A veteran defenseman’s inconsistent playing time last season—never appearing in more than two consecutive games—contrasts sharply with a notable stretch of regular ice time two years ago, particularly during the early part of the current campaign. The player’s durability and role in the lineup appear to have fluctuated significantly, raising questions about availability or team strategy. While last year saw limited back-to-back appearances, the 2022-23 season featured a more extended period of action, suggesting a shift in either the player’s fitness or the team’s reliance on him. Fans and analysts may be watching closely to see whether this pattern holds as the season progresses.

The veteran defenseman didn’t play more than two consecutive contests at any point last season, but he did have a sustained stretch of playing time two years ago at this time, early in the 2024-25 ...