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NHL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, September 28

Sandis Vilmanis Earns Top-Nine Role to Start Panthers Season

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Sandis Vilmanis has earned a spot in the Florida Panthers' opening night top-nine forward group alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. Coach Paul Maurice praised the 22-year-old winger, expressing strong faith in his immediate impact. Vilmanis impressed in the AHL with 17 goals and 38 points in 48 games last season, while also contributing three goals in 19 NHL contests. Injuries to Brad Marchand and Jonah Gadjovich have further elevated his early-season opportunity.

Eetu Luostarinen Set for Defensive Depth Role to Open Panthers Season

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Eetu Luostarinen anchors a vital checking line for the Florida Panthers alongside center Anton Lundell and rookie Sandis Vilmanis. Luostarinen provides critical defensive responsibility and penalty-killing value, having taken on heavy defensive zone draws last season despite missing nine games. Coach Paul Maurice expects the Finnish forward duo to continue playing a major role in shutting down opponents and driving the team's depth.

Anton Lundell Slated for Key Defensive Role on Panthers Third Line

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Anton Lundell is preparing for a crucial role centering Florida's third line alongside Eetu Luostarinen and Sandis Vilmanis. Known for his defensive reliability and penalty-killing prowess, Lundell handled heavy defensive zone responsibilities last season while missing 18 games. Coach Paul Maurice is relying on the young Finnish duo to maintain their strong two-way impact as the Panthers embark on their 2026-27 campaign.

Jacob Bernard-Docker Placed on Injured Reserve by Detroit Red Wings

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The Detroit Red Wings have placed defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker on Injured Reserve ahead of their regular-season roster submission. Bernard-Docker, who signed a two-year, $3.2 million extension last offseason, skated in 63 games last year with one goal and four assists. His absence opens a potential pathway for young defenseman Anton Johansson to make the opening-night roster following a strong training camp and preseason showing.

Nick Blankenburg Earns $1.4 Million Contract with Maple Leafs

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Nick Blankenburg secured a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs after impressing on a professional tryout. The former Colorado Avalanche defenseman recorded a career-best eight goals and 16 assists in the 2025-26 season split between Nashville and Colorado. Blankenburg appeared in 12 regular-season games for the Avalanche, scoring twice, and played in five playoff games.

Tyler Tucker Sidelined Week-to-Week With Lower-Body Injury

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St. Louis Blues defenseman Tyler Tucker is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury sustained during practice. He has not resumed skating. The Blues claimed Justin Barron off waivers and recalled Adam Jiricek to address defensive depth. Tucker's injury impacts the team's blue line depth as the season begins. Logan Mailloux also underwent hand surgery and is out for eight weeks.

Logan Stanley Joins Buffalo Sabres, Adds Physicality

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Defenseman Logan Stanley has signed a contract with the Buffalo Sabres, bringing a significant physical presence to the blue line. The 6-foot-7, 231-pound player is expected to provide front-of-the-net clearing capability and defensive depth. Stanley finalized the deal ahead of the roster deadline after skating with his junior club. His addition was noted as a surprise move during the Islanders' preseason wrap-up, though he is now with the Sabres.

Andrei Kuzmenko's Status Uncertain as Penguins Face Roster Challenges

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Andrei Kuzmenko's availability for the start of the season is currently up in the air due to personal reasons, adding to the Pittsburgh Penguins' roster concerns. The team is already dealing with multiple injuries, placing four players on IR and awaiting updates on Bryan Rust. This uncertainty on the waiver wire, with 71 players available, could present opportunities for short-term fixes, though the Penguins aim to manage their depth until injured players return. Kuzmenko's situation, alongside Rust's injury, complicates the Penguins' immediate lineup decisions as they navigate roster depth challenges.

Mathew Barzal Placed on Non-Roster Injured Reserve by Islanders

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Mathew Barzal has been designated as non-roster injured reserve by the New York Islanders due to a knee injury. This move allows the team to activate him once healthy without the standard seven-day minimum IR requirement. The designation strongly suggests Barzal will not be ready for Wednesday's game against the Maple Leafs. The 29-year-old center's status remains day-to-day as he recovers.

