Kulich saw action in just 12 regular-season games last year in which he tallied three goals and two assists while averaging a career-high 16:22 of ice time. If the 22-year-old winger can get into the lineup on a more regular basis, he should be capable of pushing for the 30-point threshold.

Samuelsson suffered a lower-body injury during Tuesday's preseason game against the Blue Jackets and was labeled as week-to-week a day later. However, the 26-year-old told Ruff that he doesn't expect to be sidelined for long, so Samuelsson should be in the mix to return early in the regular season. Samuelsson's status for Thursday's Opening Night matchup remains in question, but it's encouraging that both Ruff and Samuelsson are downplaying the severity of the issue.

Zellweger sustained a concussion during Tuesday's preseason game against the Blue Jackets and entered the concussion protocol a day later. While he's slated to miss Saturday's preseason finale against Pittsburgh, the 23-year-old is making encouraging progress ahead of Opening Night. He made 76 regular-season appearances with the Ducks last year and generated seven goals, 15 assists, 85 blocked shots, 34 PIM and 33 hits while averaging 16:59 of ice time.