Forward Markus Ruck (39th overall in 2026 by PIT) – Ruck has had a hot start to the season for WHL Medicine Hat, registering 5 points (2G 3A) in 3 games thus far. He was the WHL’s leading scorer in 2025-26 with 108 points, and projects to exceed that mark in 2026-27.
D-man Maksim Sokolovskii (27th overall in 2026 by PHI) – After having played just one OHL game this season for the London Knights, one of Philly’s top prospects, 2026 first-round pick Sokolovski, will be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The massive d-man (6’8″, 240 LBS.), who has great skills and is an effortless skater, was one of the Flyers’ best-performing prospects at its main camp, and now joins the list of numerous walking wounded players in the Flyers’ system early in the season.
Goaltender Leevi Merilainen (71st overall in 2020 by OTT; picked up on waivers by VAN) – Merilainen has landed on his feet after being waived by Ottawa this off-season. Thus far in Vancouver he has appeared in two games, going 1-0-0 with a .943 save percentage. The chemistry with his teammates and coaching staff has been immediate, as he has shared the ice with Canucks’ forward and fellow Oulu, Finland native Aatu Raty since they were youngsters in skating school. Also, the Vancouver coaching staff boasts an all-Finnish goaltending crew led by Helsinki’s Marko Torenius. Merilainen likely will see action this weekend as well, as the Canucks have back-to-back games in Calgary and Vegas.
Forward Roger McQueen (10th overall in 2025 by ANA) & D-man Stian Solberg (23rd overall in 2024 by ANA) – Anaheim is calling up both McQueen & Solberg ahead of Wednesday’s game with Edmonton, as a rash of early-season injuries have opened the door for sooner-than-expected auditions by its young players. Solberg, known for his physical play, leads AHL San Diego with 4 points (2G 2A). McQueen also has two goals in the young season, and looks to bring that scoring prowess to the Ducks roster.
