NHL Player News

Head coach Mike Sullivan indicated Wednesday that Garand and Joonas Korpisalo will compete for the Rangers' backup goaltending job during training camp, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports.

Igor Shesterkin enters the 2026-27 campaign as the Rangers' No. 1 option in the crease, but Garand and Korpisalo will have a chance to compete for the No. 2 role. Both Garand and Korpisalo drew praise from Sullivan during Wednesday's press availability, with the bench boss emphasizing Garand's overall growth and development last season. Garand got his first taste of action in the NHL late last year, and he went 2-0-1 with a 1.62 GAA and .948 save percentage across three regular-season appearances with the Rangers.

Schmidt continues to deal with the flu and may not be ready for the start of camp, Sam Nestler of DLLS Sports reports.

Schmidt missed the Stars' rookie tournament last weekend, and it's unclear whether or not he'll be on the ice when training camp gets underway. However, even if the 19-year-old isn't available, it seems unlikely that he'll miss significant time. Assuming he recovers quickly, he could get a look in the preseason before potentially returning to the junior ranks.

Bertucci isn't ready for the start of training camp because of an undisclosed injury, per Sam Nestler of DLLS Sports on Wednesday.

Bertucci sustained the injury during the prospects tournament. He had five goals, 24 points and 53 PIM in 63 regular-season outings with AHL Texas in 2025-26. If he's healthy enough to do so, Bertucci is likely to begin the upcoming campaign in the minors.

Foegele is dealing with an undisclosed injury, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports Wednesday.

Foegele won't skate Thursday, but his issue isn't expected to keep him out long term. He had 13 goals and 17 points in 68 regular-season appearances between Los Angeles and Ottawa last year. Foegele's projected to open the campaign in a middle-six role.

Head coach Manny Malhotra didn't indicate Wednesday whether he'll use Chytil as a center or a winger during the 2026-27 campaign, Jeff Paterson of CanucksArmy.com reports.

Malhotra praised Chytil's combination of size and speed. The 27-year-old Chytil's role for the upcoming season will be determined during training camp and preseason action. He missed significant time during the 2025-26 campaign due to upper-body and facial injuries while recording three goals, six PIM, four hits and four blocked shots across 12 regular-season appearances.

Zub (lower body) won't skate for the first day of training camp Thursday, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports.

The Senators indicated last week that Zub was expected to be ready for the start of training camp despite continuing to rehab from an injury. While head coach Travis Green said Wednesday that he hopes Zub isn't facing a long-term absence, the 30-year-old defenseman will face at least some limitations for the start of camp. Zub has skated recently, so it still seems as though he'll be in consideration to suit up for Opening Night. Across 81 regular-season appearances last year, he recorded five goals, 25 assists, 120 blocked shots, 66 hits and 57 PIM while averaging 20:48 of ice time.

Gonchar (undisclosed) is available for the start of training camp, per Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic on Wednesday.

Gonchar wasn't ready for on-ice activities during rookie camp, but it seems he's recovered. He had 15 goals and 51 points in 65 regular-season outings with OHL Sudbury in 2025-26. He's likely to begin the upcoming campaign back in the OHL.

General manager Chris Drury said Wednesday that Rempe (thumb) is healthy for the start of training camp, Peter Baugh of The Athletic reports.

Rempe missed the final month and a half of the 2025-26 campaign due to a thumb injury. However, he had clear medical results after reporting for training camp. Across 26 regular-season appearances last year, he recorded a goal, 86 hits, 11 PIM and six blocked shots while averaging 8:36 of ice time per game.

Ellis could be part of a timeshare in the crease early in the 2026-27 campaign if he makes the Opening Night roster, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports Wednesday.

Head coach Lindy Ruff said Wednesday that the Sabres' goaltenders will likely share the net to begin the 2026-27 campaign. While Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon will likely see the most playing time in the crease this year, Ellis could benefit from a timeshare if he breaks camp with the Sabres. Across 16 appearances with the NHL club last year, Ellis went 8-4-2 with a 2.90 GAA and .903 save percentage.

Although Lyon is projected to start 2026-27 as Buffalo's No. 2 goaltender, he should play more than a typical understudy, per Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 on Wednesday.

Buffalo plans to split the goaltending duties rather than have firm starter and backup roles. Lyon posted a 20-10-4 record, a 2.77 GAA and a .906 save percentage in 36 regular-season appearances with Buffalo last year. It wouldn't be surprising to see him get a similar workload in 2026-27 while sharing the net primarily with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and occasionally with Colten Ellis.