NHL Player News

Saros made 36 saves in Finland's 3-2 loss to Canada in the semifinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday.

Finland took a 2-0 lead early in the second period, but Canada kept the pressure up and eventually got three pucks past Saros, two of them on power plays. The Predators netminder has been a big part of his team's push for a medal, and he'll likely be between the pipes again Saturday when Finland faces Slovakia for the bronze medal.

Portillo was loaned to AHL Ontario on Friday.

Portillo was called up by Los Angeles on Thursday, but he'll head back to the minors a day later. He'll presumably be available for Ontario's weekend series against Tucson and will likely stay with the Reign once the NHL season resumes.

Malek was reassigned to AHL Utica on Wednesday.

Malek was recalled from Utica on Wednesday to serve as a practice goaltender. He was filling in for Jacob Markstrom, who was playing for Team Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, Markstrom will rejoin the Devils soon after Sweden's elimination in the quarterfinals.

Hlavaj will start for Slovakia during Friday's semifinal matchup against the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Hlavaj has made four appearances at the Olympics, going 3-1-0 with a 2.67 GAA and .932 save percentage. He'll face a tough test against the United States, but he was productive against Germany during the quarterfinals, allowing two goals on 27 shots in the 6-2 victory.

Villalta was assigned to AHL Tucson on Friday.

After being recalled by the Mammoth on Tuesday, Villalta will return to the minors a few days later and will presumably be available for the Roadrunners' weekend series against Ontario. Villalta will likely remain in the minors once Utah resumes play Wednesday against Colorado.

DiPietro was assigned to AHL Providence on Friday, Scott McLaughlin of WEEI reports.

DiPietro was recalled by Boston on an emergency basis Wednesday, but his return to the minors will allow him to play in games for Providence over the weekend. Over 28 appearances in the AHL this year, he's gone 21-5-0 with a 1.64 GAA and .942 save percentage.

Saros will patrol the Finnish crease versus Canada in semifinals action Friday at the 2026 Winter Olympics, according to Ethan Sears of the New York Post.

Saros gave up three goals on 24 shots in a loss to Slovakia, but the 30-year-old has been outstanding since then while turning aside 70 of 73 shots to enable Finland to make it to the semifinals. Canada enters the game as the favorite, but will be without the services of Sidney Crosby (lower body).

Binnington is slated to start for Team Canada against Finland in Friday's semifinals match at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic reports.

Binnington made some huge saves to keep Canada's medal hopes alive in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over Czechia in the quarterfinals. He has a 3-0 record at the tournament while allowing five goals on 64 shots. Finland defeated Switzerland in Wednesday's quarterfinal contest with a 3-2 comeback overtime win.

Hellebuyck will patrol the United States crease against Slovakia for Friday's semifinals contest at the 2026 Winter Olympics, according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.

Hellebuyck was almost perfect in Wednesday's quarterfinal matchup against Sweden, turning aside 28 shots in a 2-1 overtime win. He has allowed three goals on 71 shots in wins over Germany, Latvia and Sweden. Slovakia won Group C and defeated Germany 6-2 in Wednesday's quarterfinal matchup.

Bjarnason was loaned to AHL Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

Bjarnason was called up by the Flyers on Tuesday, but he'll head back to the minors a few days later, which should allow him to appear in the Phantoms' weekend series against Hershey. It's not yet clear whether Bjarnason will have more opportunities to practice with Philadelphia to close out the Olympic break, but he's unlikely to be on the Flyers' roster when they resume play.