NHL Player News

Sherwood scored a goal on two shots and doled out five hits in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Kings.

Sherwood has started the year on the fourth line, and that kind of usage will limit his offense. However, in fantasy, it's his elite hit production that gives him most of his value. He's already logged 13 hits and four PIM over two contests, and topping the 300-hit mark is practically an expectation. Sherwood has also logged 36 and 40 points in the last two campaigns, but it remains to be seen if the Sharks' offense will run deep enough to get him back in that neighborhood in 2026-27.

Toffoli scored a power-play goal on three shots, added an assist and went plus-2 in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Kings.

Toffoli got the Sharks on the board in the second period and set up Igor Chernyshov's tally in the third. Working in a third-line role, Toffoli's offense could be a bit limited this year as the Sharks lean on their prospects more. The 34-year-old winger will still chip in some -- he had 49 points over 79 regular-season outings last year. Toffoli can help in deeper fantasy formats as long as he remains involved on the second power-play unit.

Chernyshov scored twice, dished an assist and went plus-3 in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Kings.

Chernyshov has opened the year in a third-line role, but that didn't slow him down Saturday. He cashed in the Sharks' fourth goal, and he also scored their fifth on a feed from Macklin Celebrini. Chernyshov would fit in just fine on the top line, but head coach Ryan Warsofsky looks to be spreading the youth throughout the lineup for now. Chernyshov is worth keeping an eye on -- Saturday's performance won't be a one-off.

Vlasic picked two apples in a 4-3 loss to Buffalo on Saturday.

This is going to be a long season for Vlasic and so many of the Hawks' young players. The team was outscored 11-2 in its first two games this season, and while Saturday was better, the Hawks only mustered 15 shots. Vlasic's best season came in 2024-25 when he posted 30 points, including 12 on the power play, in 82 games. He'll be counted on for strong own-zone play this season, so his fantasy value will be limited.

Askarov stopped 31 of 35 shots in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Kings.

While it was another win, a troubling pattern has emerged in the third period. Askarov has allowed seven goals on 61 shots this year, and four of the tallies against him have come in the third, leading to overtime both times. Both Askarov and the team in front of him will need to improve when playing with a lead, but it shows resolve that they have managed to shake off the slip-ups. The Sharks will take the show on the road for the first time for the next two games, visiting Dallas on Monday and St. Louis on Thursday.

Knight made 24 saves in a 4-3 loss to Buffalo on Saturday.

Knight got more support than he did against Vegas in the season opener, but it still wasn't enough. Knight is going to see a lot of rubber this season and wins are going to be tough as the young team in front of him starts to grow up. His talent is obvious -- he delivered above-average GAA (2.82) and save percentage (.902) last season. Your format will dictate if Knight is a strong third goalie, average second or a complete anchor on your fantasy squad.

Dahlin scored a goal in Saturday's 4-3 win over Chicago.

Dahlin is one of the best goal-scoring defenders in the NHL. He's fifth overall in that category in the last three seasons (37), behind Cale Makar (51), Jacob Chychrun (47), Zach Werenski (45) and Evan Bouchard (39). Dahlin is also sixth overall in points in that same span with 143. He's coming off a third-place finish in Norris trophy voting last season, the highest finish ever for a Buffalo defender. Dahlin's 74 points (19 goals, 55 assists) established a new career high for the 26-year-old.

DeSmith stopped 24 of 26 shots in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Predators.

DeSmith allowed a pair of first-period power-play goals after Dallas grabbed an early 1-0 lead, with Steven Stamkos beating him at 4:46 before Nils Hoglander's deflection put Nashville ahead at 15:49 for good. DeSmith didn't allow another goal over the final 44-plus minutes, but the Stars couldn't solve Saros again at the other end. He finished with a .923 save percentage in his first start of the season and looked competent, but DeSmith should remain the Stars' No. 2 goaltender behind Jake Oettinger, ultimately limiting his fantasy appeal to matchup-based decisions.

Heiskanen scored a goal on five shots in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Predators.

Heiskanen needed only 47 seconds to give Dallas the lead, taking a feed from Mikko Rantanen in the right circle and beating Juuse Saros with a wrist shot. It was the Stars' first goal of the season after they were shut out by St. Louis in their season opener. Heiskanen ultimately led Dallas with five shots and logged 24:35, but the Stars failed to score again despite putting 30 shots on Saros. Heiskanen should remain a valuable fantasy contributor from Dallas' blueline -- he posted 63 points (nine goals, 54 assists) across 77 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.

Dvorsky scored a goal on three shots and added two PIM in Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Avalanche.

Dvorsky's goal early in the third period broke up Mackenzie Blackwood's shutout bid. With two goals in as many games, Dvorsky is looking the part of a full-time NHLer this year. He's added five shots, one hit and an even plus-minus rating from the Blues' third line. He'll be more intriguing for fantasy if he can get into a top-six slot.