NHL Player News

Kulich (undisclosed) won't be in the lineup versus Detroit on Saturday, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.

Kulich also didn't play in Thursday's preseason game against Detroit after tweaking a muscle. The 21-year-old had 15 goals and nine assists over 62 regular-season games in 2024-25. He remains day-to-day, leaving a return versus Pittsburgh on Wednesday as a possibility.

Kotkaniemi took a high stick to the face in the third period of Friday's preseason game versus the Lightning and did not return.

There was no update on Kotkaniemi's status after the game. Assuming he checks out fine, he could be available either Sunday versus the Predators or Monday against the Panthers. Barring a discouraging update, he should be fine by the time the Hurricanes open the regular season Oct. 9 versus the Devils.

McLaughlin will be out for at least the rest of training camp after sustaining an undisclosed injury in Friday's preseason game versus the Islanders, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

McLaughlin was in the mix for a bottom-six job, but that may now be in danger due to the injury, which he suffered on his first shift of the game Friday. If the 26-year-old isn't healthy enough to play Opening Night on Oct. 9 versus the Hurricanes, he may be placed on injured reserve.

Barkov (knee) underwent surgery Friday to repair injuries to his right ACL and MCL and will miss 7-9 months.

Even in a best-case scenario, it is almost certain Barkov will miss the entirety of the 2025-26 regular season. If he's on the long end of the timeline, he could also miss the playoffs. The Panthers will have to dig deep to cover Barkov's absence, which will likely lead to a bigger role for Anton Lundell and a committee approach to filling bottom-six minutes. Expect Barkov to be placed on long-term injured reserve prior to the start of the season.

Desnoyers (wrist) was reassigned to QMJHL Moncton on Friday.

Desnoyers is no longer in the Mammoth's camp and will continue his recovery from wrist surgery with his junior club. He has not signed his entry-level contract yet. The 18-year-old was selected fourth overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, so there will be high expectations for him to impress with Moncton once healthy.

McGregor was released from his professional tryout with the Mammoth on Friday.

McGregor will report to AHL Tucson's camp. If he plays well on his minor-league deal, he could earn a two-way contract later.

Acciari (abdomen) won't play in Friday's preseason game versus the Red Wings.

Acciari has been in a non-contact jersey over the last few days. He's on track to be healthy for Opening Night, but it's not yet clear if he'll draw into any preseason contests.

Stephenson (undisclosed) won't be in action versus Vancouver on Friday, Alison Lukan of the Kraken Hockey Network reports.

Stephenson has reached the 50-point threshold in each of his last four seasons, including the 2024-25 campaign in which he set a new personal best with 18 power-play points. If he avoids a lengthy stint on the shelf, which seems likely considering he was classified as day-to-day, Stephenson should be capable of continuing to produce at that level in 2025-26.

O'Brien (undisclosed) has been ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the Canucks, Alison Lukan of the Kraken Hockey Network reports.

O'Brien was in a non-contact sweater during Wednesday's practice session, and he'll be left off the roster for Friday's preseason game. The exact nature and severity of his injury aren't yet clear, but his next opportunity to suit up will be in Monday's preseason game against the Flames. Once he's healthy, he'll likely head to OHL Brantford for a third consecutive season.

McCann (lower body) will not be in action versus Vancouver on Friday, Alison Lukan of the Kraken Hockey Network reports.

McCann was labeled day-to-day by the team Sunday but remains on the shelf heading into Friday's contest. The 29-year-old winger hasn't been ruled out for Opening Night against the Ducks on Oct. 9 and has two more opportunities to get into a preseason contest. Barring any setbacks, McCann should be capable of reaching the 60-point threshold for the fourth consecutive campaign.