NHL Player News

Gustavsson is expected to guard the road goal for Friday's preseason game against Chicago, per Tracey Myers of NHL.com.

Gustavsson is getting a second opportunity to shake off the rust after allowing three goals on 20 shots en route to a 4-1 loss to Chicago in an exhibition game Sunday. The 27-year-old Gustavsson is expected to open up the campaign as Minnesota's No. 1 netminder. He posted a 31-19-6 record, 2.56 GAA and .914 save percentage across 58 regular-season outings with the Wild last year.

Kochetkov (undisclosed) is slated to be in the lineup versus the Predators on Saturday, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

The Canes haven't named a starter yet, but based on the roster, it will be either Kochetkov or Cayden Primeau. Regardless of who starts Saturday's preseason finale, it will almost certainly be Frederik Andersen who gets the nod for Opening Night versus New Jersey on Thursday. Still, Kochetkov should see plenty of work even as the backup to the oft-injured Andersen.

Dostal (lower body) will guard the road crease during Saturday's preseason finale against the Kings, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports.

Dostal was considered day-to-day due to a lower-body injury since Monday, and he was unavailable for Wednesday's preseason tilt against the Sharks. However, head coach Joel Quenneville described the injury as "definitely short, short term," and Dostal will ultimately return to action to close out the preseason. The 25-year-old will likely be available for Thursday's Opening Night matchup in Seattle.

Askarov was the first goalie to leave the ice Friday, Max Miller of NHL.com reports, indicating he'll patrol the crease on the road against Vegas.

With Askarov taking the start Friday, it seems likely that Alex Nedeljkovic will get the nod for Saturday's clash with Utah before Askarov takes the crease for Opening Night against Vegas at home Thursday. Looking ahead to the rest of the 2025-26 campaign, Askarov figures to see the bulk of the workload for San Jose, though Nedeljkovic could certainly see plenty of starts as well.

Halverson was placed on waivers by the Lightning on Friday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

Halverson made some starts for the Lightning during preseason play, but if he clears waivers, he'll head to AHL Syracuse for the start of the regular season. He's made just two regular-season appearances in the NHL during his career and will likely spend most of this year in the minors.

Villalta was placed on waivers by the Mammoth on Friday.

Villalta spent training camp with the Mammoth but was unable to land a spot on the Opening Night roster. He's slated to be assigned to AHL Tucson if he clears waivers, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him spend most of the 2025-26 campaign in the minors.

Skinner is battling the flu bug and may not be able to play against Vancouver in preseason action Friday, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports.

Skinner was scheduled to start, but that may be in doubt. If he is unable to go, Calvin Pickard is in line for the start, with the Oilers likely recalling a goaltender from the minors. Skinner was shaky last season, going 26-18-4 with a 2.81 GAA and an .896 save percentage over 51 regular-season appearances.

Demko (personal) was the first goalie to leave the ice Friday, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports, indicating he'll guard the home crease against the Oilers.

Demko had been away from the club for personal reasons but has rejoined his teammates ahead of Friday's preseason finale. Injuries limited the 29-year-old backstop to just 23 regular-season outings last year in which he went 10-8-3 with a 2.90 GAA and one shutout. If Demko can avoid a stint in the infirmary, he should be capable of playing 50-plus games this year and pushing for the 30-win threshold.

Vasilevskiy (undisclosed) will tend the twine on the road against the Panthers on Saturday, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

Vasilevskiy has been hampered by his undisclosed injury throughout training camp but will get into the crease for the Bolts' preseason finale. With his injury concern seemingly behind him, Vasilevskiy will almost certainly be in goal for Opening Night against the Senators on Thursday.

Tomkins was recalled from AHL Bakersfield on Friday, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports.

Tomkins landed on waivers earlier this week, but he'll rejoin the NHL club just before the end of the preseason since Stuart Skinner (illness) may not be able to play in Friday's preseason finale against Vancouver. Tomkins will presumably head back to Bakersfield before the start of the regular season.