NHL Player News

Ovechkin (lower body) will be in action against the Hurricanes on Friday, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Ovechkin appeared in all 82 regular-season games for the Capitals in 2025-26, notching 32 goals, 32 assists and 19 power-play points. While the 41-year-old winger is unlikely to challenge the top goal scorers in the league this campaign, he should be a productive fantasy option in what could be his final NHL season.

Zellweger (concussion) will miss Thursday's game in Columbus, per Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.

Zellweger hasn't been ruled out for Saturday's tilt against Chicago, though. The 23-year-old defenseman had seven goals and 22 points in 76 regular-season outings with Anaheim in 2025-26. Zellweger might be part of Buffalo's third pairing once he's healthy.

Stolarz is set to start at home against the Islanders on Wednesday, per Lance Hornby of The Toronto Sun.

Stolarz had a 10-10-3 record, 3.28 GAA and .893 save percentage in 26 regular-season appearances with the Maple Leafs in 2025-26. Toronto is playing in the second half of a back-to-back after suffering a 3-2 loss to Montreal on Tuesday. Sergei Bobrovsky got the assignment for that game, turning aside 21 of 24 shots in the loss. Stolarz is Toronto's No. 2 option, but he's capable of taking a bigger share of the workload than your typical understudy, provided he stays healthy.

Provorov (lower body) hasn't been on the ice for three straight days, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports Wednesday.

Provorov hasn't been ruled out for Columbus' season opener against Buffalo on Thursday, but he's now missed enough morning skates for it to be concerning. The 29-year-old defenseman had nine goals and 31 points in 82 regular-season appearances with Columbus in 2025-26. If Provorov can't play Thursday, then Emil Andrae will probably draw into the lineup.

Luukkonen (lower body) is slated to start on the road against Columbus on Thursday, per Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550.

There was some question about Luukkonen's availability after he tweaked something in his lower body during Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh, but it seems he's good to go. The netminder had a 22-9-3 record, 2.51 GAA and .909 save percentage in 35 regular-season outings with the Sabres in 2025-26. Luukkonen is expected to serve as Buffalo's No. 1 option this season, but he'll be competing for playing time with Alex Lyon (upper body) and Colten Ellis.

Sanderson (undisclosed) wasn't on the ice for Wednesday's practice, per Julian McKenzie of The Athletic.

Sanderson left Saturday's preseason game against Montreal due to the injury. Although the significance of his injury has been downplayed, Sanderson hasn't practiced since, and the earliest he could potentially skate with his teammates is Friday. At this point, his status for Ottawa's season opener in Toronto on Saturday is unclear.

Grebenkin (undisclosed) isn't expected to play Wednesday against Pittsburgh, per Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports.

Denver Barkey (lower body) also isn't available Wednesday, and head coach Rick Tocchet described Barkey as closer to returning than Grebenkin. Given that comparison to the day-to-day Barkey, Grebenkin also shouldn't be expected to play in New Jersey on Thursday. The 23-year-old Grebenkin had four goals, 14 points, 46 PIM and 86 hits in 55 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.

Barzal (knee) might resume skating this weekend or early next week, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports Wednesday.

Barzal isn't expected to need long to recover after he resumes skating. However, it's safe to say he won't play Wednesday in Toronto or Saturday against New Jersey. Barzal is likely to serve on the top line and first power-play unit once he's ready to return.

Terry (hip) was moved from the non-roster list to long-term injured reserve Wednesday, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports.

Terry isn't expected to be back until mid-November at the earliest, so this transfer doesn't impact his timetable. He had 19 goals and 57 points in 61 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. Terry should occupy a top-six role and play on the first power-play unit once he's healthy.

Vladar is expected to start at home against Pittsburgh on Thursday, per Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Vladar is getting the assignment in the Flyers' season opener after posting a 29-14-7 record, 2.42 GAA and .906 save percentage in 52 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. He was very effective against the Penguins in the first round of the 2026 playoffs, going 4-2 with a 1.61 GAA and a .937 save percentage in six outings, so he'll naturally be looking to extend that success. Pittsburgh is still a strong adversary, though the Penguins will be missing one of their top forwards in Bryan Rust, who is on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury.