What happened: Head coach Lindy Ruff set the next step as a near-term return to team activities on Sept. 30 for Mattias Samuelsson. He had been week-to-week with a lower-body injury after exiting the Sept. 23 preseason victory.

Why it matters: A regular defenseman returning stabilizes pairs during final preseason evaluations. Open camp spots turn on availability with the 2025-26 opener approaching.

What to watch: Watch for full practice participation to signal game readiness.