Blackhawks likely on the move in the next few weeks
Scott Powers of The Athletic: Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford continues to work on getting ready to get back between the pipes. Cam Ward started yesterday’s game, his third in four nights.
Ward has given up 14 goals on 89 shots, a .843 save percentage. Their defense has also been an issue.
There are some that are thinking that the Blackhawks didn’t start Anton Forsberg against the Maple Leafs on Sunday as if he played really well, it may complicate their goaltending situation further when Crawford returns.
The Blackhawks are likely going to have to move Forsberg in the next couple of weeks as they aren’t going to carry three goaltenders. Ward has a no-trade clause, so they’ll have to either trade Forsberg or put him on waivers.
Crawford could be ready to return on October 18th at the earliest.
van Riemsdyk’s injury and Simmonds pending free agency
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: The Philadelphia Flyers may find out winger James van Riemsdyk‘s status today, and they’re hoping he won’t miss any time.
If van Riemsdyk is out short-term, Dale Weise could draw back into the lineup after clearing waivers, moving Michael Raffl up to the third line.
If van Riemsdyk is out a little longer, internally they could give Carsen Twarynski a shot. Twarynski was a big surprise in camp and made it to their last preseason game. Nicolas Aube-Kubel could be another recall option.
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds is entering the last year of his deal and he doesn’t want to talk about it and have it become a distraction.
It’s likely the 30-year olds last chance at a big, long-term deal. The Flyers have said they would like to have him back, but with some forward prospects like Isaac Ratcliffe, Wade Allison and Carsen Twarynski, they may not interested in giving him a big, long-term deal.
There are questions about his long-term health because of the way he plays the game. He missed seven games last season, but he points out that he’s only missed 21 games in the past 10 seasons.
