Chicago Blackhawks

Matthews on IR: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup Dec. 31

In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Dec 31), Cam Fowler plays 1000th game, Hellebuyck gets 5th shutout, Matthews misses another game

by
Old Prof
December 31, 2024

Welcome back to the NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (December 31). We will bring you three key NHL stories in brief each morning. Stay updated on the latest team performances, trade buzz, and standout player news from around the league. Here are today’s three key roundup topics.

Chicago’s Winter Classic Will Be Cam Fowler’s 1000th Game.

Cam Fowler will celebrate his 1,000th NHL game on a historic stage at the Winter Classic in Chicago’s Wrigley Field on Jan. 1, 2024. Traded to the St. Louis Blues from the Anaheim Ducks in mid-December, Fowler did not realize his milestone would align with the outdoor game. He’s now the first player to reach this milestone in an outdoor game.

After spending his entire career with the Ducks, Fowler was traded to St. Louis. There, he quickly found a role in the top defense pairing. After the trade, Fowler embraced the opportunity to help the Blues. The Winter Classic will mark his second outdoor game, following a previous appearance at Dodger Stadium in 2014.

Jets Shut Out Predators 3-0: Hellebuyck Gets Fifth Shutout

Gabriel Vilardi scored two goals in the third period, leading the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Monday. Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves, getting his NHL-leading fifth shutout of the season. The Jets extended their winning streak to four games, with a record of 7-1-1 in their last nine.

The Jets’ power play was key to the win, and Vilardi scored both goals with the man advantage. Winnipeg ranks first in the NHL for power-play efficiency. The Predators couldn’t overcome the Jets’ special teams and fell to 11-19-7.

Connor Hellebuyck: NHL Trade Talk — Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck believes he’s getting better every season. For him, stats are only stats. Why does he feel more dialed in this year?

Top NHL Trade Talk Roundup Story

Auston Matthews Goes on IR: Will Miss Islanders Game

Auston Matthews practiced Monday for the first time since reaggravating an upper-body injury on Dec. 20 but will miss his fifth straight game when the Toronto Maple Leafs face the New York Islanders today. As per the team’s PR department, “Maple Leafs F Auston Matthews has been placed on IR (upper body) retroactive to December 20. D Marshall Rifai has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).” Elliotte Friedman adds, “Matthews is eligible to return at any time…TOR needs roster space with two out due to flu, that’s why he’s on IR.” TSN’s Chris Johnston is also saying Matthews is good to go. He writes, “This is a paper move to get another body up to the NHL. Matthews is eligible to be activated at any time.”

By participating in practice, Matthews appeared to be progressing in his recovery. Head coach Craig Berube expressed optimism about Matthews’ return but confirmed he would remain sidelined for at least one more game.

Maple Leafs F Auston Matthews has been placed on IR (upper body) retroactive to December 20.

D Marshall Rifai has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) December 31, 2024

Toronto has struggled without their captain, going 1-3-0 in his absence. Matthews, who has 23 points in 24 games this season, has been managing the injury since the preseason. With back-to-back games against the Islanders and upcoming matchups against the Bruins and Flyers, the team hopes Matthews’ return will bolster its lineup and improve its recent success.