NHL News
Boone Jenner Suffers Upper-Body Injury During Friday's Practice
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner (upper body) suffered an injury during Friday's practice, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic. The Blue Jackets captain was hit hard along the boards and had to leave the ice. The 31-year-old should be considered day-to-day for the time being, as he has not been ruled out for the season opener on Thursday evening against the Minnesota Wild; however, he was kept off the starting lineup during Friday's preseason game out of precaution. Last season, Jenner hit the 20-goal mark for the third-straight campaign but saw his overall offensive output drop as he tallied only 35 points, his lowest in the past three years. Fantasy managers should expect Jenner to serve as the starting left wing on the top line alongside Sean Monahan and Krill Marchenko.
1 hour ago
William Karlsson Remains Questionable For Season Opener
Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson (undisclosed) will not play in the preseason finale on Saturday and remains questionable for the season opener on Wednesday evening. Karlsson has remained sidelined during practices since the end of September with an undisclosed injury. At first, the 31-year-old was sidelined for maintenance purposes, but seeing that his absence has continued to extend suggests it may be more serious than originally expected. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Karlsson's status ahead of their regular season opener. The center enjoyed an excellent 2023 campaign, scoring 30 goals (his highest mark since 2017) with 30 assists. When he returns, Karlsson should be expected to have a permanent role within the Vegas top 6.
1 hour ago
Matthew Poitras Remains Day-To-Day, Could Miss Start Of Season
Boston Bruins forward Matthew Poitras (undisclosed) remains day-to-day and could be in danger of missing the season opener on Tuesday evening, according to Scott McLaughlin of The Skate Pod. Poitras has only been able to play in three preseason games so far but participated in full throughout the development camp earlier this offseason. The 20-year-old's rookie campaign was cut short after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in February. It is yet to be known if this injury has resurfaced. Through his first 33 games in the NHL, the former second-round pick tallied five goals and ten assists. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should continue to hold on to Poitras, as he should have a consistent spot within the Boston top 9 and showed some offensive upside in his rookie campaign.
2 hours ago
Bryan Rust Deemed Day-To-Day
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust (lower body) is considered day-to-day, according to Michelle Crechiolo of Pens Inside Scoop. Crechiolo further reported that head coach Mike Sullivan said the winger is "trying to manage through it." The 32-year-old was also ruled out for Friday's preseason finale. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status through the early part of the week as he could be in danger of missing the season opener on Wednesday evening against the New York Rangers. Rust should be expected to play alongside Sidney Crosby and Drew O'Connor on the first line and the top power-play unit. If Rust were to be sidelined on Wednesday, Anthony Beauvillier and Rickard Rakell are candidates to move up to the top line.
2 hours ago
Johnathan Kovacevic Tallies Two Points On Friday
New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic tallied a goal and an assist in his New Jersey debut on Friday afternoon. The former Montreal Canadian earned the primary assist on the opening goal of the game, which was scored by forward Stefan Noesen in the first period. Later in the opening frame, Kovacevic found the back of the net on a snapshot from the point. This was an impressive debut for the 27-year-old, as he tallied only 13 points across 62 games last season. Kovacevic spent the afternoon playing on the second defensive pair alongside Jonas Siegenthaler. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the former third-round pick's production in New Jersey as he could eventually earn power-play opportunities if he continues to flash scoring upside.
2 hours ago
Jacob Markstrom Shines In New Jersey Debut
New Jersey Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom stopped 30 of the 31 shots he faced in his New Jersey debut on Friday afternoon in their victory over the Buffalo Sabres. The 34-year-old looked sharp in the season opener and was able to keep the Sabres quiet on their four power-play attempts. The lone goal came in the back half of the final frame off a snapshot from Buffalo defenseman Owen Power in the slot. This was an excellent debut for Markstrom, who hopes to get back on track after earning just 23 wins in each of the past two seasons in Calgary. Fantasy managers should expect New Jersey backup Jake Allen to get the starting nod on Saturday afternoon in the second game of the Global Series. Markstrom's next start is tentatively lined up to be on Thursday evening when the Devils host the high-scoring Toronto Maple Leafs.
