Puckline Press

Predators acquire defenseman Jayden Struble from Montreal for a 2027 second-round pick

Nashville sent the second-rounder it holds from Vegas to Montreal for the 25-year-old left-shot defenseman, a day after William Trudeau went on IR. Struble has 174 NHL games and set career highs last season with 59 games and 12 points.

Update: Frank Nazar gets a Player Safety hearing Friday for his hit to Bo Horvat's head

The NHL Department of Player Safety scheduled a hearing for Nazar over his late check to Horvat's head in Thursday's 4-1 loss on Long Island, which drew a match penalty. It's reported as a phone hearing, so any suspension would be five games or fewer. Nazar has never been suspended. No ruling yet.

Update: Frank Nazar suspended two games for his illegal check to Bo Horvat's head

Player Safety gave Nazar two games for the hit in Thursday's loss on Long Island, his first NHL discipline. He forfeits about $68,000 and misses Chicago's next two games.

Ekman-Larsson leaves late in Vegas after Lauzon drives him into the boards; Hiller thinks he's okay

Jeremy Lauzon hit Oliver Ekman-Larsson into the boards with under two minutes left in regulation, then pushed him to the ice. He skated off on his own, went to the room and missed overtime. Hiller gave no injury details. Toronto plays next on Saturday in Colorado.

Mavrik Bourque and William Trudeau both leave the win in Montreal with upper-body injuries

Forward Bourque got hurt in the second period and defenseman Trudeau missed the last two periods. The Predators said neither would return and gave no further details before Saturday's game in Ottawa.

Update: Morrissey skipped Thursday's optional skate; Jets still waiting on word before facing Anaheim

Josh Morrissey hurt his arm against the glass Wednesday. The Jets had no decision on him for Friday before their morning skate; Haydn Fleury is the extra defenseman if he can't go.

Update: Morrissey out against Anaheim, day-to-day; Arniel not worried long term

Josh Morrissey missed Friday's morning skate and won't play against the Ducks, coach Scott Arniel said; he is day-to-day with the upper-body injury from Wednesday. Haydn Fleury makes his season debut, Dylan Samberg moves up beside Dylan DeMelo, and Neal Pionk runs the top power play.

Update: Maurice says Marchand is out about six weeks: three until he skates, three more of rehab

Paul Maurice said Friday that Brad Marchand will miss about six weeks with the left knee injury from Tuesday in Los Angeles: about three weeks until he's back on the ice, then three more of rehab, pointing to a return in mid-to-late November. Barkov is still out too.

Update: Eklund out an extended time with an ankle injury, no surgery expected; Burakovsky could play Saturday

Travis Green said William Eklund will be out an extended period with the left ankle injury from Thursday, though he doesn't expect surgery and gave no timeline. Andre Burakovsky is close and could play Saturday vs. Nashville. Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub should rejoin in the next few days.

Update: Montembeault out 10 to 14 days; Dobes expected to start Saturday against Detroit

Martin St-Louis said Samuel Montembeault will miss 10 to 14 days with the lower-body injury from Wednesday's practice, less serious than feared. Jakub Dobes is expected to start Saturday at home against Detroit, with Jacob Fowler backing up. Oliver Kapanen skated Friday and is day to day.

Update: Horvat in concussion protocol after Nazar hit, misses Friday's practice; Saturday vs Tampa Bay in doubt

Bo Horvat, who scored twice in Thursday's 4-1 win over Chicago, was put in concussion protocol after Frank Nazar's illegal check to the head late in the third. He skipped Friday's optional practice, and DeBoer says his status for Saturday against Tampa Bay is unknown.

Update: Siegenthaler practices Friday and could play Saturday against Vancouver

Jonas Siegenthaler practiced Friday, three days after he fell awkwardly in the third period of the 5-3 loss to Utah. He could play Saturday afternoon against Vancouver. Keefe again said the injury is better than first feared.

Update: Matt Roy misses a second straight game but skates on his own for the first time since getting hurt

Roy (lower body, hurt Oct. 3 at Tampa Bay) is out again Friday against the Rangers. He skated alone before the morning skate, his first time on the ice since the injury. Carbery says it's coming along slowly and Roy is day to day.

Dillon Dube doubtful for Saturday against Columbus with a neck injury; Zach Dean expected to draw in

Dube hurt his neck crashing into the end boards after a check in Thursday's overtime loss to San Jose. He missed Friday's practice and is having an MRI. Montgomery called him doubtful but not ruled out for Saturday.

Shesterkin helped off with a lower-body injury in the 3-1 loss in Washington; Sullivan has no update

Igor Shesterkin jammed his right leg into the post in the second period and was helped off without putting weight on it. Dylan Garand finished. Sullivan called it concerning, and backup Joonas Korpisalo is still out week to week, so the Rangers' goaltending is suddenly thin.

Update: Laviolette says Zuccarello is week-to-week; likely misses the Edmonton and Boston home games too

Coach Peter Laviolette called Mats Zuccarello week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. He is out Saturday in Vegas and likely misses the home games against Edmonton and Boston.

Alex Turcotte misses practice and is day-to-day; unclear if he travels to Vegas

Forward Alex Turcotte sat out Friday's practice with an undisclosed injury. Laviolette called him day-to-day.

Update: Hyman back in a non-contact jersey; Babcock expects him to miss Saturday in San Jose

Zach Hyman skated Friday in a non-contact jersey, and Mike Babcock said that means he assumes Hyman won't play Saturday's matinee against the Sharks.

Update: Celebrini skates a second straight day but in a non-contact jersey; Saturday vs. Edmonton unclear

Macklin Celebrini, who has missed two games with a lower-body injury, was on the ice Friday for the second day running, but in a white jersey, which may mean he isn't fully cleared. His next chance to play is Saturday at home against the Oilers.

Kiefer Sherwood has a minor upper-body injury and is a game-time decision Saturday vs. Edmonton

Sherwood picked up a minor upper-body injury on the road trip and, like Celebrini, is a game-time decision for Saturday against the Oilers.

