Minor Injury Updates (Sep 5)

A potentially popular defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Olli Maatta, has given an update on his off-season shoulder surgery, where he has been working out in the off-season, with little discomfort, but as of the beginning of September, he still hasn't been cleared for any contact on the ice.  The update did not necessarily provide a yay or nay as to whether or not he will be ready for training camp, but he still has a couple more weeks to go, as physicals and camps should open around the 18th, 19th and 20th.

Maatta has some real offensive upside, but this is also his sophomore season, so tread carefully with the 20-year old Finn.

Another Penguins player still awaiting word on whether or not he can take contact drills is forward Pascal Dupuis, who had off-season knee surgery.  Dupuis has been skating, but is reportedly still feeling some discomfort in his legs, which may limit his chances at getting cleared before training camp opens.

Dupuis is poised to be a good pick-up again for your hockey pool team, with the Penguins deep in offensive talent, but I wouldn't go so far as to discount his projections just yet.  The 35-year old sounds like he's close to coming back through camp, so we'll keep his numbers about the same.

Last season, defenseman Stephane Robidas had a tough go of it, suffering a broken leg twice in the year, playing between Anaheim and Dallas.  It was too unlucky to be placed on the injury prone list, but he does have a tendency to miss some time, albeit small numbers of games.  Robidas has reportedly been skating since June and appears to be ready for camp, although it isn't official yet, thanks to no clearance from doctors, but it looks like that is only a formality from what I've read.

Robidas is being pegged in my projections as a late-round option, at best, likely not even figuring into this year's hockey pool draft.  In Toronto, he will likely figure into the 5-6 slot, as Morgan Rielly has a good shot at moving up into the top four.  Robidas will be needed as a shutdown guy, so his pairing may still be up in the air.

Boston Bruins tough guy Milan Lucic underwent off-season wrist surgery and remains as someone to watch heading into camp.  The reports are suggesting that he will be ready for camp and that is likely the case, since he had surgery in May, but it is somewhat noteworthy at this point in the game.  You won't want to be caught with your pants down taking a guy that may suffer the after effects of a surgery in the off-season.  Keep an eye on him and when he gets the green light, add away.

I have Lucic ready for a pretty good year in my projections and I wouldn't be bold enough to discount his numbers at this point either.  With the departure of Jarome Iginla, there is a chance that Lucic may be leaned upon for a little bit more offense this season as well.