2 hours ago
Artemi Panarin Labled As Day-To-Day
New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (lower body) has been labeled day-to-day after missing Thursday's practice. Panarin sustained a lower-body injury in a preseason game against the Islanders on Sept. 24. He returned to the lineup on Tuesday versus New Jersey but left the contest four shifts in with a lower-body injury again. It's possible he reaggravated the injury he was dealing with earlier. Getting Panarin ready in time for the first game of the season will be vital for the Rangers' chances of getting off to a good start. The team has already lost fellow forward Jimmy Vesey (lower body) and defenseman Ryan Lindgren (upper body) ahead of opening night.
12 hours ago
Robin Lehner Will Not Count Against Golden Knights' Salary Cap In 2024-25
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner (hip) will not count against the team's salary cap in 2024-25. He is in the final year of a $25 million contract, which has a $5 million cap hit. However, Lehner hasn't played in the NHL since 2022 due to health issues, and Vegas will be getting cap relief in 2024-25 in an "unprecedented and highly unique" case, as league sources have told ESPN's Emily Kaplan. The team will still pay out his $4.4 million salary for the season. Lehner, who won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2019 for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey, has compiled a 152-141-49 record in the NHL across stints with five teams.
12 hours ago
Conor Geekie Suspended For Friday's Preseason Game
Tampa Bay Lightning center Conor Geekie has been suspended for one preseason game. Geekie was handed the suspension for his involvement in a fight during Wednesday's preseason game against the Florida Panthers. According to NHL Player Safety, Geekie violated Rule 70.2 when he left the bench on a legal line change "for the purpose of starting an altercation." As a result of the suspension, Geekie will not be available for selection for Friday's preseason encounter with the Carolina Hurricanes. Geekie, the 11th pick in the 2022 draft, has been battling for a roster spot in preseason and hasn't yet made his NHL debut.
13 hours ago
Tyson Barrie Inks One-Year Contract With Flames
Defenseman Tyson Barrie has signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Calgary Flames. The Flames snapped up Barrie after he spent the training camp with the team on a tryout basis. As an offensive defenseman, Barrie has produced 505 points (109 goals, 396 assists) in 809 career games. However, he's coming off a poor year with the Nashville Predators, which saw Barrie register only one goal and 14 assists in 41 games. The deal could be a steal for Calgary if Barrie finds some of his old magic. He should at least provide some juice to a power play that ranked 26th in the league last season. 210 of Barrie's 505 career points have come with the man advantage.
13 hours ago
Calle Jarnkrok Returns To Action
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Calle Jarnkrok (lower body) returned to the lineup on Thursday against Detroit. He logged 14:42 of action in a 2-0 win, finishing with one shot and one hit. A lower-body injury has hampered Jarnkrok's preparations for the 2024-25 NHL campaign. However, after returning to action on Thursday, it appears Jarnkrok will be good to go for the team's regular-season opener on Oct. 9 versus Montreal. The Swedish forward has notched 30 goals and 60 points in 125 games since joining the Maple Leafs in 2022-23. He's projected to start the season on the second line, putting Jarnkrok in a good position to make a mark offensively.
13 hours ago
Dmitri Voronkov Injured On First Shift
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Dmitri Voronkov (upper body) lasted only one shift in Thursday's preseason contest against Pittsburgh. He was forced to exit the game after sustaining an upper-body injury. Voronkov bagged 34 points (18 goals, 16 assists) in 75 games last season, placing third on the team in goals scored. He should have another solid campaign in 2024-25. However, the injury could be an early setback for him if it's deemed serious enough. Blue Jackets head coach Dave Evason did not provide any updates on Voronkov after Thursday's game.
13 hours ago
Filip Kral Ready To Return Thursday
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Filip Kral (leg) is expected to be back in the lineup on Thursday against Columbus. The Czech blue-liner hurt his leg in a preseason game last week and has missed some action. Kral is battling for a roster spot following a fruitful campaign in Europe. The 24-year-old tallied 37 points (five goals, 32 assists) in 46 games with the Lahti Pelicans in Finland, prompting the Penguins to sign him to a one-year, two-way contract. Kral has previously played in two NHL regular-season games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022-23, going scoreless in both outings.