Update: Predators put William Trudeau on IR, week-to-week with an upper-body injury; no word on Bourque

Nashville placed defenseman William Trudeau on injured reserve Friday, week-to-week after he left in the first period in Montreal. He can't return before Oct. 17 against St. Louis. The team hasn't updated Mavrik Bourque, hurt in the same game; more is expected around Saturday's game in Ottawa.

Update: Wild put Nick Foligno on IR, recall Rieger Lorenz and send Tyler Pitlick back to Iowa

Minnesota placed Nick Foligno on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, recalled forward Rieger Lorenz from AHL Iowa and reassigned Tyler Pitlick. Foligno was hurt Tuesday in Buffalo, missed Thursday in Tampa and is out Saturday in Florida.

Devils move Nick Bjugstad to LTIR after pectoral surgery; Silayev recalled on paper and returned to Utica

Bjugstad moves from IR to long-term injured reserve and is expected back between late January and late March. Defenseman Anton Silayev's recall was a paper move for cap purposes; he stays with AHL Utica.

Update: Zach Hyman back at full practice for the first time since getting hurt; Saturday in San Jose unclear

Hyman practiced fully with the team in San Jose on Friday for the first time since his preseason injury. It isn't clear whether he plays Saturday against the Sharks; Tuesday in Los Angeles is the likely fallback.

Elias Salomonsson practices in a regular jersey for the first time since April shoulder surgery

The defenseman had shoulder surgery on April 30 and remains on Winnipeg's injured list, but he is now practicing without a non-contact jersey.

Update: Byfield back in full at practice; his Thursday absence was a maintenance day

Quinton Byfield practiced in full Friday, centering Panarin and Kempe, and is expected to travel to Vegas.

Update: Sanderson and Zub expected back within days, Garrioch reports

The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch says defensemen Jake Sanderson (lower body, hurt in the opener) and Artem Zub (knee, missed all of camp) should return in the next few days.

Update: Cam Talbot makes his Blue Jackets debut tonight against Pittsburgh

Talbot was the first goalie off at Friday's morning skate and starts for the first time since signing a one-year deal in September. At 39, Columbus is his ninth NHL team, tying Sean Burke's record for goalies. Jet Greaves backs up. Fabbro, Provorov and Lundestrom (LTIR) are out.

Clay Stevenson in goal for the Jets against Anaheim; Haydn Fleury makes his season debut

The Jets' gameday lineup has Stevenson starting against the Ducks, with Skinner backing up. With Morrissey out, Fleury plays his first game of the season on the third pair with Tyrel Bauer, back after two games as a healthy scratch, and runs the second power-play unit.

Dostal expected back in goal at Winnipeg after being pulled Wednesday; Ducks haven't confirmed

Lukas Dostal was pulled after two periods of Wednesday's 5-2 loss to Edmonton. He is expected to start Friday, with Ville Husso likely in Calgary on Saturday to finish the back-to-back.

Murashov starts in Columbus to open the back-to-back; Muse shuffles the lines and Stastney sits

Sergei Murashov, first goalie off at the morning skate, starts Friday at Columbus with Silovs backing up. After two slow starts Muse moved to Rakell-Crosby-Rust and Chinakhov-Novak-Malkin up front. Newly acquired defenseman Spencer Stastney won't play yet while he settles in.

Logan Thompson expected to start against the Rangers, facing Igor Shesterkin

Thompson is reported to start Friday at home, with Lindgren backing up. Shesterkin goes for the Rangers, who have won four straight. New York is expected to keep Thursday's practice lines.

Friedman: leverage in the Nikishin standoff has moved to Carolina now that the season is underway

Elliotte Friedman said the start of the season shifted leverage toward the Hurricanes in Alexander Nikishin's trade request. Carolina has cap space to spare and feels little pressure to move him.

Seravalli: Flames and Oilers keeping tabs on Canadiens center Kirby Dach

Frank Seravalli says Calgary is watching Montreal's Kirby Dach, and so is Edmonton. He adds the Flames are still talking with free agent Patrik Laine among others. Nothing is close.

Maple Leafs recall Miles Wood from the Marlies during the road trip

Toronto recalled forward Miles Wood from the AHL Marlies with no corresponding move announced. He adds bottom-six depth on the road trip. There's no update yet on Oliver Ekman-Larsson after Thursday's hit in Vegas.

Update: Lightning send Dominic James to Syracuse to get game action after his broken hand

Tampa Bay assigned Dominic James, who missed camp with a broken hand, to AHL Syracuse to play himself back up to speed. The team says it isn't a demotion and expects a short stay. Yanni Gourde (hip) is still out until December.

Wild move Filip Gustavsson to long-term IR and recall defenseman Matt Kiersted from Iowa

Minnesota moved Gustavsson, recovering from offseason hip surgery, to long-term injured reserve and recalled defenseman Matt Kiersted, 27, who has 45 NHL games. The LTIR move is reported as a paperwork change: Gustavsson is still expected back around early November, and Wallstedt stays the starter.

Kings call up forward Jared Wright from AHL Ontario ahead of Saturday's game in Vegas

Los Angeles recalled winger Jared Wright, 23, from the Ontario Reign with Zuccarello expected to miss Saturday. Wright has three points in two AHL games this season and had four assists in 23 NHL games last season.

Matt Dumba retires after 13 NHL seasons

The former Wild defenseman, who last played 11 games for Pittsburgh in 2025-26, retires with 261 points in 748 regular-season games. He won the King Clancy Trophy in 2020 and also played for Arizona, Tampa Bay and Dallas.

Knights rally from 3-0 down to beat Toronto 4-3 in a shootout; Eichel scores on a penalty shot

Toronto led 3-0 less than nine minutes in before Mark Stone, Brett Howden and Jack Eichel, on a penalty shot, tied it. Trevor Connelly scored the shootout winner and Adin Hill stopped four of five Leafs shooters. Vegas has won three straight.

Dreger: NHL expansion, including a second Texas team, is on the back burner

Dreger says some owners doubt the talent pool can support another team and worry about adding a club in a state with no income tax. Houston and Austin are the frontrunners for a 33rd team, and Dreger expects the topic to come back in December.

Predators go back to 12 forwards and six defensemen in Montreal; Lyubushkin, Ahcan and Pinchuk scratched

Reid Schaefer joined the forwards. Ilya Lyubushkin, Jack Ahcan and Vitali Pinchuk sat out the 5-2 win, and Saros made 32 saves.

