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NHL News

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

Friday, September 18

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.

Cam Talbot Signs One-Year Deal With Columbus Blue Jackets

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After playing last season with the Detroit Red Wings, 39-year-old goaltender Cam Talbot has signed a one-year, $950,000 contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Talbot enters as the backup to Jet Greaves, stepping into an elevated role as Elvis Merzlikins is out to start the year after failing his physical. Over 567 regular-season games, Talbot holds a 278-204-53 record, 2.69 GAA, .911 save percentage, and 33 shutouts across eight different NHL franchises.

Elvis Merzlikins Out To Start Season Following Failed Physical

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Elvis Merzlikins failed his physical and will be sidelined to start the 2026-27 season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. With Merzlikins unavailable, newly signed veteran goaltender Cam Talbot is slated to step in as the team's primary backup behind Jet Greaves.

Arber Xhekaj Needs Strong Start To Secure Long-Term Role

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After signing a one-year prove-it deal, defenseman Arber Xhekaj faces a crucial 2026-27 season with the Montreal Canadiens. With Kaiden Guhle sidelined to start the year, Xhekaj has an immediate opportunity to earn consistent playing time and prove he belongs on the blueline amid strong competition from Jayden Struble, Adam Engstrom, and David Reinbacher. In 65 games last season, Xhekaj recorded one goal, four points, 116 penalty minutes, and 178 hits.

Martin Necas Focuses on Strength After 100-Point Campaign

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Coming off a brilliant 100-point campaign, Colorado Avalanche forward Martin Necas spent the offseason focused on building strength, power, and speed to handle heightened physical scrutiny. After facing heavy open-ice contact in the playoffs, Necas trained alongside physical players like Adam Klapka and Tomas Hertl. He aims to add physical resilience to his elite offensive skill set, ensuring he can withstand intense defensive attention as a premier player.

Frank Nazar Skates on Top Line With Patrick Kane in Camp

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Frank Nazar has stepped into a major opportunity at training camp, centering the Chicago Blackhawks' top line alongside veteran Patrick Kane and rookie Roman Kantserov in Connor Bedard's absence. Praised by Kane for his competitive drive, willingness to battle in dirty areas, and unpredictable playmaking, Nazar is looking to establish chemistry and make an immediate impact early in his NHL career while filling a crucial role for the team.

Carolina Hurricanes Target Connor Hellebuyck in Trade Talks

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The Carolina Hurricanes remain interested in acquiring star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, offering a package featuring defenseman Alexander Nikishin and goaltender Brandon Bussi. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff expressed patience, stating no doors are closed and noting Hellebuyck has five years left on his contract. While Winnipeg seeks a top-six forward, management is seriously discussing the trade offer as the fluid situation continues to develop heading into the season.

Matvei Michkov Impresses at Flyers Camp, Overcomes Language Barrier

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Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov shone at training camp, surprisingly conducting his media availability primarily in English. Entering his third NHL season at a lighter 176 pounds, Michkov feels faster and stronger on the ice. Head coach Rick Tocchet praised his major social and athletic progress, noting his elongated stride and improved communication. Michkov worked out with Artemi Panarin and Mikhail Sergachev over the summer, positioning himself for a major breakout season.

Thursday, September 17

Quinn Hughes Unbothered by Lack of Contract Extension at Wild Camp

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Defenseman Quinn Hughes reported to his first training camp with the Minnesota Wild without a contract extension in place, raising anxiety among the fanbase as the regular season approaches. Despite entering camp without a new deal signed, Hughes expressed unconcern regarding the contract situation. The star blueliner remains focused on preparing for the upcoming season while contract discussions between his representation and the Wild management continue in the background.

Jack Eichel Says Vegas Golden Knights Have Something to Prove After Cup Loss

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Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights opened training camp motivated by "unfinished business" after falling just two wins short of a Stanley Cup title last season. Eichel emphasized that the squad remembers coming so close and stated, "I feel like this group always feels like we have something to prove... To ourselves more than anything." Despite roster and coaching changes, Vegas enters the season as one of the favorite contenders.

Brad Marchand Expected To Miss First 14 Games Rehabbing Lower Body Injury

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Florida Panthers left winger Brad Marchand will miss the team's first 14 regular-season games and the entire first month while spending October rehabbing a lower-body injury from offseason surgery, with a potential return on Nov. 2 against Detroit. Marchand, who turns 38, recorded 27 goals and 54 points in 52 games last season before being shut down in early March. He went through a separate workout on Thursday as he works his way back from a career-high 30 missed games last year.

Sebastian Aho And Carolina Hurricanes Turn Focus To New Season

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Carolina top-line center Sebastian Aho spoke Thursday as the Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes opened preseason camp, noting that while the confidence from their championship run is invaluable, it doesn't help them today and they must keep building. Three months after shutting out Vegas to win their second franchise title, the team returns largely intact under coach Rod Brind'Amour, though top goaltender Frederik Andersen left and defenseman Alexander Nikishin is an unsigned RFA.

J.T. Miller Embraces Fresh Slate as Rangers' Second-Line Center

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New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller is eager for a fresh slate after an injury-plagued 2025-26 season where he posted 17 goals and 53 points in 68 games. Shifting to a full-time second-line center role following the trade of Vincent Trocheck, the 33-year-old is skating alongside new acquisition Pavel Dorofeyev and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Miller took ownership of last year's dismal 77-point finish and expresses renewed hunger and optimism under head coach Mike Sullivan.

Pavel Dorofeyev Set to Boost New York Rangers Offense

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Pavel Dorofeyev enters New York Rangers training camp skating alongside J.T. Miller and Oliver Bjorkstrand as a key offensive addition. The winger, who turns 26 in October, comes off back-to-back strong campaigns with Vegas, including 37 regular-season goals and 12 playoff tallies last year. Head coach Mike Sullivan plans to pair Dorofeyev's elite finishing ability with Miller's playmaking to help revitalize a Rangers attack that ranked 22nd in goals per game.

Seth Jarvis Returns To Practice And Shows Progress In Recovery

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Carolina Hurricanes right winger Seth Jarvis was on the ice for practice Thursday, marking his first time skating with teammates during his recovery from surgery for a torn labrum and rotator cuff. Initially given a 4-6 month timeline in late June, Jarvis appears ahead of schedule in his recovery. While it remains unlikely he will be ready for the start of the season, fantasy managers have optimism he could return in October rather than missing half the year, provided he avoids setbacks.

Ilya Sorokin Supported by Returning Varlamov in Islanders Camp

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New York Islanders starting goaltender Ilya Sorokin welcomed veteran partner Semyon Varlamov back to the ice at training camp following Varlamov's recovery from dual partial knee replacements. Head coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the importance of managing Sorokin's workload across the 84-game schedule, targeting roughly 30 starts for the backup goaltender position to prevent overusing their star netminder.