Notebook: Samoskevich Returns to Practice, Panthers Continue to Cut Down Roster
Mackie Samoskevich returned to practice on Monday in a yellow, non-contact sweater. Plus, the Florida Panthers cut their roster down to 39 players.
Photo by Colby Guy
FORT LAUDERDALE — Mackie Samoskevich returned to practice for the Florida Panthers on Tuesday in a yellow, non-contact sweater.
It was his first time skating with the main group since suffering a “flare-up” to an upper-body injury he’s been dealing with since the start of training camp on Sept. 23.
Per coach Paul Maurice, Samoskevich is not expected to play in the Panthers’ preseason game in Tampa Bay on Wednesday, but he will be an option for Florida in their final exhibition game in Quebec on Saturday.
“We’ll get him through today and see how he manages that,” Maurice said. “We’re shooting for the weekend game. He won’t play tomorrow, but bit looks like he got through it just fine.”
In line rushes, Samoskevich skated on the third line next to Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen while Jesper Boqvist was centering the fourth line.
The 21-year-old is vying for a spot on the NHL roster after an impressive first season of professional hockey, scoring 22 goals and 54 points in 62 games with the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) last season.
A.J. Greer, who usually slots in on the right wing of that line, was skating in place of Evan Rodrigues of the second line.
Rodrigues left the second period of Monday night’s preseason game against the Lightning with a minor injury. Maurice said it should not keep him out for long.
“We know it’s not long term. He may well play Saturday as well,” Maurice said. “He is not going to play tomorrow, but I didn’t have him scheduled for tomorrow.”
Maurice did not specify whether the injury was an upper or lower body injury, stating “It doesn’t matter. It’ll be healed by the time he gets back on the ice.”
Patrick Giles, who spent most of this preseason at the center spot on the fourth line, slotted in at Greer’s usual spot at right wing while Jonah Gadjovich remains on the left.
“The driver of that is that I think we know what Patty looks like on the wing, but he is considerably faster than what he was last year, so we needed him,” Maurice said. “And it’s a good opportunity for him to get a chance at center, but Boqvist will play center tomorrow night and so will Patty.“
ROSTER CUTS
The Panthers cut their roster down to 39 players on Tuesday morning.
Forwards Ryan McAllister, Wilmer Skoog and Oliver Okuliar were all returned to AHL Charlotte.