In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Montreal Canadiens might be thinking about playing Aber Xhekaj in Game 2 versus the Washington Capitals, but is Martin St. Louis not totally sold? Meanwhile, does Gabriel Landeskog play for the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday? Are the Edmonton Oilers activating both John Klingberg and Evander Kane? Finally, the New York Islanders have decided not to bring back Lou Lamoriello. What’s next?
Will Xhekaj Play in Game 2?
Arber Xhekaj was the first player on the ice at Canadiens practice Wednesday ahead of Game 2 against the Capitals, sparking speculation about his potential return to the lineup. After a physical 3-2 overtime loss in Game 1, the media questioned head coach Martin St. Louis about Xhekaj’s inclusion in the lineup. St. Louis downplayed the impact Xhekaj might have, saying, “It’s not going to change Tom Wilson’s style of play.” He added when media continued to ask Xhekaj questions, ”I know what you guys are just trying to get me to answer. I have Xhekaj. It’s a card. I might play him. I don’t know yet. It’s good to have.”
If Xhekaj comes in, he would likely replace someone like David Savard or Jayden Struble. St. Louis doesn’t sound sold on the idea that adding Xhekaj to the lineup would be best for the Canadiens’ overall team defense.
Good Chance Landeskog Plays
“There’s a good chance Landeskog plays tonight,” said Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar. There was a belief he might play in Game 2, especially after he took warmups. He did not, and some believe it was due to the NHL’s new scrutiny of players returning from LTIR.
It will be three years since Landeskog stepped back out onto the ice for an NHL game. The series is tied at 1-1 and his presence could be a real motivator for the Avalanche.
Oilers Bringing in Evander Kane and John Klingberg?
Speaking of players returning from LTIR, Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer reports that both Evander Kane and John Klingberg could be cleared to play in Game 2 between the Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings. Klingberg would come in for Josh Brown and Kane might come in for Jeff Skinner.
Related: Oilers Need to Put Calvin Pickard in Net for Game 2 vs. Kings
Brown played around five minutes in Game 1, and he’s not seen as someone the Oilers think they need in their lineup. Skinner, however, has waited years to play in the postseason, and a non-productive Game 1 seems to be all it took to have the coach decide he wasn’t a better option than Kane.
When asked about a possible goalie change, Stauffer responded, “Well, I don’t think you’re going to see Pickard. I think Stuart Skinner is going to get the start (in Game Two). But I think the other two guys if they get cleared, they are coming in.”
Lamoriello Let Go by the Islanders
The New York Islanders organization announced on Tuesday that Lou Lamoriello’s contract as President and General Manager would not be renewed. Effective immediately, Operating Partner John Collins will lead a search to find the next General Manager.
It is unclear whether Lamoriello is considering retirement or a new position in the NHL. At 88 years old, he’s had an incredible NHL career. The Islanders had a 35-35-12 record in 2024-25 and they missed the playoffs for the second time in four seasons. Still, the team made the playoffs in five of seven seasons and many believe he brought respectability back to the organization.
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