Kucherov skips Friday's skate for maintenance but will play Saturday against the Islanders

Nikita Kucherov sat out Friday's skate for maintenance, and the Lightning say he'll play Saturday at home against the Islanders. Saturday's starting goalie hasn't been named.

Update: Malinski was a healthy scratch in the 7-3 win in Calgary; Juulsen played

Sam Malinski sat for the first time this season, with Noah Juulsen in his place. Bednar had said Malinski started slowly. Colorado's 23 goals through four games are the most to start a season since the 1993-94 Kings.

Niederreiter a healthy scratch again; Samberg moves up to the top pair for the injured Morrissey

Nino Niederreiter and Jack St. Ivany sat against Anaheim. Tyrel Bauer returned on the third pair with Haydn Fleury, and Dylan Samberg moved up to the top pair with Josh Morrissey out.

Bednar scratches Sam Malinski in Calgary after a slow start; Noah Juulsen draws in

Colorado Hockey Now reports that Bednar was unhappy with Malinski's camp and opening games, and he sat after a rough night in Winnipeg. Juulsen, used as the seventh defenseman so far, took his spot and got his first point as an Avalanche player.

Laferriere takes Zuccarello's spot on the Kings' top power-play unit; call-up Wright skates on the third line

At Friday's practice Alex Laferriere replaced Zuccarello on PP1, and Jared Wright skated with Laughton and Armia.

Hallander slots in on the second line; Frederic drops to a rotating fourth-line spot

At Friday's practice new forward Filip Hallander skated with Dickinson and Kapanen, and Trent Frederic rotated with Max Jones on the fourth line.

Update: Stillman clears waivers; Red Wings activate him and prospect Carter Bear and send both to Grand Rapids

Detroit activated forwards Chase Stillman and Carter Bear from injured non-roster and assigned both to AHL Grand Rapids. Stillman went unclaimed on waivers. Bear, a top forward prospect, starts his pro season in the AHL.

Update: Stefan Noesen clears waivers and goes to AHL Utica

No team claimed Noesen, and the Devils assigned him to Utica, burying $1.225M of his $2.75M cap hit. He's in the last year of a three-year, $8.25M deal. The move opens a spot for Johnathan Kovacevic (knee) to come off injured reserve; that hadn't been announced yet.

Update: Brett Leason clears waivers, opening a roster spot for Adam Gaudette

Leason went unclaimed, so the Sharks can send him to the AHL Barracuda. He made the opening-night roster but didn't play in the first three games. The move frees a spot for Adam Gaudette, on injured reserve and close to returning.

McAvoy serves the last game of his six-game suspension Saturday vs. Philadelphia; due back Oct. 13 in San Jose

Charlie McAvoy sits Saturday's game against the Flyers, the last of his six-game suspension from the playoffs. He's set to return Oct. 13 in San Jose and is expected back on the top power-play unit.

Update: Frank Nazar got a match penalty for his hit to Bo Horvat's head and could face NHL discipline

Nazar was penalized for an illegal check to the head on Horvat with about 1:33 left in Chicago's 4-1 loss on Long Island, and Horvat went for evaluation. The Sun-Times' Ben Pope wrote that the hit could bring league discipline, but no hearing had been announced.

Update: Barzal skates on his own Thursday for the first time since before camp; still needs practice time

Mathew Barzal skated alone Thursday morning for the first time since he aggravated an earlier injury before training camp. He still needs practice time before he can play, and he stays out against Chicago.

Update: Siegenthaler not ruled out for Saturday; Keefe says the injury is better than first thought

Jonas Siegenthaler missed Thursday's practice but will try to skate Friday, and the Devils will decide on Saturday's game against Vancouver after that. Jack Hughes took a maintenance day Thursday and returns to the ice Friday.

Update: Nick Foligno to miss at least two games, Thursday in Tampa and Saturday in Florida, Hynes says

Coach John Hynes says Nick Foligno's upper-body injury will keep him out of at least Thursday's game at Tampa Bay and Saturday's at Florida. Foligno got hurt in the first period of Tuesday's overtime loss in Buffalo and did not return.

Update: Victor Olofsson is week-to-week after Ben Meyers' hit in Seattle

Golden Knights coach Ryan Craig said Thursday that Olofsson is week-to-week. He was hurt when Ben Meyers drove him into the boards in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Kraken, a game in which he'd scored twice.

Olli Maatta a late scratch in Tampa with a lower-body injury; day-to-day, David Spacek draws in

The Wild scratched defenseman Olli Maatta shortly before their 3-2 loss at Tampa Bay. They list him as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Maatta had averaged over 21 minutes in his first three games. David Spacek took his place, and Minnesota is already without Gustavsson, Faber and Foligno.

William Eklund helped off in the first period against Philadelphia with a left leg or ankle injury

Ottawa's biggest offseason addition seemed to catch his leg in a rut while chasing a puck, then took a hit from Simon Benoit. He was helped off without putting weight on the leg and didn't return. Travis Green had no update after the game.

Update: Celebrini sits a second straight game; Sharks win 3-2 in OT in St. Louis on Darnell Nurse's goal

Macklin Celebrini skated at the morning skate but did not play because of his lower-body injury. San Jose won without him to go 3-1, with Alex Nedeljkovic making 24 saves in his first start. The next chance to have him back is Saturday at home against Edmonton.

Update: Connor Brown aims to rejoin the Devils next week; Hughes takes a maintenance day

Keefe said Brown is progressing and skating, isn't expected Friday and has his eye on next week. Jack Hughes missed Thursday's practice for rest, not an injury, and will be on the ice Friday.

Update: Conor Timmins starts rehab skating on his own; no timeline for joining team practice

Timmins is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury from the Sept. 26 preseason finale. He began skating Thursday, away from the team. The Sabres say it's unclear how soon he'll be able to join practices.

Update: Ristolainen sits a second straight game in Ottawa after all with his left-hand injury

Rasmus Ristolainen did not play in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Senators after being hit on the left hand by a shot last Saturday. He is with the team on its three-game road trip, and the injury looks short term. The Flyers play in Boston on Saturday afternoon.

