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NHL News

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

Thursday, September 24

Pyotr Kochetkov Expected to Start Thursday's Preseason Game

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Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to start at home in Thursday's preseason game against Nashville, according to Brooks Bratten. Kochetkov will look to rebound after allowing five goals on 33 shots in his previous exhibition outing on Sunday. He is currently projected to enter the upcoming campaign as Carolina's No. 2 goaltender behind Brandon Bussi, though strong performances could earn the netminder a significant chunk of the team's workload moving forward.

Justus Annunen Slated to Start in Goal Thursday Against Hurricanes

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Nashville Predators goaltender Justus Annunen will start on the road versus the Carolina Hurricanes in Thursday's preseason matchup, as reported by Brooks Bratten of the team's official site. Annunen is preparing to serve as the backup behind Juuse Saros for the 2026-27 season. In his preseason debut on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, he stopped 25 of 27 shots to earn an overtime victory, building momentum heading into his next exhibition appearance.

Andrei Kuzmenko Takes Leave of Absence After Father Killed by Bear

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko is taking a leave of absence after his 62-year-old father, Alexander, was tragically killed by a bear during a fishing trip in Tuva, Siberia on Tuesday. Alexander suffered severe facial injuries and died after being airlifted to a hospital. Andrei had practiced with the team Thursday morning before departing for Moscow. The Penguins organization expressed deep sadness and offered full support to Andrei and the Kuzmenko family during this difficult time.

Matvei Michkov Shines in Preseason Win Over Bruins

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Matvei Michkov showcased his offseason progression with a strong performance as the Flyers defeated the Bruins 2-0 in preseason action. The 21-year-old winger scored just 4:02 into the game on a rebound and added a nifty touch pass through his legs to spring Christian Dvorak for a scoring chance in the second period. Michkov displayed great speed and hands, bouncing back impressively from his sophomore slump and anchoring the Flyers' upgraded lineup.

Adam Fantilli Signs Six-Year, $82.5M Contract Extension with Columbus

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Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli signed a six-year, $82.5 million contract extension after missing the first week of training camp as a restricted free agent. The deal makes him the franchise's highest-paid player at $13.75 million annually. Fantilli recorded 24 goals and 59 points last season, bringing his career total to 140 points in 213 games. The 21-year-old is expected to center the top line as the Blue Jackets prepare for the upcoming season opener.

Pheonix Copley Clears Waivers and Remains on Columbus NHL Roster

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Pheonix Copley successfully cleared waivers Thursday and remains on the Columbus Blue Jackets' roster. If he makes the Opening Night roster, it will likely be as the No. 3 netminder behind Cam Talbot and Jet Greaves, with Elvis Merzlikins currently sidelined with a shoulder injury without a timetable for return. Copley posted a 2.59 GAA and a .901 save percentage in 33 regular-season appearances with AHL Ontario during the 2025-26 campaign.

Emmitt Finnie Enters Sophomore Season with Detroit Red Wings

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Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie enters his sophomore NHL season with high confidence after appearing in all 82 games as a rookie, recording 13 goals and 17 assists. Finnie spent significant time on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Head coach Todd McLellan praised his physical play, speed, and competitiveness. Finnie focused during the offseason on improving his backcheck and defensive sharpness ahead of the season opener against the New York Rangers.

Adin Hill Drawing Preseason Start for Vegas Golden Knights Against Utah

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Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill was the first goalie off during Thursday's morning skate, indicating he will draw the preseason start at home against Utah. Hill previously allowed two goals on 19 shots in a preseason-opening victory over the Kings. Assuming the team sticks to its plan of giving each netminder two preseason starts, Carter Hart is expected to start Saturday against San Jose. Hill is slated to serve as the No. 2 goaltender to begin the regular season.

Jake Oettinger Unavailable for Preseason Finale Due to Lower-Body Injury

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Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (lower body) will not suit up for Friday's preseason finale on the road against the Minnesota Wild. Oettinger was previously scratched from Wednesday's start due to lower-body tightness. Although head coach Glen Gulutzan downplayed the severity of the issue, the netminder will rest during the final preseason contest. It remains unlikely that the injury will affect his availability for Opening Night against the Blues on Oct. 2.

Casey DeSmith Slated to Start Friday's Preseason Finale in Minnesota

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Dallas Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith is slated to start Friday's preseason game on the road against the Minnesota Wild. DeSmith turned aside 30 of 31 shots in his preseason debut against the Blues. With Jake Oettinger sidelined due to lower-body tightness, Remi Poirier will serve as DeSmith's backup. While head coach Glen Gulutzan downplayed Oettinger's injury severity, DeSmith could see increased playing time if Oettinger faces any limitations to begin the regular season.

