NHL Player News

Kochetkov allowed five goals on 28 shots in Thursday's 6-5 preseason win over the Predators.

All five goals against came over the first 28:24 of the contest. Kochetkov has given up 10 goals on 61 shots this preseason, offering little in the way of confidence that he'll be able to handle anything more than a backup role early in the season. Brandon Bussi will likely get the net for Saturday's preseason finale, as well as Opening Night against the Panthers on Tuesday, but Kochetkov could step into a platoon role as the season progresses.

Michkov scored a goal on three shots in Thursday's 2-0 preseason win over the Bruins.

Michkov's goal came on an assist from Porter Martone. While it's unclear if the Flyers would want to pair their top young wingers together to start 2026-27, it's an intriguing idea. Michkov looked good overall, with better speed being the highlight. If he's able to showcase stronger fitness this year, he should bounce back after a mildly disappointing sophomore campaign.

Woll recorded a 28-save shutout in Thursday's 2-0 preseason win over the Bruins.

Woll is ready for the regular season. The 28-year-old may have a little more work early in the year if Dan Vladar (upper body) is unavailable to begin 2026-27. Woll has taken on a tandem role in the past, playing in a total of 81 games over the last two regular seasons with Toronto.

DiPietro allowed two goals on 28 shots in Thursday's 2-0 preseason loss to the Flyers.

DiPietro has allowed four goals on 60 shots over two outings this preseason. That level of performance should be more than enough to secure his spot in the backup role this season. Jeremy Swayman will probably get a tune-up Friday versus the Capitals to close out the Bruins' preseason slate, though Jiri Patera could also get a chance to respond to DiPietro's strong exhibition play.

Perreault logged two assists in Thursday's 4-3 preseason shootout win over the Devils.

Perreault is looking to secure a top-six job during training camp. The 21-year-old winger had 12 goals, 15 assists, 73 shots on net and an even plus-minus rating over 49 appearances in 2025-26. Perreault should see decent ice time, including a power-play role, in 2026-27. The Rangers will be motivated to see what they've got in younger players as the team works through a retooling phase, though that process could limit the extent of any breakout Perreault has in his second full NHL campaign.

Cuylle scored a goal on three shots, dished an assist, added two hits and went plus-2 in Thursday's 4-3 preseason shootout win over the Devils.

Cuylle looked to be bumped down into a checking-line role after the Rangers made a splash to get Pavel Dorofeyev from Vegas in June. The 24-year-old Cuylle can still bring some scoring, especially if he ends up on a power-play unit. He put up 20 goals and 38 points over 82 appearances in 2025-26 while adding 302 hits and 65 PIM, so he'll have plenty of fantasy appeal in banger leagues and modest upside elsewhere.

Korpisalo stopped 20 of 23 shots in a 4-3 preseason shootout win over the Devils on Thursday.

Korpisalo's first start of the preseason wasn't all that impressive. The veteran netminder is still the favorite to fill the backup role behind Igor Shesterkin, but Korpisalo has left the door open for Dylan Garand to make a challenge for that gig. All three goalies have started one preseason game, though it's unlikely Korpisalo will go again Friday against the Islanders. Even if he wins the competition, Korpisalo isn't in a fantasy-friendly role -- he's on a rebuilding team and trapped on the depth chart behind a star goalie.

Daws allowed three goals on 23 shots in Thursday's 4-3 preseason shootout loss to the Rangers.

Daws went the distance in his first art of the preseason. The 25-year-old squandered a 2-0 lead in the third period and gave up the lone tally in the shootout. It's unclear if he'll get another audition this preseason -- the Devils play the Islanders on Saturday. Daws entered camp competing with David Rittich for the backup job, but the former didn't make a great impression in Thursday's contest. If the Devils don't want to carry three goalies, Daws will need to clear waivers to join AHL Utica.

Nichushkin scored a goal on three shots and went plus-2 in Thursday's 4-0 preseason win over the Penguins.

Nichushkin is looking at second-line usage in his first year with the Blue Jackets. He looked good on a line with Sean Monahan and Dmitri Voronkov in this contest. Nichushkin isn't a threat to produce at a point-per-game pace and has missed at least 10 games in each of the last five campaigns. If he can stay relatively healthy and find chemistry with his new teammates, he can contribute around a 50-point pace.

Marchenko scored a goal on three shots in Thursday's 4-0 preseason win over the Penguins.

Marchenko remains the Blue Jackets' top-line right winger entering 2026-27, but he has indicated he won't re-sign with the team. He's entering a contract year, so he'll be motivated to play well in an effort to land with a contender. Marchenko should still get top billing on the power play as long as he's with Columbus, and he carries 30-goal, 70-point potential.