NHL Player News

Connauton was put on waivers Monday for the purpose of reassignment to AHL Tucson.

Connauton collected three goals and 18 points across 61 regular-season contests with AHL Ontario in 2023-24. The 34-year-old defender has 28 goals and 80 points over 360 career NHL contests. Assuming he doesn't get claimed off waivers, he could be a call-up option for Utah in the 2024-25 campaign.

Pesce (lower leg) didn't travel with the Devils to Czechia on Sunday, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports, indicating he will miss the start of the 2024-25 season.

The Devils and Sabres will open the 2024-25 campaign with games Friday and Saturday in Prague as part of the NHL Global Series. Seamus Casey might get to make his NHL debut as a result of Pesce's absence. The 29-year-old Pesce has been listed as week-to-week since the beginning of training camp after suffering a fractured fibula in Game 2 of Carolina's first-round playoff series versus the Islanders in April. He skated as an extra in practice in New Jersey on Monday, per Catherine Bogart of the Devils' official site. Pesce will get more time to recover, but it's unclear if he will be ready to play in the team's home opener against Toronto on Oct. 10.

Johnson (lower body) won't play in Monday's preseason finale against Detroit, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

Johnson is considered day-to-day. He isn't with the Sabres' main group in Czechia for the start of the 2024-25 campaign, and his injury could result in a non-roster player designation once final cuts are made. The 23-year-old blueliner registered seven assists, 35 shots on goal and 39 blocked shots in 41 regular-season appearances with the Sabres in 2023-24.

MacDonald was placed on waivers Sunday with the purpose of being reassigned to AHL Colorado.

MacDonald will start the season with AHL Colorado after signing a two-year contract with the organization in July. The 31-year-old spent the 2023-24 season with San Jose, registering nine points in 34 regular-season contests.

Carrick was placed on waivers Sunday for the purpose of assignment to the AHL, according to Mark Spector of Sportsnet.

Carrick's last appearance in the NHL came during the 2022-23 campaign with Boston, when he appeared in just one contest. The 30-year-old was productive with AHL Coachella Valley in 2023-24, generating 34 points in 70 regular-season games. Carrick will likely be limited to AHL time this year, barring injury to Edmonton's blueliners.

Pouliot was waived Sunday, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Pouliot produced nine goals and 46 points across 64 regular-season contests for AHL Texas in 2023-24. The 30-year-old defender will probably spend most of the 2024-25 campaign with AHL Syracuse.

Bisson was placed on waivers Sunday for assignment to AHL Syracuse, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Bisson spent the 2023-24 season with AHL Laval. The 27-year-old defenseman figures to fill a similar role for the Lightning in 2024-25. Bisson has yet to appear in an NHL game.

Hicketts was placed on waivers Sunday for assignment to AHL Ontario, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Hicketts has spent the last four seasons in the AHL. The 28-year-old blueliner last played in the NHL in 2019, when he had two assists in six games with the Red Wings.

Crotty was put on waivers Sunday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Crotty produced three goals and 13 points in 55 regular-season contests for AHL Tucson in 2023-24. He also made his NHL debut with Arizona on Feb. 24 versus Dallas, earning four hits and two blocked shots in 10:03 of ice time. Crotty will probably spend most, if not all, of the 2024-25 campaign with AHL Iowa.

Benning (lower body) returned to practice Sunday, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Benning is back in action for the Sharks after missing Friday's practice with a minor injury. The 30-year-old blueliner is competing for a bottom-pairing role in San Jose after logging two assists in 14 games last season.