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NHL News

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

Tuesday, September 22

Dustin Wolf to Make Preseason Debut for Flames Tuesday

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Dustin Wolf is set to make his preseason debut for the Calgary Flames, starting in goal for Tuesday's home contest against the Canucks. The 25-year-old netminder battled through the 2025-26 campaign, where he posted a 23-29-3 record, a 3.01 GAA, and an .899 save percentage over 57 regular-season games. Wolf was credited with keeping the Flames competitive in numerous games last season, and improved team performance could lead to better numbers for him in the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.

Igor Shesterkin Set to Start Rangers' Tuesday Preseason Game

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Igor Shesterkin is slated to start for the New York Rangers in Tuesday's preseason contest against the Islanders, playing the first two periods before Spencer Martin takes over. The 30-year-old goaltender maintained solid numbers in the 2025-26 campaign despite the Rangers' struggles, recording a 25-19-6 record with a 2.50 GAA and a .912 save percentage across 51 regular-season appearances. He aims to help keep the team on track for the 2026-27 season.

Brandon Bussi to Start Preseason Game, Expected as Hurricanes' Top Goalie

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Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi will make his preseason debut Tuesday against the Panthers. The 28-year-old was a surprise standout in the 2025-26 NHL season, achieving a 31-6-2 record with a 2.47 GAA and .894 save percentage across 39 games. He also anchored the Hurricanes in the final four games of the Stanley Cup postseason. Bussi is projected to be the team's primary starting option between the pipes for the 2026-27 campaign.

Jakub Dobes Shines, Expected to Start for Canadiens

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Jakub Dobes impressed in his preseason outing for the Montreal Canadiens, playing over 30 minutes against the Senators and allowing just one goal on 12 shots. He made several crucial saves, including two game-saving stops in overtime, and even notched an assist on Cole Caufield’s game-tying goal. Dobes displayed confidence and sound play, leading to expectations that he will be the Canadiens' starting goaltender when the season kicks off next week.

Samuel Montembeault Faces Uncertain Future with Canadiens

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Samuel Montembeault started for the Montreal Canadiens against the Senators, allowing one goal on eight shots in over 32 minutes. Despite local support, he appeared nervous. With Jakub Dobes expected to be the starter, Montembeault may be benched or traded, especially as he's in the final year of his contract with no extension anticipated. The Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers are mentioned as potential trade destinations, with both teams facing goaltending issues.

Arturs Silovs to Play Full Preseason Game for Pittsburgh Penguins

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Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs is set to start and play the entire preseason game Tuesday against the Red Wings. The 25-year-old is coming off his first full NHL season, where he recorded a 19-12-8 record with a 3.07 GAA and .887 save percentage across 39 games. Having signed a one-year extension in July, Silovs likely has an inside track for a roster spot, though Sergei Murashov and Joel Blomqvist will challenge his playing time, making him a hit-or-miss fantasy option.

Alex Ovechkin Day-to-Day with Lower-Body Injury Ahead of Season

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Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, less than two weeks before the team's season opener on October 2nd. The 41-year-old, who is entering his 22nd NHL season, missed the Capitals' preseason opener against Boston and did not participate in practice with the non-game group. Last season, Ovechkin played all 82 games, recording 32 goals and 32 assists.

Charlie Cerrato Impresses in Pro Debut with Hurricanes

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Charlie Cerrato, the Hurricanes' 2025 second-round pick, impressed in his first professional showing during a preseason opener, playing 15:47. The young center recorded a primary assist, a hit, a block, and went 37.5% on faceoffs, including 3-for-3 on power play draws. He posted strong underlying numbers (50% Corsi For, 54.84% xGF%) against an NHL lineup. Cerrato will begin his first professional season with the Chicago Wolves, where he's expected to be a key player.

Stuart Skinner Shines in Winnipeg Jets Preseason Debut

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Stuart Skinner delivered a stellar performance in his Winnipeg Jets debut, stopping 31 of 32 shots and maintaining a shutout for the first 54 minutes of Monday's 3-1 preseason victory over the Avalanche. The 27-year-old netminder, who posted a 23-17-9 record with a 2.92 GAA and .888 SV% in 50 games last season, is projected as the lead option for the Jets with Connor Hellebuyck suspended. Skinner appears poised to handle a significant workload in the 2026-27 campaign.

Simon Edvinsson Remains Unsigned, Misses Red Wings Preseason Game

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Restricted free agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains without a contract, leading to his absence from Detroit Red Wings preseason scrimmages and Tuesday's game. Coach Todd McLellan described it as a "business side" situation, with both parties diligently working on a deal. Interim GM Shawn Horcoff has stated that securing a new contract for Edvinsson, who has emerged as Detroit's second-best defenseman behind Moritz Seider, is a "priority" as the regular season approaches.

