Wednesday's Hits: Leafs linked to KHL star, Rask, Pens injuries, and more

The Toronto Maple Leafs are rumoured to be among the teams interested in bringing over pending FA Alexander Barabanov from SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. According to 31 Thoughts, the 25-year-old winger was SKA's second-leading scorer (NJ Devils forward, Nikita Gusev, led the team) with 46 points in 58 games last season.

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Ville Heinola has become the first 2019 draftee to score an NHL goal, beating Kappo Kakko and Jack Hughes to the punch. Heinola, the 20th overall pick this past June, seems to be making the most of his opportunity to jump straight into the NHL in his draft year. His early arrival may be due to the fact that the Winnipeg Jets are in dire need of blueliners, but Heinola does not appear to be struggling to find his stride in the early going, as is evidenced by his ability to find his way on the scoresheet on Tuesday night in Pittsburgh. Heinola also has two helpers, bringing his total to 3 points in the first four games of his young NHL career.

Buffalo's Conor Sheary has an upper-body injury and is considered week-to-week.

Boston goalie Tuukka Rask had to be helped leaving the ice last night after sealing a 4-3 OT win for the Bruins over Vegas. Both Rask and Boston coach Bruce Cassidy say he'll be fine.

The Montreal Canadiens have placed forward Micheal McCarron on waivers. The six-foot-six, 232-pound right winger has suited up in 69 games in the NHL over the course of his professional career, collecting eight points.

Meanwhile, Montreal's backup goalie Keith Kinkaid will get the start for the Habs in Buffalo Wednesday.

The plot thickens in Pittsburgh as Alex Galchenyuk and Patric Hornqvist are both listed as day-to-day with lower-body injuries, joining Bryan Rust, Evgeni Malkin and Nick Bjugstad on the sidelines. Hornqvist's injury occurred during Tuesday night's game vs the Winnipeg Jets. Galchenyuk's injury is the same nagging injury that held him out during the exhibition schedule.

If you're wondering where Patrick Marleau is going to play now that he's back in San Jose, the top line looks like a safe bet.

After brief concern that Dmitry Orlov may miss tomorrow's game in Nashville after leaving practice early with a lower-body injury, Todd Reirden has confirmed that Orlov is indeed expected to play. Michal Kempny, however, is not. Kempny will travel with the team, but will not suit up against the Preds. His status for Saturday's game in Dallas is still unknown.

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