NHL News

Pierre Engvall • LW • Islanders

Pierre Engvall Good to Go for 2026-27

New York Islanders left wing Pierre Engvall (ankle) is at 100 percent ahead of the new NHL campaign, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports. The Swedish forward missed the entire 2025-26 season due to hip and ankle issues. Even with him now available, Engvall's future with the Islanders looks uncertain. He hasn't lived up to his seven-year, $21 million contract and spent part of the 2024-25 season in the AHL after being waived. With a healthy lineup, it's hard to see where he would fit.

4 hours ago

Kyle Palmieri • C • Islanders

Kyle Palmieri Looking "Great" Ahead of Training Camp

New York Islanders right wing Kyle Palmieri (knee) has fully recovered from a right ACL tear, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports. "Kyle Palmieri's been skating all summer. He's been here all summer," Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said Wednesday. "He looks great, fully healthy." Palmieri injured his right knee in late November and played only 25 times in 2025-26. He tallied six goals and 12 assists. It remains to be seen how the injury affects Palmieri's performance. Before tearing his ACL, the veteran forward didn't miss a single game in back-to-back seasons, posting over 100 points.

4 hours ago

Semyon Varlamov • G • Islanders

Semyon Varlamov Ready for Comeback Campaign

New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (knee) is healthy and ready for training camp, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports. Varlamov has undergone two knee procedures and hasn't played since Nov. 29, 2024. "He's doing great, actually. It's almost a miracle," Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said Wednesday. "Well, it's not a miracle because he's really put in the work. He's been back here for at least a month. He's on the ice four to five times a week, no medication, no pain, anything like that." Throughout his 18-year career, Varlamov has been a solid netminder. He will compete with Vitek Vanecek for playing opportunities in 2026-27, with Ilya Sorokin firmly holding the starting role on Long Island.

4 hours ago

Jonathan Huberdeau • LW • Flames

Jonathan Huberdeau Suffers Setback in Hip Surgery Recovery

Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau (hip) has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery, according to general manager Craig Conroy. "This is a major surgery so he had a little bit of a setback, maybe two weeks ago, with his skating," Conroy said during an appearance on QR770 on Monday. "We just want to make sure we do the right thing for him. If it's to take a little bit more time and have him 100% feeling good about the hip, that's what we're going to do." Huberdeau was shut down early last season, playing his final game on Feb. 4. He finished with 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 50 games. Conroy's update suggests Huberdeau may also miss time at the start of the new campaign.

4 hours ago

Luke Evangelista • RW • Devils

Devils Acquire Luke Evangelista

The New Jersey Devils have acquired right wing Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a conditional first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2028 draft. Despite a very strong 2025-26 campaign, Evangelista apparently had no future in Nashville. The 24-year-old recorded a career-high 56 points (12 goals, 44 assists) in 81 games. Evangelista looks like a great pickup for the Devils, who averaged the sixth-fewest goals in the league last season. He could become an important piece at even strength and on the power play.

5 hours ago

Kevin Korchinski • D • Blackhawks

Kevin Korchinski Signs Two-Year Deal With Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski has inked a two-year contract extension. He will earn $2.65 million over the next couple of campaigns. Korchinski was a restricted free agent. The Blackhawks have had high hopes for Korchinski, selecting him seventh overall in the 2022 draft. However, he has yet to make a significant mark in the NHL. The 22-year-old has recorded 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) and 109 blocks in 105 career regular-season games. Korchinski saw action in just 13 games for Chicago in 2025-26 and, with the Blackhawks' revamped blue line, looks likely to open 2026-27 as the seventh defenseman.

3 days ago

Cale Makar • D • Avalanche

Cale Makar Agrees to Record Extension

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has agreed to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports. It's the richest deal in NHL history, making Makar the first player to earn at least $20 million annually. He will have a cap hit of $20.4 million starting in the 2027-28 season. Makar will more than double his current $9 million per year salary. Colorado has seen Makar develop into one of the league's best defensemen, making this raise well earned. The deal includes a full no-movement clause and will keep Makar under contract through the 2034-35 season, when he will be 36 years old.

