The Global Series finale in Helsinki, at 12:30 PM today, brings two good pieces of news for poolers: Carolina captain Jordan Staal is back in the lineup, and young Jagger Firkus makes his NHL debut for Seattle.
Staal back after 14 games
Carolina activated Staal from injured reserve. The captain missed the last 14 games with a calf injury, described as a torn calf, and he has not played since October 10. He has no points in six games this season. Coach Rod Brind'Amour said Friday they would see how he felt on Saturday, and the answer is yes.
Firkus debuts for Seattle
Jagger Firkus, 22, makes his NHL debut for the Kraken. A second-round pick, 35th overall in the 2022 draft, he has 12 points in 12 games with Coachella Valley in the American Hockey League this season. He becomes the 38th player to make his debut outside North America.
Also to watch in this game
Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov could return after three games out, and defenseman Alexander Nikishin could play after being scratched on Thursday. For Seattle, Ryan Lindgren is activated from injured reserve after 13 games out with an upper-body injury, and Logan Morrison is sent back to Coachella Valley.
What it means for your pool
Staal mostly helps Carolina on the ice, since he has no points in six games this season, so wait to see his production before giving him a roster spot. Firkus is a name to note in deep pools and keeper pools, with 12 points in 12 games in the American Hockey League. With Lindgren back, the Seattle defense gets a regular back.
Sources
The facts in this article come from NHL.com and TSN.