Ben Kindel Moves to Injured Reserve Ahead of Deadline

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed forward prospect Ben Kindel on injured reserve as part of their final pre-season roster adjustments on Sunday. Kindel's short-term placement on IR leaves a temporary vacancy in Pittsburgh's bottom-six forward group, accelerating competition among depth players looking to secure an NHL spot ahead of Monday's mandatory 23-player roster deadline.

Bill Zonnon Assigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

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The Pittsburgh Penguins officially assigned forward prospect Bill Zonnon to their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, on Sunday morning. The roster move comes as Pittsburgh completes final roster cuts to reach the league-mandated 23-player limit prior to Monday's deadline, sending Zonnon to the minors to continue his professional development for the upcoming season.

Joel Blomqvist Reassigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

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The Pittsburgh Penguins officially assigned goaltender Joel Blomqvist to their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, on Sunday. Blomqvist spent training camp locked in a competitive battle for NHL playing time alongside Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov, but will now begin his season in the minors as new head coach Dan Muse shapes Pittsburgh's primary crease rotation for opening night.

Ryan Graves Placed on Injured Reserve Prior to Deadline

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially placed veteran defenseman Ryan Graves on injured reserve ahead of Monday's mandatory regular-season roster deadline. As Pittsburgh executes necessary roster moves to reach the league's 23-player limit, Graves' short-term absence on IR temporarily alters the team's defensive hierarchy while providing operational flexibility entering opening week.

Blake Lizotte Placed on Injured Reserve by Penguins

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed forward Blake Lizotte on injured reserve prior to Monday’s official regular-season roster deadline. With Lizotte sidelined in the short term, a notable hole has been created in Pittsburgh’s bottom-six forward group, prompting newcomer Hendrix Lapierre and several other depth candidates to actively compete for the open center position ahead of opening night.

Justin Brazeau Placed on Injured Reserve Ahead of Opener

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially placed forward Justin Brazeau on injured reserve as the club works to finalize its 23-player roster ahead of Monday’s league deadline. Brazeau’s placement on IR provides short-term roster flexibility for Pittsburgh while creating temporary openings in the bottom-six forward group, giving competing depth players a key opportunity to earn regular-season ice time.

Sunday, September 27

Bruins Reportedly Made Trade Offer for Blue Jackets Star Kirill Marchenko

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The Boston Bruins reportedly made a trade offer for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Marchenko, 26, has scored 21+ goals in each of his four NHL seasons, including career highs of 31 goals and 47 assists in 2024-25. He is entering the final year of his contract and has been non-committal about his future in Columbus. The Blue Jackets are reportedly seeking a player in return, not draft picks or prospects. Marchenko's size (6-3, 205 lbs) and offensive production make him an attractive target for teams needing top-six scoring, though the cost is expected to be high.

Dan Vladar Practicing, On Track for Flyers' Season Opener

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Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (upper body) was a full participant in Sunday's practice and remains on track to be available for Wednesday's season opener against the Penguins. Head coach Rick Tocchet noted Vladar 'looked good' despite not being 100 percent, while GM Danny Briere expressed confidence in his availability. In a corresponding move, the Flyers loaned netminder Aleksei Kolosov to AHL Lehigh Valley, signaling optimism surrounding Vladar's recovery.

Matt Rempe Earns Rangers Opening Night Roster Spot After Preseason

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Matt Rempe has secured a spot on the New York Rangers' opening night roster after entering training camp on the bubble. The 6-foot-9 forward cleared his path after Taylor Raddysh was placed on waivers. Rempe, who missed significant time last season following two thumb procedures and was limited to 26 games, impressed in three preseason appearances with 14 hits, two assists, and two blocked shots. He is slated to skate on the fourth line alongside Tye Kartye and Joe Veleno.

Macklin Celebrini Voted 5th-Best Player in NHL Network Rankings

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San Jose Sharks captain Macklin Celebrini was named the fifth-best player in the NHL by NHL Network in their annual top-50 countdown, ranking as the youngest player in the top 10. Coming off a phenomenal sophomore season, Celebrini set a Sharks franchise record with 115 points (fourth-most in the NHL), surpassing Joe Thornton's 2006-07 mark of 114. He also tied for fourth in the league with 45 goals as he prepares for his third NHL season.