Utah: Last season, Tij Iginla (2024 draft, 1st round 6th overall) underwent surgery on both hips for non-career threatening cam lesions (bony bumps) on the portion of his femurs held in place by his hip sockets. He is now completely healthy, and prepared to participate in Utah’s Rookie Showcase this weekend, and its main camp thereafter.
Columbus: One of the Blue Jackets’ top D-man prospects, Luca Marrelli (2024 draft, 3rd round 86th overall) has undergone surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, and will miss the beginning of his inaugural professional season. Marrelli, who had 74 points in 67 games for Oshawa in the OHL a season ago, will play for Cleveland in the AHL upon his return.
Washington: Perhaps giving much positive insight into his chances of landing an opening night spot on the Capitals’ roster, the Windsor Spitfires did not include Ilya Protas on its pre-season roster. This exclusion occurred in spite of many of Protas’s NHL-drafted Windsor teammates included therein.
Pittsburgh: Forward prospect Tristan Broz (2021 draft, 2nd round 58th overall) stands an outside chance of landing a roster spot with the Penguins after an outstanding rookie year (37 points in 59 games with Wilkes Barre/Scranton). The Penguins are grooming him to play the center position with the big club.
New York Islanders: As a clear sign to the organization of his maturation process, top forward prospect Cole Eiserman (2024 draft, 1st round 20th overall) has been named an Alternate Captain for his sophomore season at Boston University. Once considered a threat to go first overall in his draft year, Eiserman fell to number 20 due what many considered a lack of leadership capabilities.
Calgary: Flames #1 prospect Zayne Parekh (2024 draft, 1st round 9th overall) is being held off Calgary’s rookie camp roster for what the organization refers to as precautionary reasons. Parekh sustained a lower-body injury at the World Junior Summer Showcase, but is expected to fully participate in the Flames’ main camp later this month.