NHL Player News

Mrtka (illness) was sent to AHL Rochester on Saturday.

Mrtka didn't play in Friday's preseason game versus Pittsburgh because of an illness, but his demotion suggests he should return to action soon. The Sabres selected him with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The Czech native will start the season with AHL Rochester, but he is also eligible to play for WHL Seattle in 2025-26.

Faulk (mouth) is expected to miss Saturday's preseason game against Chicago.

Faulk needed stitches after taking a stick to the mouth during Thursday's preseason clash against Ottawa. The 33-year-old might still be an option for St. Louis' regular-season opener against Minnesota on Thursday. Faulk is likely to serve in a top-four capacity for the Blues when he's healthy.

Carlsson (lower body) will miss Friday's preseason game against Vegas, per the NHL media site.

Carlsson's final chance to get into an exhibition game before San Jose's training camp ends will come Saturday versus Utah. The 28-year-old is likely to either start the season in the minors or on the Sharks' non-roster injured list.

Chatfield (undisclosed) is expected in the lineup for Saturday's preseason finale against the Predators, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

Chatfield has reached the 20-point threshold in just one of his last three seasons, including the 2024-25 campaign in which he came up two points shy while playing in 79 regular-season games. Given his limited offensive production, combined with his lack of physicality (64 blocks), fantasy players will probably want to pursue alternative blue line options.

Lauzon (undisclosed) will suit up in the Knights' preseason finale against San Jose on Friday, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports.

Lauzon was limited to just 28 regular-season games for the Predators last year in which he notched one assist, 25 shots and 127 hits while averaging 17:58 of ice time. While Lauzon won't offer much offensive upside, he should deliver enough hits and blocks in banger leagues to give him some value.

Kiersted was recalled from AHL Iowa on Friday.

Kiersted inked a two-year, two-way contract in the offseason after spending parts of four seasons with Florida. He had one assist in two regular-season games with the Panthers in 2024-25 and had a plus-34 rating with AHL Charlotte last season, leading the AHL in the category.

Villeneuve was placed on waivers by the Maple Leafs on Friday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

Villeneuve signed a two-way deal with the Maple Leafs in August, but he'll begin the 2025-26 regular season with AHL Toronto if he clears waivers. He recorded four goals, 36 assists and 42 PIM over 55 regular-season appearances with the Marlies last year.

Pesce (undisclosed) will skate on his own Friday and is questionable for Opening Night on Oct. 9, per Sam Kasan of the Devils' official site.

Pesce was injured Thursday and is continuing to be evaluated by doctors. The defenseman had three goals and 14 assists with 138 blocked shots in 72 regular-season appearances last season.

Casey (lower body) is not expected to resume skating in the near future, Sam Kasan of the Devils' official site reports Friday.

Casey is a lock for injured reserve at this point, considering the team didn't offer much in the way of details. With Casey on the shelf, Simon Nemec could be in for an expanded role early in the season, especially if Brett Pesce (undisclosed) is also unable to suit up for Opening Night against the Hurricanes on Thursday.

Solovyov was claimed off waivers by the Avalanche on Friday, Chris Johnston of The Athletic

Solovyov was waived by the Flames on Thursday, and he'll join a new organization a day later. He was expected to head to the AHL if he cleared waivers, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him still report to the minors despite being claimed.