NHL Player News

Wilson scored a goal on five shots and added an assist in Friday's 3-2 preseason overtime win over the Bruins.

Wilson is one of the players who could be most affected by the Capitals' busy offseason, but a lot of his production is independent of offense. The gritty winger looks poised to see middle-six minutes and power-play time in 2026-27. He's topped the 30-goal and 60-point marks in two straight campaigns, though he might take a slight dip on offense this year due to the added talent on the roster. Wilson still remains a top-tier option in banger leagues with the capability for 200 hits and 100 PIM.

Thompson allowed two goals on 22 shots in Friday's 3-2 preseason overtime win over the Bruins.

Thompson gave up four goals on 52 shots over his two preseason games. The 29-year-old will rest up for a week before presumably getting the start in the Capitals' season opener next Friday versus the Hurricanes. Thompson has been one of the best goalies in fantasy over the last two years and looks set to perform at an elite level again.

Skinner will guard the road goal in Friday's preseason game versus the Avalanche, Bailey Curtis of DNVR Sports reports.

Skinner did well in his first start of the preseason, stopping 31 of 32 shots against the Avalanche. The 27-year-old is poised to be the top goalie for the Jets to begin the season, though that could change if the team gets a goalie back in any eventual trade for Connor Hellebuyck (suspension). Skinner is set to have Domenic DiVincentiis as his backup to open the campaign.

Johansson was traded to the Senators from the Lightning on Friday in exchange for future considerations.

Johansson cleared waivers Thursday, and now the Lightning have found a trade partner to give him a fresh start. Since he has already cleared waivers, Johansson is likely to start 2026-27 with AHL Belleville. He'll be first in line for a call-up if Linus Ullmark or Samuel Ersson becomes unavailable for any reason.

Swayman will protect the road goal versus the Capitals in Friday's preseason game.

Swayman stopped 20 of 21 shots in his preseason debut Tuesday versus the Flyers. The 27-year-old will get another chance to prepare for the upcoming campaign with this appearance, which has most of the Bruins' expected Opening Night roster in front of him.

Spence (undisclosed) practiced Friday after missing Wednesday's pair of preseason games versus the Maple Leafs.

Spence should have a chance to play Saturday in one of the Senators' split-squad games versus the Canadiens. The 25-year-old defenseman is expected to be a regular in the lineup in 2026-27 and should also get some power-play time. Ottawa's first regular-season game is Oct. 3 versus the Maple Leafs.

Demko (hip) isn't expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, per Thomas Drance of The Athletic on Friday.

Demko doesn't have a timetable for his return, but he also hasn't been a full participant in training camp. It wouldn't be surprising if he needs a meaningful amount of time to get up to speed after he does recover from his hip injury. In the meantime, Kevin Lankinen and Leevi Merilainen, who was claimed off waivers from Ottawa on Friday, are likely to compete for starts.

Chytil (shoulder) was put on injured reserve Friday.

Although Chytil's placement on IR is retroactive to Sept. 24, he's week-to-week, per Thomas Drance of The Athletic, so he's unlikely to be activated at his earliest date of eligibility. He had three goals in 12 regular-season outings with Vancouver in 2025-26.

Nylander signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Flames on Friday, per Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM.

Nylander has been participating in Calgary's training camp on a tryout basis. Although he's impressed the Flames enough to earn a contract, it still remains to be seen if he'll make Calgary's Opening Night roster. Given that his new contract is a two-way agreement, it wouldn't be shocking if the Flames opt to send him to the minors. He had 24 goals and 53 points in 65 regular-season outings with AHL Toronto in 2025-26.

Celebrini was named the Sharks' captain Friday.

San Jose's previous captain was Logan Couture, who has one season remaining on his eight-year, $64 million contract but announced his retirement in April 2025 due to a groin injury. Celebrini is the future of the Sharks after signing a five-year, $94 million contract that won't begin until the 2027-28 campaign. While his upcoming $18.8 million cap hit is unquestionably huge, the 20-year-old demonstrated that he can live up to it by scoring 45 goals and 115 points in 82 regular-season appearances last campaign. Celebrini should be one of the league's top forwards for years to come.