NHL Player News

Brisson signed a one-year, two-way contract with Toronto on Friday.

Brisson played in just three regular-season games for the Rangers last year, producing one assist, two shots and one hit while averaging 10:35 of ice time per game. Given the Leafs' forward depth, the 24-year-old center could be a fourth-line option at best, though he is more likely to play the bulk of his minutes in the minors.

Vanecek could begin the 2026-27 campaign as the No. 3 goaltending option for the Islanders, Cory Wright of the Islanders' official site reports.

Vanecek signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Islanders in early January and will likely have the opportunity to compete for a backup role during camp. However, Semyon Varlamov seems to be back to full health after missing all of last season, and he appears to be the favorite for the No. 2 job behind Ilya Sorokin. Vanecek made 22 regular-season appearances for the Mammoth last year, and he went 5-13-3 with a 2.94 GAA and .883 save percentage.

Seguin (knee) participated in on-ice activities with the Stars on Thursday.

Seguin missed most of the 2025-26 campaign after undergoing season-ending knee surgery in mid-December, but the expectation was that he'd be available for the start of training camp this fall. The 34-year-old's presence on the ice Thursday suggests that he should be good to go once the Stars officially begin training camp later this month. He hasn't played in more than 27 games in either of the past two seasons, and he's recorded 16 goals, 22 assists, 23 hits, 12 blocked shots and six PIM while averaging 16:26 of ice time across 47 regular-season appearances during that time.

Murchison (upper body) is listed on the Flyers' rookie camp roster ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Murchison missed the end of the 2025-26 season due to an upper-body injury that required surgery, but he appears to be back to full health ahead of training camp. Across 29 regular-season appearances with AHL Lehigh Valley last year, he recorded two goals, four assists, 46 PIM and a plus-12 rating.

Chytil (face) participated in a scrimmage Wednesday and told reporters afterward that he feels good heading into 2026-27, Chris Faber of the Canucks' official site reports.

Chytil's last official game action was Feb. 2. "I feel good. It was long, since I had [an] offseason since February, so I had a lot of time to focus on certain things, and I think it went well off the ice and on the ice as well," said Chytil. "I'm ready for [the] season." While his lengthy injury history will remain a concern -- he's played in a total of just 78 games over the last three campaigns -- Chytil is projected to see at least middle-six minutes for the Canucks. His best year was 2022-23 with the Rangers, as he put up 45 points in 74 regular-season contests, and getting back to that level would make him a decent in-season pickup for fantasy managers.

Thomas is set to become the 25th captain in Blues history, the team announced Wednesday.

Thomas is taking over for Brayden Schenn, who was traded to the Islanders in March. The 27-year-old Thomas is entering the fourth campaign of his eight-year, $65 million contract, so he's set to wear the 'C' for years to come. He had 25 goals and 64 points in 64 regular-season outings in 2025-26, which made it his fifth straight regular season with over 60 points.

Engvall (ankle) is expected to be healthy going into training camp, per Stefen Rosner of NHL.com on Wednesday.

Engvall missed the entirety of 2025-26 because of the injury. He had eight goals and 15 points in 62 regular-season appearances with the Islanders in 2024-25. There might not be an opening for the 30-year-old on the Islanders' bottom six, but the Islanders will likely give him every opportunity to secure a spot. Engvall is entering the fourth season of his seven-year, $21 million contract.

General manager Mathieu Darche said Wednesday that Varlamov (knee) is no longer on medication and isn't experiencing pain, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports.

Varlamov hasn't seen NHL game action since November of 2024 due to his knee injury, but it appears as though he'll be back to full health for the start of training camp ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Islanders also have Ilya Sorokin and Vitek Vanecek as goaltending options heading into the year, so Varlamov will likely need to make enough of an impression during camp to earn a role. Varlamov was relatively productive over his first six seasons with the Islanders, going 76-63-21 with a 2.57 GAA and .916 save percentage.

Palmieri (knee), as expected, will be ready for the start of training camp, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports Wednesday.

Palmieri's knee injury limited him to just 18 points last season, but that came in just 25 regular-season tilts. With a full 84-game season, the 35-year-old winger should be capable of challenging for the 50-point threshold, a mark he's reached four times in his NHL career.

Tolvanen signed a one-year contract with the Rangers on Wednesday.

According to PuckPedia, Tolvanen's contract is worth $1.5 million. The 27-year-old Tolvanen had 12 goals, 36 points, 30 PIM, 187 hits and 81 blocks in 78 regular-season appearances with Seattle in 2025-26. He's recorded at least 30 points in each of his past four regular seasons, and it wouldn't be surprising if he put up similar production this campaign. He'll probably find himself primarily playing on the third line.