Quinton Byfield and Mats Zuccarello both miss Thursday's practice; no reason given

Neither forward practiced, and Peter Laviolette is due to give an update Friday before the team flies to Vegas for Saturday's game. Alex Laferriere skated in Zuccarello's spot with Erik Haula and Trevor Moore.

Update: The AP also reports Marchand out a few weeks with his left-leg injury

An AP source says the leg injury Marchand suffered in Los Angeles will keep him out a few weeks, in line with LeBrun's earlier report. The Panthers planned an official update after Friday's practice.

Update: Sanderson misses the morning skate and looks set to sit a third game; Zub and Burakovsky skate

Jake Sanderson was not on the ice Thursday morning, and Matinpalo and Crotty formed the third pair. Artem Zub skated as the extra defenseman and Andre Burakovsky also took part; neither has played yet this season.

Update: Celebrini skates at the morning skate and is a game-time decision in St. Louis

After missing two practices, Celebrini skated Thursday morning; the Sharks will decide closer to puck drop, and Warsofsky called it a good sign. Will Smith would likely center in his place.

Update: LeBrun says Marchand looks to be out weeks, not months, with his injury from Los Angeles

Marchand was helped off the ice in Los Angeles and had an MRI on Thursday. TSN's Pierre LeBrun says the early word is that he's out weeks, not months, and isn't expected to miss the season, but nothing is certain until the MRI is read.

Horvat hurt by Frank Nazar's late hit to the head in the 4-1 win over Chicago; DeBoer has no update

Bo Horvat scored twice, and Nazar's shoulder caught him high as he shot into the empty net. He went down the tunnel and was still being evaluated after the game. Nazar got a five-minute major and may face NHL discipline.

Konecny shaken up by a check to his right leg in Ottawa but returns to finish the game

Travis Konecny went to the dressing room with about nine minutes left in the third period after taking a hit to the right leg. He came back and finished with just over 17 minutes of ice time as the Flyers fell to 0-3-2.

Update: Teravainen expected to start skating in the next few days, Blashill says; Saturday looks unlikely

Blashill said Teuvo Teravainen (lower body) should be back on the ice soon, his first sign of progress, but Saturday's home game against Carolina looks unlikely.

Update: Red Wings put Compher on IR retroactive to Oct. 4 and activate defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker

J.T. Compher (undisclosed) goes on injured reserve, and McLellan doesn't expect him to play this weekend. Defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker comes off IR and could make his season debut Friday against Seattle.

Update: Kraken put Ryan Lindgren on injured reserve; he's out 4-6 weeks with an upper-body injury

The Kraken placed defenseman Ryan Lindgren on injured reserve Thursday, and he's expected to miss 4-6 weeks. He was hurt in the first period of Tuesday's 6-2 loss to Vegas on a hit from behind.

Seth Jarvis drops the no-contact jersey, a big step back from shoulder surgery; still out tonight

Jarvis skated at Thursday's morning skate in a regular practice jersey for the first time since his June shoulder surgery and called it the biggest step so far. He won't play against Vancouver, and the team has given no return date.

Update: Severson practices on the top pair with Werenski and is expected to debut Friday vs Pittsburgh

Damon Severson, out after shoulder surgery in April, practiced beside Zach Werenski on Thursday and is expected to make his season debut Friday against the Penguins.

Update: Sergachev skates in the morning and will play in Boston, Tourigny confirms

Mikhail Sergachev took part in Thursday's morning skate, and coach Andre Tourigny confirmed he will face the Bruins. He had left Tuesday's win in New Jersey after a teammate's clearing attempt hit him in the head.

Saros starts again Thursday in Montreal; Annunen practices but stays on IR

Juuse Saros starts in Montreal, his fourth start in four games. Justus Annunen practiced Wednesday but has not been activated from injured reserve, and Nashville keeps the 11 forwards and seven defensemen it has dressed in each of its last two games.

Jacob Fowler gets the start for Montreal against Nashville a day after his recall

With Samuel Montembeault hurt at Wednesday's practice, Fowler makes his first start of the season, ending Jakub Dobes's run of starting every game. Oliver Kapanen was not on the ice Thursday morning and sits again.

Update: Ullmark skates at the morning skate and Ottawa sends Jonas Johansson back to Belleville

Ullmark was on the ice Thursday morning ahead of the home opener against Philadelphia, and Johansson went back to the AHL. That points to Ullmark at least dressing and likely starting, but Ottawa hasn't announced its starter.

Update: Green confirms Ullmark starts the home opener against Philadelphia

Travis Green said after the gameday skate that Linus Ullmark will start Thursday, three days after he left the Boston game early. Zub and Burakovsky skated but won't play; Green said both are getting closer.

Gibson starts Friday vs. Seattle; Daniil Tarasov to make his Red Wings debut Saturday in Montreal

Coach Todd McLellan says John Gibson gets a fourth straight start Friday at home against the Kraken. Daniil Tarasov then makes his first start for Detroit in Saturday's road opener against the Canadiens.

Update: Hildeby confirmed to start against Minnesota in his Lightning debut; Dominic James not back yet

Dennis Hildeby makes his first start for Tampa Bay Thursday, and Vasilevskiy stayed out after the skate for extra work. Cooper keeps Monday's lineup, so Dominic James, still recovering from a broken hand, doesn't return Thursday as expected.

Update: Kochetkov takes the starter's net at morning skate and starts against Vancouver

Pyotr Kochetkov was in the starter's crease at Thursday's morning skate and makes his second start of the season against the Canucks. Carolina dresses the same skaters who won the last two games, with Deslauriers and Valimaki scratched.

Update: Sorokin in the starter's net at morning skate for Chicago; Stanley-Schaefer and Pelech-Pulock pairs

Ilya Sorokin took the starter's net at Thursday's morning skate and is set to face the Blackhawks. With Romanov out, Logan Stanley moves up beside Matthew Schaefer, Pelech plays with Pulock, and Mayfield joins DeAngelo on the third pair.

Vladar and Woll to split the weekend's starts and get two each through next Wednesday

The Flyers' site says Dan Vladar and Joseph Woll are expected to take one start each this weekend, and two apiece between now and next Wednesday.

