Buffalo claimed two former Rangers off waivers, Zac Jones and Jake Leschyshyn, while Alex Belzile surfaced on waivers to Laval after signing with Montreal. Jones, a puck-moving defenseman, showed flashes last season but struggled for consistent ice time in New York. Leschyshyn, Curtis Leschyshyn’s son, posted 24 points in Hartford last year before landing with Buffalo. Other notable waivers included Hudson Fasching, Brendan Gaunce and Kole Lind, highlighting a broader churn at depth in the league.

The Minnesota Wild, despite facing multiple injuries, are gearing up for a rematch against the Florida Panthers, the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Their previous encounter resulted in a decisive 5-1 victory for the Wild, showcasing their potential when executing their game plan effectively.

With starting goaltender Filip Gustavsson sidelined, Marc-Andre Fleury will take the reins in goal. The Wild hope to regain their form after a mixed stretch of results, emphasizing the need for improved execution, particularly on their penalty kill.