NHL. The team will have to make a minimum of two cuts, but might make more depending on how the coaching staff feels about the developmental needs of certain players.
I can only talk about the roster cuts so many times, so I’ll just refer you to my posts here and here. Not much has changed since then except for the fact that Erik Christensen might be temporarily sent down while he can get some more game-time under his belt before rejoining the club, hence my reference to the coaching staff making more than the minimum amount of cuts. Think of it as a minor league rehab assignment.
Another reason to make additional cuts would be if Luca Sbisa were to be cut. Cutting him would open up a spot in the top six defensive spots, but say, for example, that the coaching staff also feels that Brendan Mikkelson or Sheldon Brookbank would benefit from some more time in the minors. It would make sense to cut more than just Sbisa in this case as well.
INJURY UPDATES
As you’ve probably heard, Joffrey Lupul is still having trouble with his back. Sometimes he feels fine but then starts cramping up on the ice. I’m glad the Ducks are being cautious and holding him out of practice until he feel’s 100%. If Lupul were to go down, I’d assume Andrew Ebbett would take over on left-wing as Ebbett played well with Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu during the preseason.
Petteri Nokelainen has a minor groin issue but seems to be on his way back to the lineup. Groin issues are very difficult to deal with and I would hope they use extreme caution in this case as well.
I gave a semi-update on Christensen above. He didn’t have any problems after playing in the final exhibition game for the Ducks on Sunday night but he hasn’t played much hockey otherwise, even in practice. He should be fine once he gets a few more minutes on the ice.
Ryan Getzlaf is back and better than ever. Nothing else needs to be said about him after watching his two preseason games.
PREDICTIONS
I know I wrote it before, but I’d like to formalize my prediction for the roster cuts tomorrow. I think Logan MacMillan and Sheldon Brookbank will be the only cuts the Ducks make.