Minnesota Wild Place First-Round Pick Carson Lambos on Waivers

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The Minnesota Wild have placed defenseman Carson Lambos on waivers as they trim their roster for the regular season. Selected 26th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Lambos is no longer waiver-exempt after spending three seasons developing in Iowa. Coach John Hynes praised his skating, competitiveness, and defensive ability, though puck-management remains an area for growth. If he clears waivers, he can be assigned to the AHL; otherwise, another NHL team can claim him.

Nikita Tolopilo Set to Start in Goal Against Edmonton Oilers

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Vancouver Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo will get the start in Thursday's preseason home game against the Edmonton Oilers, according to play-by-play announcer Brendan Batchelor. Tolopilo previously played the entire preseason opener on Saturday, allowing four goals on 30 shots. Head coach Manny Malhotra has not yet committed to whether Tolopilo will log the full game between the pipes during the team's penultimate preseason contest.

Alex Nedeljkovic Slated to Start in Preseason Game Against Anaheim

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San Jose Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to start Thursday's preseason home game against the Anaheim Ducks. While Yaroslav Askarov is projected to begin the 2025-26 campaign as San Jose's primary starter, Nedeljkovic is slated to handle a significant workload and could challenge for the top job if he outperforms Askarov early on. Nedeljkovic posted an 18-14-4 record with a 2.87 GAA and .896 save percentage across 40 regular-season appearances.

Connor McMichael Skates on Blues Top Line With Zach Dean

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St. Louis Blues forward Connor McMichael is set to skate on the top line alongside Pavel Buchnevich and Zach Dean in an upcoming preseason encounter against the Chicago Blackhawks. Coach Jim Montgomery deployed the trio to evaluate a high-speed forward combination, giving Dean and his linemates a prime opportunity to make a lasting impression during training camp and solidify their positions ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 NHL regular-season campaign.

Zach Dean Earns Top Line Opportunity With Blues in Preseason

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St. Louis Blues forward Zach Dean has been handed a major opportunity to center the top line alongside Connor McMichael and Pavel Buchnevich against the Chicago Blackhawks. Healthy on a new one-year contract, the 23-year-old has made a strong impression in preseason after overcoming past injuries and missing the start of last season. With GM Alexander Steen listening to trade offers for forwards, Dean is fighting hard for a spot in the lineup.

Pavel Buchnevich Skates on Blues Top Line With Zach Dean in Preseason

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St. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich is slated to center the top line alongside Connor McMichael and Zach Dean in an upcoming preseason matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. Coach Jim Montgomery highlighted the speed and offensive potential of this combination as Dean earns a major opportunity to showcase his skills during training camp and push for an expanded role in the team's lineup to begin the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

Patrick Kane Set for Preseason Debut in Blackhawks Road Matchup Against Blues

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Patrick Kane is slated to feature in the Chicago Blackhawks lineup for the first time during the preseason, marking his unofficial re-debut with the organization after playing elsewhere in recent seasons. He will skate alongside other NHL talents like Frank Nazar, Roman Kantserov, Nick Lardis, Oliver Moore, and Wyatt Kaiser as Chicago kicks off a home-and-home preseason series against the St. Louis Blues.

Oliver Moore Signs Five-Year, $21.25M Extension with Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks signed forward Oliver Moore to a five-year contract extension carrying an annual cap hit of $4.25 million. Selected 19th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Moore recorded 5 goals and 14 assists for 19 points in 51 games during his 2025-26 rookie season. Known for his elite speed and penalty-killing value, this team-friendly deal locks up the fast, tenacious forward through his RFA years and secures an important piece of the Blackhawks' long-term future.

Nick Paul Dealt Day-to-Day Injury Status Ahead of Maple Leafs Season Opener

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Paul missed practice due to an injury after logging just 4:42 of ice time in a pre-season game against the Ottawa Senators. Head coach Jim Hiller stated the team is not overly concerned but is treating his status day-to-day. Paul will travel with the team to Arizona for an off-ice bonding trip, though his availability for the regular season opener on Tuesday remains uncertain.

Steven Lorentz Placed on Waivers by Toronto Maple Leafs in Roster Cut

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The Toronto Maple Leafs placed forward Steven Lorentz on waivers following their final practice before an Arizona trip. Lorentz, 30, recorded 7 goals and 18 points across 71 games last season while averaging a career-high 11:52 of ice time. If unclaimed, clearing him will remove most of his $1.35-million cap hit, leaving $125,000 on the payroll and allowing Toronto to free up standard contract space to officially sign PTO defenseman Nick Blankenburg for the upcoming regular season.