Update: Ryan Huska confirms Devin Cooley starts in goal against Colorado

Flames coach Ryan Huska confirmed Cooley as Thursday's starter against the Avalanche, with Dustin Wolf backing up.

Update: Cossa pulled after three goals on eight shots in his second NHL start; Mammoth routed 6-1 in Boston

Sebastian Cossa was benched at 15:51 of the first period, the first time he has been pulled in the NHL. Karel Vejmelka finished. Utah fell to 3-2-0, and Tourigny called it a learning experience for the young goalie.

Kochetkov expected to start Thursday against Vancouver after Bussi won in Montreal

Carolina's game preview has Pyotr Kochetkov in net at Lenovo Center as the team keeps alternating its goalies. Seth Jarvis is still recovering from shoulder surgery and practicing in a no-contact jersey.

Kevin Lankinen expected in goal as the Canucks open their six-game road trip in Carolina

The Canucks' game notes list Lankinen as the expected starter Thursday against the Hurricanes. Filip Chytil remains on injured reserve, backdated to Sept. 24.

Swayman expected in goal vs. Utah; Zacha joins Pastrnak and Geekie on the top line

Jeremy Swayman is lined up to start Thursday's home game against the Mammoth. Marco Sturm's reshuffle puts Pavel Zacha on the top line with David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie, with JJ Peterka (facing his old team) on a second line with Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov.

Vejmelka projected in goal in Boston; Sergachev back on the top pair in projected lines

Karel Vejmelka (2-1-0, .913) is the projected starter Thursday against the Bruins. Projected lines put Mikhail Sergachev back with Mackenzie Weegar on the top pair after he took a puck to the head Tuesday, but the Mammoth have not confirmed he will play.

Oettinger expected back in goal in Buffalo after his shutout of San Jose

Jake Oettinger is projected to start Thursday against the Sabres, with Casey DeSmith as backup. The start hasn't been confirmed.

Update: Sebastian Cossa, not Vejmelka, gets the start in Boston

KSL Sports' Cole Bagley reports Cossa will start Thursday against the Bruins. He won his only start of the season, stopping 17 of 18 against Columbus.

Update: Joseph Woll, not Vladar, starts for the Flyers in Ottawa

TSN reports Woll gets Thursday's start against the Senators. He has a .929 save percentage in two starts this season.

Update: Hildeby, not Vasilevskiy, first goalie off at the morning skate and in line to start against Minnesota

Dennis Hildeby led the goalies off at Thursday's morning skate, pointing to his first start for Tampa Bay after Vasilevskiy started the first three games. No word from Jon Cooper yet.

Soderblom projected to start on Long Island, though the Blackhawks haven't said

Chicago Hockey Now projects Arvid Soderblom for his second start of the season Thursday against the Islanders. Spencer Knight won Tuesday, and Chicago held no morning skate.

Update: Devin Cooley, not Dustin Wolf, starts against Colorado as the Flames keep alternating

Pat Steinberg reports Cooley gets the net at home against the Avalanche, his second start of the season. Wolf, who has a .797 save percentage in two starts, backs up.

Alex Nedeljkovic makes his season debut in goal for the Sharks in St. Louis

Nedeljkovic gets his first start of the season, giving Askarov a rest after Askarov allowed five goals in Dallas.

Joel Hofer starts the Blues' home opener against San Jose

Hofer gets the net for the opener over Jordan Binnington, who would have been next in a strict rotation.

Bobrovsky in the starter's net for Thursday at Vegas; Cowan moves up to Tavares and Nylander, McKenna on the third line

TSN reports Sergei Bobrovsky will start in Las Vegas with Anthony Stolarz backing up. At the morning skate Easton Cowan skated on the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander, and Gavin McKenna was with Nick Paul and Colton Sissons.

Update: Luukkonen takes the starter's net for Dallas; Zucker says he has a 'soft' return date

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen took the starter's net Thursday and is expected to start against Dallas. Jason Zucker, back from sports hernia surgery in August, says he's on track and skates with the team in a non-contact jersey.

Update: Blackhawks goalie on Long Island unclear: no morning skate, and Wednesday's practice had Knight in net

Chicago held no morning skate and hasn't named a starter. Bleacher Nation reads Wednesday's practice as Spencer Knight getting the net. Other previews still project Arvid Soderblom, with Carolina coming in Saturday.

Cam Talbot set to make his Blue Jackets debut in the weekend back-to-back

Columbus hosts Pittsburgh Friday and plays in St. Louis Saturday, and Field Level Media reports Talbot will start one of the two. Jet Greaves has started both games so far.

Friedman: some have tried to sell Larkin on Montreal; he sees Larkin as a fit beside Suzuki

On 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman says people have tried to convince Dylan Larkin that the Canadiens are the right place for him, and that he'd fit as a center next to Nick Suzuki. Nothing suggests a trade is close.

Update: LeBrun says as many as 10 teams have called about Simon Edvinsson, including Boston

Seravalli also names Utah and Seattle as interested teams. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff has told teams Detroit still plans to sign Edvinsson. The two sides are still far apart on salary.

Update: Friedman says Edmonton talked to Boston about Poitras, but the Bruins wanted a pick the Oilers wouldn't give

On 32 Thoughts, Friedman said Edmonton was interested in Matthew Poitras while it hunted for a center, and Boston wanted a draft pick for him. Edmonton traded for Filip Hallander instead, which may cool its interest.

Seravalli: Nikishin isn't held to the Dec. 1 signing deadline, and Carolina is working with his agent on a trade

Frank Seravalli says Nikishin is not a true restricted free agent under the CBA, so the Dec. 1 deadline doesn't apply to him and his deal would count against the cap like a normal one. He adds that the Hurricanes are working with Nikishin's agent to find a trade, and the team that gets him would carry a prorated cap hit this season.

Pagnotta names the Kings as a long-shot Hellebuyck suitor, citing internal doubts about Kuemper

On DFO Insider, David Pagnotta said there are questions inside the Kings about whether Darcy Kuemper can carry a full season, and that Alex Laferriere would likely be part of any offer. He still sees Carolina, Utah and Buffalo as the main fits.

