It appears the Golden Knights will be without a pair of key contributors in Thursday night’s season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Head coach Gerard Gallant confirmed after practice on Tuesday that forward Alex Tuch, who is dealing with an unspecified ailment, will not be in the lineup against Philadelphia. Further, forward Cody Eakin, who was placed on injured reserve Monday with a lower-body injury, is also “probably not going to play,” according to Gallant. Eakin, however, did participate in practice Tuesday, albeit wearing a light blue practice jersey.
Tuch and Eakin both played significant roles on Vegas’ third line in its inaugural campaign, combining for 26 goals and 64 points last season.
With Tuch and (likely) Eakin out of the lineup Thursday, forwards Ryan Carpenter and Oscar Lindberg are the probable candidates to take over on the third line alongside winger Tomas Nosek. Carpenter, who is entering his first full season with the Golden Knights, filled in at center with Lindberg on the right flank at Tuesday’s practice.
UPDATE: Alex Tuch has been placed on the Golden Knights’ injured reserve list.
Today’s transactions 👇
👉 Alex Tuch has been placed on the injured reserve list
👉 Daniel Carr and Curtis McKenzie have been assigned to the @Chicago_Wolves https://t.co/wQ5h4bSU51— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 2, 2018