3 days ago

Simon Nemec • D • Flames

Simon Nemec Eyes Major Role With Flames

Calgary Flames defenseman Simon Nemec hopes to play a major role with his new club. "It's a new challenge," Nemec said. "That was a good spot for me, for the team. I feel like they need a player like me. I can play a lot of minutes there. I can be part of the future there and be one of the leaders of the team." Nemec moved to Calgary this offseason following a modest three-year run with the New Jersey Devils. He notched a career-high 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 68 contests last season, but the former second-overall pick has the potential to make an even bigger impact. Speaking at the European Player Media Tour, Nemec said he wants to earn a spot on the Flames' top power-play unit, which would certainly boost his fantasy production.

6 days ago

Macklin Celebrini • C • Sharks

Macklin Celebrini Looks to Evolve as Player and Leader

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is confident he can still improve after his spectacular 2025-26 campaign. The 20-year-old posted a new franchise record with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games, ranking fourth on the NHL's scorers' charts. "I still have a lot of space to grow. I think in my game and off the ice," Celebrini said. "Growing into myself as hopefully a leader for this team. We have a great group of vets that have been amazing and helped guide all of us young guys and gave us the best kind of role models as possible." Celebrini is a special talent, giving San Jose a player to build around. No doubt, he'll also lead many fantasy teams to success next season.

6 days ago

Connor Hellebuyck • G • Jets

Connor Hellebuyck Requests Trade From Jets

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is ready for a new chapter in his career, confirming that he has requested a trade. In a statement via his agent, Ray Petkau, Hellebuyck said he made the request privately several months ago and "tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options." The Jets drafted Hellebuyck in 2012, and he has been a cornerstone of the franchise, earning the Hart Trophy as the NHL MVP in 2025. Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy as the league's top netminder three times. He's looking to move on despite inking an eight-year, $59.5 million contract extension in October 2023. A change of scenery could do wonders for Hellebuyck's performance after he endured a career-worst year in 2025-26, finishing with a .895 save percentage.

6 days ago

Matt Savoie • C • Oilers

Matt Savoie Sits Out Training Camp

Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Savoie (undisclosed) has been ruled out of training camp. The 22-year-old is recovering from an offseason injury. According to TSN's Ryan Rishaug, Savoie might not be available until late October. This is a significant setback for Savoie, who had his rookie campaign in 2025-26. The former top-10 pick impressed with 18 goals and 37 points in 82 games. Once he's healthy, Savoie will compete for a top-six role. He would be an attractive fantasy option as a partner to either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

7 days ago

Mattias Janmark • C • Oilers

Mattias Janmark Unavailable for Training Camp

Edmonton Oilers forward Mattias Janmark (undisclosed) will not participate in training camp. Janmark underwent season-ending surgery in March, finishing the campaign with only 43 appearances. He contributed one goal and seven assists. Unfortunately, he's still on the mend, and it seems like the Swedish veteran might also be unavailable at the start of the new campaign. While fantasy managers won't lose out on much without Janmark, he's been an effective bottom-six grinder in the NHL. During his 10-year career, Janmark has been part of three trips to the Stanley Cup Finals.

7 days ago

Frederik Andersen • G • Oilers

Frederik Andersen to Miss Training Camp

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Frederik Andersen (undisclosed) won't be available for training camp. The Danish veteran suffered an injury during offseason workouts. It's unfortunate news, especially since Andersen was also injured late last season and missed the end of the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals due to a knee injury. TSN's Ryan Rishaug reports that Andersen could be out until late October. Due to health issues, Andersen hasn't played more than 35 games in any of the past four seasons. Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi will share the crease in Edmonton until Andersen is ready for action.

7 days ago

Thatcher Demko • G • Canucks

Thatcher Demko Uncertain for Start of Training Camp

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (hip) is uncertain for the start of training camp, according to Thomas Drance of The Athletic. Demko appeared in only 20 games last season and was shut down in January for hip surgery. He is still recovering from the procedure ahead of the new campaign, casting doubt on his status for training camp. When healthy, Demko has proven he can be one of the best netminders in the NHL. Unfortunately, he has missed long stretches in each of the past two seasons and has made only 43 appearances. Even if he's good to go for the start of the 2026-27 season, the Canucks may want to limit Demko's workload to protect his health. That would boost Kevin Lankinen's fantasy value.

