Coach Joel Quenneville indicated Saturday that Connolly (undisclosed) could be available for the opener and will avoid injured reserve, George Richards of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Connolly has avoided a significant issue at least, but he's far from a guarantee to take the ice Opening Night. He's coming off a career-best campaign during which he posted 46 points -- 22 goals and 24 assists -- over 81 games and will aim to follow that up with another strong campaign in his first year of a four-year deal with the Panthers.