NHL Player News

Kochetkov is expected to start at home in Thursday's preseason game against Nashville, per Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site.

Kochetkov will look for a better result after allowing five goals on 33 shots in his previous exhibition outing Sunday. He's projected to enter the season as Carolina's No. 2 goaltender behind Brandon Bussi, but there should be an opportunity for Kochetkov to get a significant chunk of the workload if he plays well.

Annunen will start in goal on the road versus the Hurricanes in Thursday's preseason game, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Annunen stopped 25 of 27 shots in his preseason debut versus the Lightning on Tuesday, earning an overtime win. He'll get another chance to play Thursday as he prepares to serve in the backup role behind Juuse Saros throughout 2026-27.

Copley successfully cleared waivers Thursday, but he's still on Columbus' roster.

If Copley makes the Blue Jackets' Opening Night roster, it will likely be as the No. 3 netminder behind Cam Talbot and Jet Greaves. Columbus also has Elvis Merzlikins (shoulder), but there's no timetable for his return. Copley had a 2.59 GAA and a .901 save percentage in 33 regular-season appearances with AHL Ontario in 2025-26.

Murray was put on waivers by Nashville on Thursday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Murray had a 2.83 GAA and a .904 save percentage in 47 regular-season appearances with AHL Milwaukee in 2025-26. Murray might get a chance to play for the Predators at some point during the upcoming campaign if Juuse Saros or Justus Annunen ever have to spend time on the shelf.

Merilainen was put on waivers by Ottawa on Thursday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Merilainen had an 8-10-1 record, 3.51 GAA and .860 save percentage in 20 regular-season appearances with the Senators in 2025-26. Samuel Ersson signed a two-year, $4.4 million contract with the Senators over the summer, and he's expected to begin the season as the No. 2 goaltender behind Linus Ullmark. If either of Ersson or Ullmark suffers an injury during the campaign, then Merilainen might be summoned.

Hill was the first goalie off during Thursday's morning skate, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports, indicating that he'll draw the preseason start at home against Utah.

Hill drew the start against the Kings during Saturday's preseason opener and allowed two goals on 19 shots in the victory. He'll defend the crease once again during the Golden Knights' penultimate preseason game, which means that Carter Hart will presumably draw the home start Saturday against the Sharks if the team sticks to its initial plan for each netminder to get two preseason starts. Hill is expected to serve as the No. 2 goaltender in Vegas to begin the regular season.

Oettinger (lower body) won't suit up for Friday's preseason finale on the road against Minnesota, Robert Tiffin of NHL.com reports.

Oettinger was scratched from Wednesday's preseason start at home against the Wild due to lower-body tightness and was initially considered questionable for Friday's rematch. Although head coach Glen Gulutzan downplayed the severity of Oettinger's injury Thursday, the netminder will be rested during the Stars' preseason finale. It seems unlikely that Oettinger's injury will impact his availability for Opening Night at home against the Blues on Oct. 2.

DeSmith is slated to start Friday's preseason game on the road against Minnesota, Robert Tiffin of NHL.com reports.

DeSmith made his preseason debut at home against the Blues on Monday and turned aside 30 of 31 shots in the victory. Jake Oettinger (lower body) won't be available for Friday's preseason finale, so DeSmith will defend the road crease while Remi Poirier serves as the backup. Head coach Glen Gulutzan downplayed the severity of Oettinger's injury Thursday, but DeSmith could see increased playing time if Oettinger faces any limitations to begin the regular season.

D'Aigle (undisclosed) was designated for non-roster injured reserve Thursday.

D'Aigle was never going to make the Penguins roster coming out of training camp given the organizational depth ahead of him. Once given the all-clear, the 19-year-old backstop will likely link up with either AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton or ECHL Florida.

Tolopilo will start Thursday's preseason game at home against the Oilers, Canucks play-by-play announcer Brendan Batchelor reports.

Tolopilo drew the start during Saturday's preseason opener and played the entire game despite allowing four goals on 30 shots. He'll tend the twine once again during the Canucks' penultimate preseason game, but head coach Manny Malhotra wouldn't commit to whether Tolopilo will play the full game against Edmonton.