NHL Player News

Quinn drew praise from head coach Lindy Ruff on Wednesday ahead of training camp, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic reports.

Quinn appeared in all 82 regular-season games last year and put together a career-best performance with 20 goals, 31 assists, 52 hits, 25 blocked shots and 18 PIM while averaging 15:39 of ice time. Fairburn speculates that Quinn's success could put him in the mix for a top-line role this year, but he displayed chemistry with Ryan McLeod last season and could operate as a middle-six option. Regardless of which line Quinn begins the year on, he should have opportunities to build upon his momentum during the 2026-27 campaign.

Head coach Lindy Ruff indicated Wednesday that Kulich could step in for Jason Zucker (abdomen) early in the 2026-27 season, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic reports.

Zucker is slated to miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign while recovering from sports hernia surgery, which could lead to increased early-season opportunities for Kulich. The 22-year-old Kulich made 12 regular-season appearances for Buffalo last year and recorded three goals, two assists, 12 blocked shots, nine hits and four PIM while averaging 16:22 of ice time.

Head coach Lindy Ruff indicated Wednesday that he wants to begin training camp with Thompson working as the Sabres' No. 1 center, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic reports.

Thompson has spent time on the wing and in the middle, but the Sabres seem interested in seeing how the lineup would fare with him centering the top line. Thompson made a career-high 81 regular-season appearances last year. He racked up 40 goals, 41 assists, 85 hits, 48 blocked shots and 35 PIM while averaging 19:15 of ice time per game. Regardless of where he lines up in 2026-27, the 28-year-old should continue to have plenty of opportunities to contribute.

Walman said Wednesday that he focused on his conditioning during the offseason, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports.

Walman made only 53 regular-season appearances in his first full campaign with the Oilers last year. He recorded eight goals, 12 assists, 90 blocked shots, 15 hits and 10 PIM while averaging 18:45 of ice time per game. He reportedly looked slightly lighter on the eve of training camp Wednesday, and he'll try to be more durable in 2026-27 while moving to help his teammates push the pace offensively.

Levshunov (hand) is ready for the start of training camp, the team announced Wednesday.

Levshunov missed Chicago's final nine games of 2025-26 due to the injury. He finished the campaign with two goals, 24 points, 44 PIM and 98 hits in 68 regular-season appearances. Levshunov will likely start the upcoming campaign in a third-pairing capacity.

Gleason signed a professional tryout agreement with the Stars on Wednesday.

Gleason hasn't appeared in an NHL game since he made four regular-season appearances with Dallas during the 2018-19 campaign, but he'll have an opportunity to compete with the Stars during training camp ahead of the 2026-27 regular season. The 28-year-old recorded two goals, 20 assists and 23 PIM across 59 regular-season appearances with AHL Iowa last year, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him spend most, or all, of his time in the minors once again this season.

Jones (shoulder) wasn't listed among Pittsburgh's injured players ahead of training camp Wednesday.

Jones was limited to just seven regular-season appearances with Pittsburgh in 2025-26 because of injury and a lengthy suspension. Looking ahead to 2026-27, the 29-year-old blueliner could secure a spot on the 23-man roster, but he could serve as a frequent healthy scratch.

D'Aigle was listed as injured on the Penguins' roster to open training camp Wednesday.

D'Aigle's injury could explain why the team added Collin Delia on a professional tryout for the start of camp. Still, there likely won't be any openings for roster spots between the pipes ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The 19-year-old D'Aigle will likely head to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the upcoming season once he's given the all-clear.

Delia signed a professional tryout agreement with the Penguins on Wednesday.

It would likely take multiple injuries to the Penguins' goalie group for Delia to open the season on the 23-man roster. Still, the 32-year-old backstop will be the oldest backstop on the roster, which could land him a two-way deal if he's willing to serve as a veteran option in the minors.

Helleson (undisclosed) isn't listed as injured on the Ducks' training camp roster.

Helleson missed the end of Anaheim's postseason run due to an undisclosed injury, but he should be fully healthy for the start of training camp ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Across 60 regular-season appearances last year, he recorded two goals, 13 assists, 79 blocked shots, 63 hits and 20 PIM while averaging 16:58 of ice time.