7 days ago

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Feeling "Great" Ahead of Training Camp

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is mentally and physically ready for the start of training camp. This is a very positive update, as Hedman's 2025-26 season ended early due to injury and personal reasons. "I'm happy it happened at this stage in my career where I know what I can do, I know what I can bring to the team, and I know what I can do on a daily basis when I'm healthy," Hedman said. "I have zero doubt in my mind. I haven't played a game since obviously March, but for me at this point I know what it takes to be good in this league. I've had a great summer and I feel great going into camp." Hedman will turn 36 in December and isn't the player he once was. However, he's still capable of producing significant fantasy value if he stays injury-free.

7 days ago

Moritz Seider • D • Red Wings

Moritz Seider Looking to Improve Defensively

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider aims to become a better two-way player. After posting a career-high 60 points in 2025-26, Seider established himself as one of the top offensive defensemen in the league. Now, he wants to become more effective in the defensive zone. "I want to establish myself as a guy that people are not happy to see on the ice," Seider said. "I think that's one of the biggest compliments you could get is that people are not happy to see you -- in a good way. I think that's where I see my challenge is to do everything I can to shut the best forwards down in every single game. And I think if I can approach that, I give our team a good chance to win." At 25, Seider should have room to improve. He is only entering his prime and is likely to be a fantasy stalwart for years to come.

Aug 24

Cale Makar • D • Avalanche

Avalanche "Confident" About Signing Cale Makar to New Deal

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar has one season left on his contract, but he's unlikely to start the new season on an expiring deal. "We continue talking," Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said over the weekend. "I'm pretty confident that he'll be signed before the season starts." Makar is expected to get a big raise from his current deal, which pays him $9 million annually. Colorado and fantasy managers alike have received plenty of value from Makar during his current contract, as he has led all defensemen in scoring since signing his extension in 2021. During the course of the deal, Makar has also won the Norris Trophy twice as the NHL's best defenseman.

Aug 24

Pierre-Luc Dubois • C • Capitals

Pierre-Luc Dubois Ready for Training Camp

Washington Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois (hand) is healthy and appears to be at 100 percent ahead of training camp, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports. Dubois broke his hand late last season. Due to health issues, the 28-year-old's campaign was frustrating all around, as Dubois appeared in only 29 games. He notched five goals and 14 assists. Across the previous two seasons, Dubois hadn't missed a single game, so hopefully the injury troubles are behind him. Only a year removed from a career year, Dubois remains a name for fantasy managers to watch.

Aug 24

Leon Draisaitl • C • Oilers

Leon Draisaitl Healthy Ahead of New Season

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl is healthy and raring to go ahead of the new NHL season, Shawn P. Roarke of NHL.com reports. The German superstar was banged up during the playoffs and missed a significant chunk of the regular season. Limited to 65 outings, Draisaitl was unable to extend his streak of consecutive 100-point campaigns to five years. He has a chance to start a new run in 2026-27. Since the 2021-22 season, only Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon have recorded more points than Draisaitl. Although he'll be 31 in October, Draisaitl is still performing at his highest level.

Aug 24

Elvis Merzlikins • G • Blue Jackets

Elvis Merzlikins Undergoes Surgery

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery last week, general manager Don Waddell announced. "Elvis informed us a few weeks ago that he was experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder during his offseason workouts," Waddell said. "Following an MRI, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action. He'll be evaluated again in a few weeks at which time we'll have a clearer idea on when he will be back on the ice." Merzlikins faces a race to be healthy in time for the new season. Columbus opens its training camp on Sept. 16. Phoenix Copley appears poised to serve as the team's No. 2 if Merzlikins is unavailable at the start of the campaign.

Aug 24

NHL News

LEGEND