Update: Seravalli adds Utah and Seattle to the teams interested in Simon Edvinsson

Seravalli named the Mammoth and Kraken as suitors, alongside the Boston interest LeBrun reported. Detroit still tells teams it intends to sign Edvinsson, but the two sides remain far apart on salary.

Friedman: Rangers looked at Flames' Connor Zary but backed off over his $3.775M cap hit

Friedman said the Rangers checked in on Zary before Calgary waived him, but cooled because of his cap hit; New York has only about $376K in space. A deal could still work if Calgary keeps part of the salary.

Friedman wonders whether Niederreiter, scratched in a contract year, would rather play elsewhere

On 32 Thoughts, Friedman speculated that Nino Niederreiter, who can't get into the Jets lineup in the last year of his deal, may want out. It's speculation only; there is no reported trade request.

Update: LeBrun says Tarasenko turned down about $850K from Florida in July; a reunion looks unlikely

Pierre LeBrun says the Panthers offered free agent Vladimir Tarasenko not much more than $850,000 in early July and he said no. Florida has no cap room, and LeBrun doesn't expect the team to come back to him, though he won't rule it out.

Update: Friedman says Florida has interest in Tarasenko if Marchand is out a long time; the cap is the hurdle

On 32 Thoughts, Friedman said Tarasenko wants to return to the Panthers and Florida has some interest if Marchand misses extended time. Florida's cap space is the main obstacle. LeBrun also reports that Tarasenko has split from agent Dan Millstein.

Panthers loan defenseman Alexander Petrovic to AHL Charlotte; Ekblad still expected back Saturday

Petrovic, 34, was recalled Oct. 3 and goes back to Charlotte without playing a game. The team says Aaron Ekblad, who missed two games for family reasons, is expected back for Saturday's home opener against Minnesota.

Senators recall defenseman Hoyt Stanley, who makes his NHL debut with Cameron Crotty ill

Ottawa called up the 21-year-old defenseman, a 2023 fourth-round pick who played three years at Cornell, on Thursday morning. He played in place of Crotty, who was sick. Sanderson and Zub are also out of the defense.

Oilers score five in the second period to beat the Ducks 5-2; Bouchard gets two goals, Draisaitl four assists

Edmonton fell behind 2-0 on two Beckett Sennecke power-play goals, then scored all five of its goals in the second period. Evan Bouchard leads the NHL with six goals and has 10 points in four games, and Devon Levi made 29 saves. Lukas Dostal was pulled after allowing five goals on 17 shots.

Senators to honour the late Ray Emery at Thursday's home opener against the Flyers

Emery's family will ring the ceremonial bell at Canadian Tire Centre before the game. He backstopped Ottawa to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final and died in 2018.

Logan O'Connor takes a personal leave after the sudden death of his father, former NHLer Myles O'Connor

The Avalanche said Logan O'Connor's father, Myles, died suddenly at 59, and that Logan is away from the team to be with his family. O'Connor had been close to his season debut after a preseason lower-body injury. The team gave no timeline for his return.

Oettinger posts his second straight shutout as Dallas blanks Buffalo 4-0; Rantanen has a goal and three assists

Jake Oettinger stopped all 26 shots and hasn't allowed a goal in almost 147 minutes. Hintz's power-play goal was the Stars' first in 10 tries this season. Buffalo is 2-2-0 and 0-for-13 on the power play, and Luukkonen allowed four goals on 18 shots.

O'Reilly's late power-play goal caps a comeback from 2-0 down as Nashville wins 5-2 in Montreal

Ryan O'Reilly tipped in a Roman Josi shot with 3:16 left, Adam Edstrom added two empty-net goals and Juuse Saros made 32 saves. Montreal outshot Nashville 34-18 in Jacob Fowler's season debut and has lost three straight.

Pastrnak scores twice on the power play and adds two assists as the Bruins rout Utah 6-1

Boston scored three power-play goals after starting the season 0-for-10, and rookie Frederic Brunet set up the first one. Swayman made 36 saves.

Yakemchuk's first NHL goal is the late power-play winner as Ottawa beats the winless Flyers 2-1 in its home opener

Carter Yakemchuk broke the tie with a one-timer from the point with 6:59 left, after a Bunting penalty. Linus Ullmark made 29 saves. Ottawa is 3-1-0, and Philadelphia is still winless at 0-3-2.

John Carlson scores his first two goals as a Lightning player, and Hildeby makes 34 saves in a 3-2 win over Minnesota

Carlson's second goal came on the power play and ended Tampa Bay's 0-for-14 start with the man advantage. Dennis Hildeby won his Lightning debut. Tampa Bay is 3-1-0 and won all three games of its homestand.

Stankoven's first career hat trick, a natural one, leads Carolina's 7-2 rout of Vancouver; Lankinen pulled

Logan Stankoven scored at even strength, shorthanded and on the power play, Svechnikov added two power-play goals and Sean Walker had four assists. Vancouver's Kevin Lankinen allowed six goals in two periods before Merilainen finished. Carolina has won three straight; Vancouver is 2-3-0.

Bowness cancels the Blue Jackets' days off and holds practice after the lopsided loss to Utah

After a loss in which the penalty kill gave up three of Utah's four goals, Rick Bowness called off the scheduled days off. Columbus plays Pittsburgh on Friday and in St. Louis on Saturday.

Top Red Wings prospect Max Plante out week-to-week with an upper-body injury at Minnesota-Duluth

Plante, a forward who had 52 points in 40 college games last season, was hurt in Saturday's game against Long Island University and is listed as week-to-week.

Update: Samuelsson's day off was maintenance; he's expected in the lineup Thursday vs. Dallas

The Sabres say defenseman Mattias Samuelsson missed Wednesday's practice for scheduled maintenance and should play against the Stars. The Thompson-Kulich-Krebs line stays together after the comeback win over Minnesota.

Adam Engstrom makes his season debut in place of Jayden Struble against Nashville

Martin St. Louis confirmed the rookie defenseman goes in for Struble on Thursday, paired with Arber Xhekaj. No reason was given for Struble sitting.

Update: Scott Mayfield draws in for Romanov and makes his season debut; Kessel sits

After the morning skate Mayfield was paired with Tony DeAngelo, with Logan Stanley and Matthew Schaefer together on the top pair. Matthew Kessel and Kyle MacLean are the extras.

