NHL Player News

McWard (lower body) isn't expected to play Saturday against Calgary, per Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650.

McWard's next opportunity to get into a game will come Monday versus Edmonton. He had four goals and 17 points in 57 regular-season appearances with AHL Abbotsford in 2023-24.

Hakanpaa (knee) could practice with the Leafs' main group for the first time next week, reports Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun.

Hakanpaa has been working his way back from arthroscopic surgery this past spring and has been wearing the red no-contact jersey while skating with the Marlies-bound third group. Hakanpaa played 64 regular-season games with Dallas in 2023-24, scoring two goals and 10 assists while averaging 18:39 of ice time.

Ekman-Larsson has been paired with Jake McCabe this preseason.

The duo appear to have early chemistry. Ekman-Larsson, who became the eighth defender in NHL history to win his first Stanley Cup title after playing at least 980 games, brings impressive hockey sense, skating and skill to the Leafs' blue line. Last year, he performed on the Panthers' second power-play unit, putting up 11 of his 32 points on the man advantage. He might be deployed in that role in Toronto, which could make reaching the 40-point plateau a real possibility.

McCabe has been paired with newcomer Oliver Ekman-Larsson this preseason.

The two seem to have already developed some chemistry. McCabe has showcased the kind of toughness and skill that new head coach Craig Berube and general manager Brad Treliving value in defenders. Thursday night, McCabe dominated a young Montreal squad, and his stability could allow Ekman-Larsson to provide secondary offense for the Leafs.

Middleton was placed on waivers Saturday with the intention of assigning him to AHL Colorado.

Middleton supplied six goals, 15 points and 136 PIM across 71 regular-season contests for AHL Colorado in 2023-24. He will likely spend most, if not all, of the upcoming campaign in the minors.

Hagg was placed on waivers Saturday, per PuckPedia.

Hagg is a veteran of 343 career NHL games, but he spent the majority of the 2023-24 campaign with AHL San Diego, recording three goals, 12 points and 38 PIM across 47 contests. Although he'll likely start 2024-25 in the minors if he clears waivers, Hagg might be one of the first defensemen promoted if the Golden Knights run into injury problems.

Gravel was placed on waivers for the purpose of reassignment to AHL Milwaukee, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Gravel figures to open the year in the minors but could be a call-up option for the Predators. The 32-year-old defenseman has played in 132 career NHL games, logging one goal, 14 points and a minus-12 rating.

Lajoie was placed on waivers Saturday for the purpose of reassignment to AHL Coachella Valley.

Lajoie signed a two-way deal with Seattle in the offseason after logging an assist in seven games with the Maple Leafs last campaign. The 26-year-old defenseman will probably spend the bulk of the upcoming season with AHL Coachella Valley, where he'll serve as a depth option for the Kraken.

Mayo was placed on waivers for the purpose of reassignment to AHL Henderson.

Mayo joined the Knights via a trade from the Coyotes last year, though he's yet to see any game action with Vegas. The 28-year-old blueliner figures to remain with AHL Henderson as a potential depth option.

Bean (lower body) isn't practicing Saturday, Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun reports.

It's the third practice Bean will miss since suffering the injury in a preseason game against Vancouver on Wednesday. The 26-year-old blueliner signed a two-year deal with the Flames after tallying four goals and 13 points with the Blue Jackets last season.