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NHL News

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

Friday, September 25

Nino Niederreiter Strikes on Power Play in Jets Win Over Avalanche

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Winnipeg Jets forward Nino Niederreiter opened the scoring against the Colorado Avalanche by burying a first-period power-play rebound past goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood following a shot by Neal Pionk. Niederreiter had a physical and eventful opening frame, also taking a two-minute interference penalty for pulling down Noah Juulsen along the blue line and later receiving a roughing penalty that nullified a Winnipeg man advantage during the 2-1 contest.

Mackenzie Blackwood Gets Start, Allows Two Goals in Avalanche Loss

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Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood got the starting nod against Winnipeg as he holds the inside track for the team's No. 1 job over Scott Wedgewood. In the matchup, Blackwood surrendered a rebound goal to Nino Niederreiter on a first-period power play and allowed a second-period tally to Vladislav Namestnikov following a turnover. Despite making key saves, including a notable glove stop, Colorado trailed early as Blackwood split preseason duties ahead of Saturday's game.

Filip Bystedt Cut From San Jose Sharks Opening Night Roster

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The San Jose Sharks reassigned center Filip Bystedt to the San Jose Barracuda after cutting him from the training camp roster. The 2022 first-round pick played two preseason games, registering three points, but struggled with consistency and pace. Still waiver-exempt, the 22-year-old faces a crucial 2026-27 campaign to prove he belongs in the NHL as younger prospects vie for roster spots.

Stuart Skinner Set to Guard Road Goal in Preseason Matchup

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Stuart Skinner will guard the road goal in Friday's preseason game versus the Avalanche. He excelled in his first preseason start, stopping 31 of 32 shots against Colorado. The 27-year-old is poised to open the season as the top goalie for the Jets, though that status could shift depending on any eventual trade return for Connor Hellebuyck. Skinner is set to have Domenic DiVincentiis as his backup to begin the upcoming campaign.

Simon Benoit Makes Physical Impact in Preseason Win Over Bruins

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Veteran defenseman Simon Benoit is fighting for his role in Philadelphia, logging 17:16 of ice time and a team-leading four shots with a +2 rating in a 2-0 preseason win over the Bruins. Benoit also dropped the gloves with Brian Halonen, providing a physical edge the Flyers lost with recent roster departures. Expected to serve as a reliable seventh defenseman, Benoit proved he can still bring toughness and stability to the team's blue line during Thursday's tune-up.

Ryan Pulock Back on Ice After Post-Season Shoulder Surgery

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New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock made his preseason debut against the Rangers, returning to game action after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Pulock labored through a shoulder injury during the second half of the previous season, but reports that his strength testing has improved following summer rehab. He is expected to form the Islanders' second defensive pairing with Alexander Romanov, as coach Pete DeBoer looks to get both players up to speed for opening night.

Alexander Romanov Returns to Action Following Long Injury Layoff

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New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov returned to game action in a preseason match against the Rangers after missing most of last season due to a shoulder injury from a hit by Mikko Rantanen. Having dropped approximately 17 pounds and lowered his body fat to 7 percent, Romanov is working to get back up to speed. Coach Pete DeBoer views him as a strong candidate for the second defensive pair alongside Ryan Pulock as the Islanders prepare for opening night.

Jeremy Swayman Projected to Start in Goal Friday Against Capitals

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Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman will protect the road goal against the Washington Capitals in Friday's preseason matchup. Swayman enters the contest after stopping 20 of 21 shots in his preseason debut Tuesday against the Philadelphia Bruins. The 27-year-old netminder will receive another key opportunity to prepare for the upcoming campaign playing behind the majority of Boston's expected Opening Night roster.

Alex Nylander Signs Two-Way NHL Contract With Calgary Flames

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The Calgary Flames signed Alex Nylander to a one-year, $850,000 two-way NHL contract after a successful PTO. Nylander spent the last two seasons in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, starring for the AHL's Toronto Marlies where he tallied 24 goals and 53 points in 65 games last year and won a Calder Cup. Drafted eighth overall in 2016 by Buffalo, the 28-year-old forward has recorded 25 goals and 49 points across 126 career NHL appearances.

Thatcher Demko Expected to Miss Opening Night Due to Hip Injury Recovery

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Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko is not expected to be ready for the start of the regular season as he continues to recover from a hip injury, according to Thomas Drance of The Athletic. Demko currently lacks a timetable for his return and has not been a full participant in training camp. He will likely need additional time to get up to speed once healthy. In his absence, Kevin Lankinen and newly claimed waiver pickup Leevi Merilainen are expected to compete for starting duties.