Update: Bruins confirm Swayman starts vs. Utah; Peterka plays with Minten and Khusnutdinov, Hagens on the third line

The team's preview has Jeremy Swayman in goal with Michael DiPietro backing up. JJ Peterka is expected on a line with Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov. James Hagens practiced on the third line with Casey Mittelstadt and Elias Lindholm. Mason Lohrei and Frederic Brunet are the third pair.

Mayfield or Kessel expected to fill Romanov's spot against Chicago; Schaefer may shift to the left side

With Alexander Romanov out with a torn ACL, the Islanders' preview for Thursday's home game against Chicago names Scott Mayfield or Matt Kessel as the defensemen likely to step in. Mayfield, a right shot who hasn't played yet this season, is seen as likeliest, which would move Matthew Schaefer to the left side next to Ryan Pulock.

Update: Ristolainen expected back in Ottawa, and Zegras projected to center the second line after his practice scare

Projected lineups for Thursday in Ottawa have Rasmus Ristolainen, who missed Monday in Tampa, back in. Trevor Zegras, who left Tuesday's practice holding his left arm, is projected to center Denver Barkey and Owen Tippett, with Dan Vladar the projected starter.

Update: Tocchet shuffles the lines: Couturier to the top line, Zegras to the wing, Bunting debuts

At the morning skate in Ottawa, Couturier centered Konecny and Martone, Zegras moved to the wing beside Dvorak and Tippett, and Michkov dropped to the third line. Bunting makes his Flyers debut on the fourth line, and Ristolainen wasn't in the pairs.

Update: Gallagher a healthy scratch in Carolina; Räty back at fourth-line center

Brendan Gallagher is expected to sit Thursday, with Aatu Räty centering Arshdeep Bains and Drew O'Connor. Kevin Lankinen starts in goal, per Thomas Drance.

Update: O'Connor left out of projected lineups for Calgary; L'Heureux stays in

Projected lineups from FlamesNation and Colorado Hockey Now don't include Logan O'Connor for the back half of the back-to-back, and the lines match Wednesday's. Colorado hasn't ruled him out.

Toninato set for season debut at third-line center; Kantserov moves up to replace Teravainen

Based on Wednesday's practice lines, Dominic Toninato is expected to center Ryan Donato and Nick Lardis, and Roman Kantserov takes Teravainen's spot with Bertuzzi and Frondell. The defense pairs stay the same as Tuesday's, and Del Mastro and Korchinski are again expected to be scratched.

Update: Sam Dickinson stays in the lineup in St. Louis, with Nolan Allan sitting

Dickinson skipped Wednesday's practice, but San Jose Hockey Now's Sheng Peng reports he plays Thursday against the Blues ahead of Nolan Allan.

Update: Guillaume Brisebois also expected to sit in Carolina, along with Schenn and Gallagher

Brisebois, Luke Schenn and Brendan Gallagher stayed on the ice late after the Canucks' optional skate, so The Athletic's Thomas Drance expects all three to be scratched. Victor Mancini draws in on defense.

Trevor Connelly expected to move onto the top power-play unit while Olofsson is out

Ryan Craig says Victor Olofsson is week-to-week, and The Athletic's Jesse Granger reports that rookie Trevor Connelly is expected to take his spot on PP1.

Daccord projected in goal in Detroit; Mahura and Fleury form the third pair with Lindgren on IR

Seattle's projected lineup for Friday puts Josh Mahura with Cale Fleury on the bottom pair and Ville Ottavainen out of it. The Kraken haven't called up a defenseman yet to fill Lindgren's roster spot.

Sharks put forward Brett Leason on waivers, a sign Adam Gaudette is close to returning from IR

Leason hasn't dressed this season and is on a one-year, two-way deal paying $850K in the NHL. If he clears, he goes to the AHL Barracuda. The move appears to make room for Gaudette, on IR since an upper-body injury in camp.

Devils put Stefan Noesen on waivers; Kovacevic could come off IR if he clears

New Jersey waived Noesen, 33, who is in the last year of a deal with a $2.75M cap hit and has no points in two games. If he clears by Friday afternoon he can go to AHL Utica. That opens a roster spot for a defenseman while Siegenthaler is hurt, with Johnathan Kovacevic the likely one activated.

Red Wings put forward Chase Stillman on waivers; he'd report to Grand Rapids if he clears

Stillman, a 2021 first-round pick, is healthy after a preseason injury. If no team claims him, he'd play for the AHL Griffins.

Update: MacKenzie Entwistle clears waivers and can start the season with AHL Charlotte

Friedman reported that the depth forward went unclaimed after Florida waived him on Oct. 7.

Oilers trade defenseman Spencer Stastney to Pittsburgh for forward Filip Hallander

Edmonton sent Stastney, who hadn't played this season, to the Penguins for Hallander, a 26-year-old forward with a goal and two assists in two games for Pittsburgh. The move adds forward depth with Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman out and thins a crowded blue line.

Islanders sign 2026 fifth-round defenseman Vladimir Dravecky to a three-year entry-level contract

Dravecky is a right-shot Czech defenseman playing for OHL Guelph. He stays in junior for now.

Alexander Romanov leaves the 5-2 loss to the Rangers in the third period; Islanders assessing him

Romanov left with more than 12 minutes to play in the third and didn't return. The team says his status is being assessed. Simon Holmstrom took a puck to the face in the first but finished the game. In his first NHL game in 676 days, Semyon Varlamov stopped 19 of 22. The Islanders (1-2-0) host Chicago on Thursday.

Jonas Siegenthaler hurt in the third period of the 5-3 loss to Utah; no update yet

Siegenthaler fell awkwardly at 3:50 of the third with a lower-body injury and didn't return. Keefe said he needs further evaluation. The Devils already have defensemen Seamus Casey and Johnathan Kovacevic out. Jake Allen allowed five goals on 31 shots. The Devils next host Vancouver on Saturday.

