Semyon Varlamov to Tend Crease in Friday Preseason Matchup

Semyon Varlamov will start Friday's preseason game at home against the New York Rangers. Despite initial indications that Vitek Vanecek would get the nod after being the first goalie off during morning skate, Varlamov ultimately got the assignment after sitting out the skate. Varlamov missed the entire 2025-26 season due to a knee injury but has been deemed fully healthy for training camp and is expected to secure the backup role to open the regular season.