NHL Player News

Byfield scored a power-play goal on four shots and added an assist in Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Sharks.

Byfield was held off the scoresheet in the Kings' season opener. He's operating as the top-line center this year following the retirement of Anze Kopitar, but the added responsibility could lead to some growing pains early on. Byfield has a minus-3 rating, seven shots on net and two blocked shots over two contests. He's still worth having in fantasy as a forward who can chip in around 50 points with a decent share of shots and hits, and he should also see significant power-play time.

Kempe scored a goal on six shots, added an assist and logged two hits in Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Sharks.

Both of Kempe's points came on the power play. The 30-year-old forward is expected to be one of the Kings' top forwards this season, though he'll have to do it without former linemate Anze Kopitar, who retired after last season. Kempe has topped the 70-point mark three years running with strong shot volume and 100-plus hits. He earned just 12 power-play points in 2025-26, so getting more effective with the man advantage will be critical for Kempe to maintain his established level of offense.

Donato scored a goal in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Sabres.

He put the Hawks up 1-0 in the first period with a nice shot from the slot that beat Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Donato's ice time was limited to 9:25, and he had one shot and one hit. Two seasons ago, he delivered a whopping 62 points, including 31 goals, for Chicago, but that was lightning in a bottle. Donato can play up the lineup with the likes of Connor Bedard (shoulder), but he can't carry a line. Last season, he delivered 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) while averaging 14:44.

Forsberg allowed five goals on 25 shots in Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Sharks.

Forsberg got the nod for the second game of the season after Darcy Kuemper was in net for Wednesday's 8-4 loss to the Avalanche. While this wasn't as tough of a matchup, Forsberg didn't help his cause for more playing time with a shaky performance. The 33-year-old netminder could ultimately settle into a platoon if neither of the Kings' goalies can get on a roll. Los Angeles hosts the Panthers on Tuesday, which isn't exactly a favorable matchup even when Aleksander Barkov (knee) is out.

Stenberg logged a power-play assist in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Kings.

Stenberg set up Tyler Toffoli's second-period tally. It's been a relatively quiet start to Stenberg's rookie season -- through two games, he has no shots on net and a minus-1 rating. He's seeing time in a middle-six role and also features on the power play. Stenberg has a bright future and can hold his own in the NHL, but his minutes could be managed early in the campaign, especially if other wingers are producing more offense.

Moore scored a goal in Saturday's 4-3 loss to Buffalo.

Moore, who is centering the Hawks' third line, is looking to build on his 19-point (five goals, 14 assists) effort in 51 games in 2025-26. His role will change once Connor Bedard (shoulder) returns, so now is the time to make a strong impression. Moore's short-term fantasy value isn't high, but he's just 21 years old. His time will come.

Celebrini posted two assists, two shots on goal, two PIM and two blocked shots in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Kings.

Celebrini helped out on a Tyler Toffoli goal in the second period and also set up Igor Chernyshov's game-winning tally in overtime. Through two games, Celebrini has five helpers, nine shots on net and a plus-2 rating. He's still looking for his first goal of the season, but it won't take him long to find the twine, especially with the Sharks' offense already humming along efficiently.

Allan scored a goal on two shots and added two PIM in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Kings.

Allan has opened the year on the second pairing, though his minutes could be sheltered in tight games. The 23-year-old is one of three young blueliners on the Sharks' roster, along with Luca Cagnoni and Sam Dickinson, so an occasional trip to the press box could occur for any of those defensemen. Allan was limited to the AHL in 2025-26, but he had a decent eight points in 43 outings for the Blackhawks in 2024-25. His long-term projection is to serve as a bottom-four penalty-kill specialist.

Bertuzzi scored a goal Saturday in a 4-3 loss to Buffalo.

He had one shot and two hits in 16:18 of ice time. Bertuzzi provides the Hawks strong veteran leadership, and he is coming off a near career-high 58 points, including 32 goals, last year. At 31, Bert can't carry this team, especially with Connor Bedard (shoulder) still out. He may be a bit of a buy-low early this season as a result, so monitor him. His production will go up when Bedard returns.

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.