Marchand hurts his left knee in LA, two days after his season debut; to be examined Thursday

Brad Marchand caught a high stick from Brandt Clarke late in the second period and twisted awkwardly into the post, injuring his left knee. Teammates helped him off and he couldn't put weight on it. He did not return. Maurice had no update after the game and said Marchand will be checked Thursday, after the team flies home. Marchand had just come off IR from offseason surgery on Sunday.

Update: Matt Roy ruled out of the Capitals' home opener; Thompson starts against Pittsburgh

Spencer Carbery ruled out Roy (lower body), who skipped the optional skate and is day-to-day with Friday against the Rangers possible. Dylan McIlrath makes his season debut beside Cole Hutson, and Logan Thompson gets the start in goal.

Update: Romanov tore his right ACL against the Rangers and is out 6-8 months, likely the rest of the season

The Islanders said Wednesday that Alexander Romanov needs surgery on a torn ACL in his right knee, hurt in the third period of Tuesday's 5-2 loss at MSG. He had only just come back from last season's shoulder surgery.

Joel Kiviranta hurt and out for the Stars' games in Buffalo and Pittsburgh

Kiviranta has a lower-body injury, possibly from a Tyler Myers slap shot in Monday's win over San Jose, and misses Thursday in Buffalo and Saturday in Pittsburgh. Colin Blackwell is the likely replacement.

Montembeault leaves practice with a right-leg injury the day before his expected season debut

Samuel Montembeault got hurt in a late drill Wednesday and was in line to start Thursday against Nashville. St-Louis said only that he is being evaluated; if he can't go, Dobes stays in goal.

Update: Kapanen now day-to-day and misses Wednesday's practice

Oliver Kapanen was not on the ice Wednesday. The Canadiens list him as day-to-day, which puts Thursday against Nashville in doubt after he also missed the home opener.

Josh Morrissey hurts his right arm hitting the glass against Colorado and doesn't return after one shift in the 2nd

Morrissey missed a check on T.J. Hughes late in the first period, went hard into the glass and skated off favouring his right arm. He tried one shift at the start of the second and then left for good, after 9:32 of ice time. The Jets called it an upper-body injury, gave no timeline, and played the rest of the game with five defensemen.

Update: Teravainen stays home from the New York trip and may be doubtful for Saturday too, Blashill says

Teravainen hurt his lower leg on Tuesday when Dylan Holloway fell into him. He won't travel for Thursday's game on Long Island, and Blashill said he may be doubtful for Saturday as well.

Update: Lilleberg practices in a non-contact jersey; still about a week away and out Thursday

Defenseman Emil Lilleberg, hurt in a fight in Saturday's win over Washington, skated Wednesday in a non-contact jersey. The Lightning expect him back in roughly a week.

Update: Compher doesn't skate Wednesday and is still day-to-day; Friday vs. Seattle uncertain

McLellan said J.T. Compher did not skate Wednesday and remains day-to-day, with another check on Thursday.

Update: Keefe says the extent of Siegenthaler's injury won't be known for a few days

Jonas Siegenthaler went down after colliding with Logan Cooley in the corner on Tuesday and walked off under his own power. Coach Sheldon Keefe said the Devils won't know how bad it is until he's evaluated in the coming days. If he misses time, a defenseman from AHL Utica is the likely call-up.

Ian Moore still 'a little bit away' from returning, says Quenneville

The defenseman hurt his lower body on Sept. 18 and was first given a two-to-four-week timeline. Coach Joel Quenneville says he isn't close to returning yet.

Update: Celebrini misses a second straight day on the ice; Warsofsky denies he was hurt in camp but doesn't rule him out

Celebrini didn't practice or skate on his own for a second day. Warsofsky called a report that the team had managed the injury since training camp 'completely wrong', and Celebrini is still not ruled out for Thursday in St. Louis.

Update: Chris Johnston says he misspoke about Celebrini being hurt in training camp

The TSN insider walked back his reference to camp after Warsofsky called it wrong. Celebrini remains day-to-day for Thursday in St. Louis.

Morrissey has an upper-body injury and will be re-evaluated Thursday

The Jets' top defenseman left after one second-period shift against Colorado on Wednesday, and Scott Arniel gave no further details.

Update: Kiviranta out at least a week with a lower-body injury from a blocked shot

Joel Kiviranta was hurt blocking a shot in Monday's 5-0 win over San Jose. Coach Glen Gulutzan said he won't play either game of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh trip and the team hopes it's about a week.

Update: Barzal set to skate Thursday, DeBoer says; Saturday vs Tampa Bay a possible return

Pete DeBoer said Mathew Barzal, out with knee inflammation, is set to skate Thursday. He's unlikely to play Thursday against Chicago, since he'll probably want a few practices first.

Colton Dach listed injured for tonight in Anaheim; Ty Emberson draws in on defense

NHL.com's projected lineup has Dach on the injured list, with Max Jones and Josh Samanski joining Isaac Howard on the third line. Emberson replaces Shakir Mukhamadullin beside Jake Walman, and newly acquired Filip Hallander is a scratch.

Update: Sergachev listed day-to-day and questionable for Thursday in Boston after the puck to the head

Mikhail Sergachev is day-to-day with an upper-body injury after a teammate's clearing attempt hit him in the head in New Jersey. Utah has given no timeline, and he is questionable for Thursday against the Bruins. If he sits, John Marino and MacKenzie Weegar are expected to take on more of the power play.

Update: Olofsson's status for Toronto won't be known until Thursday, and Vegas has no spare healthy forward

Coach Ryan Craig says Victor Olofsson, hurt on Ben Meyers' boarding hit in Seattle, is still being evaluated. With Lavoie also banged up, Vegas may need a roster move if Olofsson can't play.

Update: Bedard has three straight non-contact practices; contact clearance could come by late October

Connor Bedard has moved on to close-quarters drills with defensemen this week while still in a non-contact jersey, three months after left shoulder surgery. The Sun-Times says doctors could clear him for contact by the end of October, with his season debut soon after.

Update: Blackhawks put Andrew Mangiapane on IR and recall Dominic Toninato from Rockford

Chicago officially placed Mangiapane on injured reserve with his lower-body injury and called up veteran center Toninato. With Teravainen also out Thursday on Long Island, Toninato adds depth up front.

Update: Oilers put Colton Dach on injured reserve to make room for Dickinson; he misses the whole California trip