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NHL News

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

Friday, September 18

David Jiricek Battles for Roster Spot at Flyers Training Camp

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Philadelphia Flyers defenseman David Jiricek is competing for a full-time NHL roster spot at training camp. The 22-year-old former No. 6 overall pick, acquired from the Wild ahead of the 2026 trade deadline, has 85 regular-season games of experience. Jiricek has started camp strong, scoring goals in drills against Carson Bjarnason. GM Danny Briere believes he is ready, but Jiricek knows performance will dictate his spot as the Flyers prepare for their preseason opener.

Pavel Dorofeyev Brings Lethal Shot and Big Expectations to Rangers Camp

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After signing a seven-year, $77M deal following a 37-goal season and a Stanley Cup Final run with 12 postseason goals, Pavel Dorofeyev is embracing high expectations with the New York Rangers. Coach Mike Sullivan tested the confident forward on a line with J.T. Miller and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Teammates Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox praised his lethal shot, expecting him to significantly boost five-on-five play and power-play production after netting 20 power-play goals last year.

Patrick Kane Reflects on Detroit Departure and Embraces Blackhawks Return

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Patrick Kane signed a two-year, $16 million contract to return to the Chicago Blackhawks, leaving behind a Red Wings squad that will miss his veteran leadership and 57-point production. In Chicago, Kane is embracing a leadership role on a top line alongside young talents Frank Nazar and Roman Kantserov while Connor Bedard recovers from an injury. Former teammates and coach Todd McLellan praised his impact, and Kane is set to face his former Detroit team on October 29.

Filip Gustavsson Expected to Return From Hip Injury in Early November

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Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson is expected to return to the ice around early November as he recovers from a hip injury sustained on September 18, 2026. This timeline indicates he will miss approximately the first month of the upcoming regular season. In his absence, Jesper Wallstedt is slated to handle a heavy workload in the net, with Calvin Pickard stepping in to serve as the backup goaltender while Gustavsson completes his rehabilitation process.

Mitch Marner Anchors Elite Vegas Golden Knights Forward Group

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Mitch Marner returns as a centerpiece of the Vegas Golden Knights' potent offensive attack alongside Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Following a standout season where he helped power Pavel Dorofeyev to a 37-goal campaign before Dorofeyev's departure to the New York Rangers, Marner remains central to Vegas's championship aspirations. His playmaking vision and elite skill set continue to define the team's top-tier forward depth as they prepare for the rigors of the new NHL campaign.

Brady Tkachuk Joins Brother Matthew on Florida Panthers

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After requesting a trade following eight seasons in Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk has joined his brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers. Bringing additional physicality and scoring prowess, Brady is welcomed by captain Aleksander Barkov returning from a torn ACL. The rejuvenated Panthers, seeking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season following back-to-back Cup titles, are heavily favored, with Barkov highlighting Brady's dangerous skill set and aggressive play style.

Jack Eichel Leads Loaded Vegas Core Into New NHL Season

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Jack Eichel anchors the Vegas Golden Knights' elite forward group alongside Mark Stone and Mitch Marner. Following a stellar previous season where Pavel Dorofeyev paced the team with 37 goals before signing a massive contract with the New York Rangers, Eichel and his remaining star teammates are tasked with maintaining championship-caliber production. Eichel's offensive vision and leadership will be crucial as Vegas navigates roster changes and targets another deep postseason run.

Mark Stone and Star Lineup Prepares for Upcoming NHL Season

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Mark Stone enters the new NHL season as part of a high-powered core alongside Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel, following a successful campaign where teammate Pavel Dorofeyev led the Vegas Golden Knights with 37 goals before departing in a trade to the New York Rangers. The veteran forward remains a vital leader for Vegas as the team recalibrates its star-studded roster and looks to maintain its elite competitive edge in a challenging Western Conference landscape for the upcoming year.

Trevor Connelly Shines in First Vegas Training Camp

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At 20 years old, 2024 first-round pick Trevor Connelly is turning heads at his first NHL training camp with the Vegas Golden Knights. After adding about 12 pounds over the summer, the young winger has been skating alongside veterans like Tomáš Hertl and Victor Olofsson, receiving praise from management for his elite hockey sense and playmaking abilities. General manager Kelly McCrimmon and head coach Ryan Craig lauded his high ceiling, viewing his NHL arrival as a matter of timing.

Kirill Marchenko Dodges Questions About Future With Blue Jackets

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Columbus Blue Jackets top goal scorer Kirill Marchenko deflected questions during training camp regarding his future with the team beyond this season. Facing inquiries about an ESPN report claiming he is not interested in signing a long-term extension, the 26-year-old forward dodged direct answers with humor and stated his focus is strictly on hockey. Marchenko deferred business-side discussions to general manager Don Waddell and agent Dan Milstein while expressing his love for teammates and practices.

