NHL Player News

Pinchuk registered an assist in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Senators.

Pinchuk made his NHL debut Saturday, logging 11:10 of ice time, including 2:12 on the power play. He filled in on the third line for Mavrik Bourque (upper body). Pinchuk isn't guaranteed to stick in the lineup once Bourque is healthy, but getting his first point in his debut is a good first impression. Expect most of Pinchuk's minutes to come in the bottom six this season.

Colton scored a goal, added two hits and blocked two shots in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Senators.

Colton has filled a third-line role with the Predators to begin the season after he was dealt from the Avalanche in June. The 30-year-old forward has earned two points, six shots on net, 15 hits, five blocked shots, four PIM and an even plus-minus rating over five appearances. Colton has displayed decent depth offense in his career, but his primary fantasy value will come from hits, making him a roster target in banger leagues.

Bobrovsky made 30 saves Saturday in a 6-3 win over Colorado.

It was his first win as a member of the Maple Leafs. Bobrovsky is 1-2-1 with a 2.97 GAA and .907 save percentage in four starts. The two-time Vezina and Stanley Cup winner was brought into Toronto to help them win a Cup. Bob is doing his part. Now the team has to step up.

Kotkaniemi notched an assist in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Kotkaniemi has a helper in each of the last two games. He's clicking well on the fourth line with Mark Jankowski lately. Kotkaniemi has two helpers, one shot on net, three hits, four PIM and an even plus-minus rating over four appearances this season. He could lose playing time to Nicolas Deslauriers down the line, and both players could find themselves in the press box once Seth Jarvis (shoulder) is ready for his season debut.

Reilly notched two assists, two shots on goal, two hits and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Reilly began the season in the press box, but he's since played in four straight games as a third-pairing option. He got on the scoresheet for the first time Saturday with the pair of helpers, and he's added five shots on net, six hits, three blocked shots and a plus-3 rating. Reilly is likely to see the bulk of the playing time over Juuso Valimaki, but he probably won't produce enough overall to justify a roster spot in fantasy.

Tkachuk scored a goal on four shots, added two PIM and doled out three hits in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Wild.

Tkachuk got the Panthers on the board at 2:18 of the second period, but that was the only puck to get by Jesper Wallstedt. It's now a four-game point streak for Tkachuk, who was only held off the scoresheet in the season opener. The winger has three goals, one assist, 11 shots on net, 11 hits and a plus-1 rating over five appearances to begin the season. He should continue to see plenty of ice time in the top six and on the first power-play unit.

Cowan scored the game-winning goal Saturday in a 6-3 win over Colorado.

Cowan has a goal in each of his last two games and three (two assists) in six games. One of the goals came on the power play; two were game-winners. He also has nine shots in his last three games. Cowan has quietly stepped his game up this season, and his fantasy value continues to grow.

Formenton scored a goal on two shots, added four hits and blocked three shots in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Sharks.

Formenton has filled a middle-six role with the Oilers this season. The 27-year-old has a goal, two assists, six shots on net, 13 hits, five blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over five appearances. His ice time is likely to decrease once the Oilers' forward group gets healthier, which could begin to happen if Zach Hyman (undisclosed) returns Tuesday versus the Kings.

Ekholm scored a goal on two shots in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Sharks.

Ekholm tallied the opening goal at 12:37 of the first period. The 36-year-old defenseman is seeing heavy minutes in a top-four role since the Oilers have gotten poor results from all iterations of their third pairing so far. Ekholm has two points, five shots on net, four hits, two blocked shots, 10 PIM and a plus-11 rating over five contests. He's topped the 30-point mark in each of the last five campaigns and should also maintain a strong plus-minus rating while recording a decent total in blocks.

Lombardi notched an assist in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Canucks.

Lombardi signed a two-year contract with the Devils in the summer, though this season is a two-way deal. He earned his spot in training camp and has opened the year as a fourth-line forward, and after setting up a Jesper Boqvist goal Saturday, Lombardi has his first career point. The 23-year-old Lombardi has added five shots on net, two hits, four PIM and a minus-1 rating over four appearances so far. Stefan Noesen was waived Thursday, which is another vote of confidence for Lombardi to stay in the NHL.