Yesterday
Justin Danforth Remains Sidelined Thursday
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Justin Danforth (wrist) will not play in Thursday's preseason game against Pittsburgh. The 31-year-old had wrist surgery during the offseason and only recently started to work on stickhandling. Danforth did a decent job on a struggling team last season, posting 10 goals and 26 points in 71 outings while being limited to around 14 minutes of ice time. He's previously been a scoring machine in Europe and could make an impact again in 2024-25 once he's ready to return. The Blue Jackets start their season against Minnesota on Oct. 10.
Yesterday
Erik Gudbranson To Sit Out Thursday's Preseason Game
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (lower body) is set to miss a second consecutive preseason game on Thursday versus Pittsburgh. It's been reported that Gudbranson is dealing with a "minor" lower-body injury, so he could still be fine for the start of the regular season. Gudbranson will begin his third campaign in Columbus. The 32-year-old had a career year offensively last season with 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 78 games. A repeat of it looks highly unlikely, as Gudbranson hadn't previously even hit the 20-point plateau in 10-plus years in the league. However, fantasy managers can expect plenty of blocks and hits from Gudbranson.
Yesterday
Luke Hughes Remains 5-7 Weeks Away From Returning
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (shoulder) has yet to resume skating and remains 5-7 weeks away from being able to return to action. Hughes suffered a shoulder injury in mid-September and is set to miss the first month of the regular season. Hughes had a highly productive debut campaign in 2023-24 with 47 points (nine goals, 38 assists) in 82 games. 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) came on the power play for Hughes. Hughes' absence could give rookie Seamus Casey a spot on the second power-play unit to start the year, with Dougie Hamilton set to roll with the first unit.
Yesterday
Jared McCann Misses Preseason Game With A Lower-Body Injury
Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann (lower body) was a late scratch for Wednesday's preseason action against Edmonton. He left the warm-ups early, and the team announced that McCann had sustained a lower-body injury. The severity of the injury is unclear at present. Seattle will be desperate to have its top scorer available for the start of the season. McCann has led the team in goals and points during all of Kraken's three NHL campaigns. He registered 29 goals and 62 points in 80 games last season.
Yesterday
Artturi Lehkonen Skates In Non-Contact Jersey
Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (shoulder) wore a non-contact jersey in Wednesday's practice. The Finnish forward is recovering from shoulder surgery, and the Avalanche are expected to start the season without Lehkonen. However, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has said that Lehkonen will be ready to quickly return to the lineup once he's cleared for contact. Colorado faces Vegas in its season opener on Oct. 9. Lehkonen has averaged 0.75 points per game since joining the Avalanche in 2021, but he's also missed a lot of time due to health issues, making him a somewhat risky fantasy option.
Yesterday
Alex Nedeljkovic Out Week-To-Week
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (lower body) is considered week-to-week. He suffered a lower-body injury in Monday's preseason game against Detroit, and it looks like it will now take some time before Nedeljkovic is ready to play again. With Nedeljkovic unavailable, we should see a lot of Tristan Jarry to begin the campaign. Meanwhile, Joel Blomqvist is the leading candidate to grab the temporary backup role behind Jarry. The 22-year-old is one of the organization's top prospects and had a strong AHL campaign in 2023-24. Blomqvist posted a 25-12-6 record with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.
2 days ago
Blake Lizotte Diagnosed With A Concussion
Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte has been diagnosed with a concussion and is out indefinitely. He was hit to the head by a puck in Sunday's preseason game against Ottawa. This is a bad setback for Lizotte, who was gearing up for a fresh start in Pittsburgh. After spending his first five NHL campaigns with the Los Angeles Kings, Lizotte inked a two-year deal as a free agent with the Penguins in the offseason. He has tallied 106 points (37 goals, 69 assists) in 320 career games.
2 days ago