Clayton Keller Sets High Expectations for Utah Mammoth

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Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller expressed high expectations for the team as they kicked off their third training camp following the franchise's first playoff appearance. Utah has bolstered its young core by re-signing Barrett Hayton and adding key veterans Vincent Trocheck and Anders Lee. Keller highlighted the group's growth and talent, emphasizing their goal to build on past success and make an even deeper postseason run toward the Stanley Cup in the upcoming season.

Connor Bedard Continues Recovery from Shoulder Surgery

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Connor Bedard remains sidelined for the Chicago Blackhawks as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery. While team management exercises caution during training camp to ensure a safe return, Bedard's absence has led to strategic adjustments. Frank Nazar has filled in at top-line center, while new additions Roman Kantserov and Anton Frondell are seeing top power-play work. Either Kantserov or Frondell is expected to shift to the second unit once Bedard returns to the lineup.

Evgeni Malkin Enters 21st Season With Penguins Without Retirement Plans

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Evgeni Malkin enters his 21st season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and is unsure if it will be his last, stating his body will dictate his future. Malkin emphasized he will only continue playing if he feels 100 percent and can help the team win. Last year, he posted 19 goals and 42 assists. He signed a one-year deal to return, extending his historic tenure alongside Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. Malkin sits just 14 points shy of Adam Oates for 20th on the NHL's all-time scoring list.

Calvin Pickard Slated to Play Full Game Against Chicago on Saturday

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Goaltender Calvin Pickard is set to start and play the full 60 minutes for the Edmonton Oilers in Saturday's home preseason game against Chicago. Pickard posted a 5-6-2 record, 3.68 GAA, and .871 save percentage across 16 regular-season appearances in Edmonton during the 2025-26 campaign. With Filip Gustavsson currently sidelined with a hip injury, Pickard is positioned to serve as Jesper Wallstedt's understudy to begin the year before potentially losing his roster spot upon Gustavsson's return.

Sergei Bobrovsky Expected to Start Saturday's Preseason Game for Toronto

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Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to get the start in goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs in Saturday's home preseason matchup against Montreal. Bobrovsky, who inked a three-year, $21 million contract over the summer, is preparing for his first campaign with Toronto and is slated to enter the season as the clear No. 1 goaltender ahead of Anthony Stolarz. It remains undetermined if Bobrovsky will play the full game due to the Maple Leafs utilizing a split-squad format.

Victor Eklund Continues Impressive Scoring Streak at Islanders Camp

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New York Islanders prospect Victor Eklund continues to make a strong case for the opening-night lineup by scoring in every game of training camp and rookie showcases. After dominating rookie games against the New Jersey Devils, Eklund scored in a team scrimmage while skating alongside Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Emil Heineman. Head coach Pete DeBoer noted the young forward is making decisions tough, with Eklund expected to play in at least three of four preseason games starting Sunday.

Brennan Othmann Signed to One-Year, Two-Way Contract Extension by Flames

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The Calgary Flames have signed forward Brennan Othmann to a one-year, two-way contract extension carrying an AAV of $975,000. Othmann joined the Flames late in the 2025-26 season following a March 6 trade from the New York Rangers, appearing in two NHL games and picking up two points while also playing 14 games with the AHL's Calgary Wranglers. The Pickering, Ontario native was originally drafted 16th overall by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Brad Marchand Expected To Miss First Month For Florida Panthers

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Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand is expected to miss the first month of the season, sitting out at least 14 games while rehabbing from an undisclosed offseason surgery. Marchand was hampered by a lower-body issue last season, missing a career-high 30 games while still posting 27 goals and 27 assists for 54 points in 52 games. Coach Paul Maurice noted Marchand is undergoing rehabilitation through October and could return once cleared without setbacks.

Jonah Gadjovich Remains Sidelined Indefinitely Following Surgery

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Florida Panthers forward Jonah Gadjovich remains out indefinitely as the team continues sorting through a long-term neck issue that limited him to just 10 games last season. While Gadjovich has resumed skating on his own and participated in separate workouts during the team's first day of training camp, coach Paul Maurice confirmed the organization is still searching for solutions to get him cleared for game action.

Cam Fowler Reflects On Difficult Season And Looks To Reset

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St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler openly evaluated his disappointing 2025-26 campaign, admitting he fell short of expectations despite 30 points and 82 games played. Acquired from Anaheim in December 2024, Fowler is using a rigorous summer training focus to recapture his peak offensive form. Under coach Jim Montgomery, Fowler is initially being paired with veteran Brandon Carlo and reuniting with assistant coach Greg Cronin to refine his defensive body positioning and overall impact.