Macklin Celebrini Named Youngest Captain in San Jose Sharks History

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Macklin Celebrini has been named captain of the San Jose Sharks at 20 years and 104 days old, becoming the youngest captain in franchise history. He succeeds Logan Couture, who retired in April 2025. Coming off a 45-goal, 115-point campaign in 82 games, Celebrini secured a five-year, $94 million contract extension ($18.8M AAV) starting in 2027-28 and was recently featured on the cover of EA Sports' NHL video game.

Mats Zuccarello Probable for Saturday's Preseason Action Against Ducks

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Mats Zuccarello (shoulder) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is listed as probable for Saturday's preseason game against Anaheim, per official team reports. While the veteran forward is still awaiting final medical clearance to take the ice in Saturday's exhibition tilt, he remains fully on track to be available for the team's regular-season opener against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.

Vadim Zherenko Joins Ottawa Senators Training Camp On Tryout

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Following the loss of third-string goaltender Leevi Meriläinen to the Vancouver Canucks on waivers, the Ottawa Senators brought Vadim Zherenko to camp on a professional tryout. Zherenko enters the mix after spending the last four seasons with the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds. If Ottawa decides they want a more experienced goaltender available for call-ups behind Linus Ullmark and Samuel Ersson to complement promising prospects like Jackson Parsons, they would need to sign Zherenko to a contract.

Leevi Meriläinen Claimed Off Waivers by Vancouver Canucks

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The Vancouver Canucks claimed 24-year-old goaltender Leevi Meriläinen off waivers from the Ottawa Senators. Meriläinen recently stopped 21 shots in a 6-1 preseason loss to Toronto. After a stellar 2024-25 season where he went 8-3-1 with a 1.99 GAA, he struggled last season with an 8-10-1 record and 3.51 GAA in 20 NHL games. His arrival adds depth to a Vancouver crease featuring Kevin Lankinen, Nikita Tolopilo, and the eventual return of Thatcher Demko from hip surgery.

Jack Finley Placed On Waivers In St. Louis Blues Roster Cuts

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Jack Finley was placed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues on Friday morning as the franchise finalized its roster reductions ahead of the 2026-27 season's 23-man limit deadline. Finley, alongside fellow veterans Oskar Sundqvist and Nathan Walker, was cut from consideration for the final reserve forward spots, which were secured by Zach Dean and Dillon Dube. If Finley successfully clears waivers, he will be assigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds in the American Hockey League.

Zach Dean Secures Opening Night Roster Spot With St. Louis Blues

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Zach Dean has earned one of the extra forward slots on the St. Louis Blues opening night roster for the 2026-27 season. Coach Jim Montgomery praised Dean's speed, energy, and tenacity on pucks, noting his game-breaking speed. Dean played all four preseason games, including skating on the top line between Pavel Buchnevich and Connor McMichael in a 1-0 win over the Blackhawks, where he recorded high-end scoring chances and proved his effectiveness after a competitive training camp.

Nathan Walker Placed On Waivers By St. Louis Blues

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Nathan Walker was placed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues on Friday morning as part of the team's roster cuts to reach the 23-man limit for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Walker, alongside fellow veterans Oskar Sundqvist and Jack Finley, missed out on the final extra forward spots, which went to Zach Dean and Dillon Dube. Should Walker clear waivers, he will report to Steve Ott and the Springfield Thunderbirds in the American Hockey League to begin the new season.

Oskar Sundqvist Placed On Waivers By St. Louis Blues

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Oskar Sundqvist was placed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues on Friday morning as the team worked to trim its roster down to the mandatory 23-man opening night limit for the 2026-27 season. Along with veterans Nathan Walker and Jack Finley, Sundqvist was placed on the outside looking in for the extra forward spots, which were ultimately won by Zach Dean and Dillon Dube. If Sundqvist clears waivers, he is expected to join the Springfield Thunderbirds in the American Hockey League.

Matt Stienburg Clears Waivers and Joins Abbotsford Canucks

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Matt Stienburg has cleared waivers and is headed down to the Abbotsford Canucks. The 25-year-old forward is expected to play a big role as part of Abbotsford's top six moving forward. During his professional career spanning 71 AHL games, Stienburg has previously scored eight goals and recorded 20 total points. He looks to bring his physical style and veteran presence to bolster the Abbotsford roster as they prepare for the upcoming hockey season.

Cale Makar to Play in Final Preseason Game for Avalanche

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Cale Makar will make his first and only preseason appearance for the Colorado Avalanche on Friday against Winnipeg, according to reports. Makar, who entered camp with a lower-body injury, has shed his non-contact jersey and fully participated in practice. The defenseman will sit out Saturday's preseason finale to manage his workload before the regular season. Makar, who signed a record-breaking contract in August, recorded 20 goals and 59 assists last season.