Dylan Larkin Sidelined with Upper-Body Injury, Misses Preseason Games

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Dylan Larkin is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury sustained during a gym training session before Training Camp, preventing him from participating in preseason games, including Tuesday's contest. Coach Todd McLellan emphasized that Larkin's return depends on healing and cannot be rushed, with the Red Wings' regular season opener on Oct. 2 approaching. Despite the injury, Larkin was previously highlighted in bold predictions for the upcoming NHL season, with speculation regarding potential destinations and storylines for the Detroit Red Wings.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen Slated to Start Tuesday's Preseason Game

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Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to make his 2026-27 preseason debut, starting in net for the Buffalo Sabres' Tuesday contest against the Blue Jackets. This follows a bounce-back 2025-26 season where the 27-year-old posted a 22-9-3 record, a 2.51 GAA, and a .909 save percentage in 35 outings. While head coach Lindy Ruff plans a goaltending time share to start the campaign, Luukkonen has shown he can handle a large workload, potentially leading to fantasy success if he impresses and separates himself from Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis.

Blues Coach Jim Montgomery Demands More Momentum from Jack Finley

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St. Louis Blues coach Jim Montgomery is challenging Jack Finley to create more momentum, despite acknowledging his excellent penalty-killing and defensive play. Montgomery noted Finley's 6-foot-6 frame has the tools to be a momentum shifter, but in 22 games last season, he recorded only two assists and 15 shots on goal, with the team outscored 4-1 at 5-on-5 when he was on the ice. With two preseason games remaining, Finley, who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay, is in a "make-or-break" situation to prove he can add physicality and be a sparkplug over competitors like Oskar Sundqvist and Pius Suter.

Bowen Byram Records Hat Trick in Blackhawks Preseason Debut

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Bowen Byram made a strong first impression in his Chicago Blackhawks preseason debut, scoring a hat trick, including the game-winning goal in overtime, during a 4-3 victory. Acquired before the 2026 NHL Draft, Byram is expected to be a "special player" and a leader, according to teammate Nick Lardis. Coach Jeff Blashill expressed strong belief in Byram, noting his talent and potential as the team's number one defenseman. Byram has developed "natural chemistry" with defense partner Alex Vlasic, with whom he's been paired since training camp.

Bryan Rust Shows Early Chemistry Following Preseason Opener

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust suited up in Monday night's preseason victory against the Buffalo Sabres. Coming off a strong performance that showcased early chemistry with offseason addition Andrei Kuzmenko, Rust and his veteran teammates continue to anchor the lineup as the Penguins move through their shortened preseason schedule.

Kris Letang Prepares for Regular Season After Preseason Win

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Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Kris Letang took the ice in Monday night's preseason win over the Buffalo Sabres. As the team prepares for their second preseason matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, head coach Dan Muse and the front office are evaluating defensive pairings, special teams units, and final roster spots as opening night approaches.

Evgeni Malkin Set to Play in Preseason Game Versus Detroit

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Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin is scheduled to play in Tuesday night's preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings. Malkin joins Sidney Crosby and a group of familiar starters taking the ice for their first preseason action as the Penguins continue evaluating roster battles, special teams combinations, and young prospects competing for permanent spots on the active roster.

Sidney Crosby Returns to Preseason Action Against Detroit

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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby returns to the lineup for Tuesday night's preseason matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. Crosby will see his first preseason action alongside longtime teammate Evgeni Malkin and several other notable veterans and prospects as head coach Dan Muse evaluates his roster and tests new combinations ahead of the regular season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Kirill Kudryavtsev Aims for Full-Time NHL Role After Injury

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Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kirill Kudryavtsev is eyeing a full-time NHL roster spot after recording his first two career assists last season. The 22-year-old opened up about overcoming a challenging two-month injury absence that sidelined him last year. Working closely with head coach Manny Malhotra, Kudryavtsev spent the off-season improving his shot and overall game to become a more threatening presence from the blue line and secure his spot for the upcoming campaign.

Cole Caufield Highlighted in Canadiens Preseason Analysis

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Cole Caufield and the Montreal Canadiens are evaluated following a narrow preseason victory against the Ottawa Senators in the Kraft Hockeyville battle at Colisée Vidéotron. The matchup spotlighted performances from rookies and roster contenders as the Canadiens navigate final lineup decisions ahead of the upcoming NHL season.