NHL Player News

Juulsen (groin) skated with Group B at the Flyers' first on-ice practice of training camp Thursday, Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Juulsen underwent sports hernia surgery around the end of February. He was not reported to have any limitations on the ice Thursday, which suggests he is clear to compete for a third-pairing role. Juulsen signed with the Flyers at the start of free agency and is reunited with head coach Rick Tocchet, who was his coach with the Canucks over parts of the last three seasons. As a right-shot blueliner, Juulsen may get a long look in camp since fellow righty Rasmus Ristolainen (triceps) will be out for the start of 2025-26.

Soucy (illness) skated on a pairing with Scott Morrow in Thursday's scrimmage, Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic reports.

Soucy was under the weather at the end of 2024-25, but he's fine now. The 31-year-old is likely to be a regular in the Rangers' lineup as a bottom-four blueliner. He had 13 points over 75 regular-season games last year between the Rangers and the Canucks. Soucy also had 106 blocked shots and 115 hits, so he could provide a bit of physicality.

Pulock (undisclosed) took part in Thursday's practice, per Andrew Gross of Newsday, which suggests that he's healthy for the start of training camp.

Pulock missed the Islanders' season finale due to the injury. He had five goals, 23 points, 16 PIM, 100 hits and 155 blocks in 74 appearances in 2024-25. Pulock is projected to serve in a top-four role this year.

Pelech (undisclosed) participated in Thursday's practice, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

Per Gross, Pelech is wearing a shield to protect his jaw after taking a puck to the mouth recently. The defenseman also told reporters he is fully healthy and ready to play, so the jaw shield appears to just be a precaution. He plays a physically taxing style and has missed over 20 games in each of the last three seasons, though he should be a regular in the lineup when healthy. Pelech had 21 points (all assists) with 87 blocked shot and 73 hits in 60 regular-season games in 2024-25.

Walker (shoulder) appears to be healthy for the start of training camp based on his participation in Thursday's practice, per Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site.

Walker missed Carolina's final three playoff games last year because of the injury. He finished the 2024-25 regular season with five goals, 16 points, 46 PIM, 91 hits and 90 blocks across 82 regular-season appearances with the Hurricanes. He will likely start the 2025-26 campaign on the second or third pairing.

Chatfield (hip) was on the ice for Thursday's opening practice of training camp, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

Chatfield had no limitations after being bothered by a hip injury in the playoffs. He was in a regular jersey while the Hurricanes had K'Andre Miller (upper body) in a non-contact jersey. Chatfield is more of a shutdown defenseman, though he picked up 18 points in 79 regular-season games last year while averaging a career-best 18:53 of ice time, so he looks ticketed for a top-four role.

Jiricek (spleen) skated alongside Jack Johnson in Thursday's practice, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Jiricek sustained a lacerated spleen near the end of March, cutting his 2024-25 campaign short. The 21-year-old defenseman will compete for a regular role to begin 2025-26, and he could benefit early on since Jonas Brodin (upper body) is expected to miss the start of the season. Jiricek will likely have to settle for third-pairing minutes initially.

Hughes isn't with the Devils for the start of training camp because he's still a restricted free agent, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports Thursday.

Hughes is looking for his first big payday after completing his three-year, entry-level deal. He recorded 47 and 44 points during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 regular seasons, respectively. As long as his contract dispute is settled in time for the start of the regular season, Hughes is expected to open the campaign on New Jersey's top four and receive significant power-play ice time.

Joseph (upper body) participated in Thursday's practice, according to Thomas Drance of The Athletic, indicating that he's healthy for the beginning of training camp.

Joseph didn't play past March 1 due to the injury. He finished 2024-25 with three assists across 47 regular-season appearances between St. Louis and Pittsburgh. The Penguins decided against presenting him with a qualifying offer over the summer, which led to him inking a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Canucks. He should be in the mix for a spot on Vancouver's third pairing, but he's far from a safe bet to earn that assignment.

Wilsby (upper body) practiced with the Predators on Thursday, per Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site, which suggests that he's over his injury from the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Wilsby didn't play past Feb. 3 last year and ended the season on injured reserve. He had a goal, five points, 18 hits and 17 blocks in 23 outings with Nashville in 2024-25. He'll be in a mix to earn a spot on the Predators' third pairing for Opening Night.