AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NHL News

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

Thursday, September 17

Mats Zuccarello Dealing With Minor Shoulder Injury At Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Los Angeles Kings announced that right winger Mats Zuccarello is dealing with a minor shoulder injury but is expected to be healthy at some point next week. The limitation could cause him to miss some preseason action, though his availability for the regular-season opener remains unlikely to be affected. The 39-year-old veteran recorded 15 goals and 39 assists over 59 games with the Minnesota Wild last year, averaging 18:39 of ice time.

Kevin Fiala At Least Three Weeks Away From Returning To Kings

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Kings left winger Kevin Fiala is at least three weeks away from returning to play as he recovers from a lower leg fracture suffered during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Fiala is slated to begin skating on his own next week, marking steady progress in his recovery. Once fully healthy, he is expected to resume his role in the top-six forward group and serve as a key contributor on the team's first power-play unit for the upcoming campaign.

Ben Hutton Signs Professional Tryout Contract With Ottawa Senators

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Ottawa Senators have signed veteran defenceman Ben Hutton to a professional tryout. The 33-year-old Brockville native spent last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, playing 55 regular-season games with six goals and 15 points, plus seven playoff games. Hutton provides valuable depth and experience to an Ottawa blue line dealing with Artem Zub's lower-body injury recovery as training camp gets underway.

Jimmy Snuggerud Wants Long-Term Future With St. Louis Blues

AutoDraft Pro AI

Entering the final year of his entry-level contract with a $950,000 cap hit, St. Louis Blues forward Jimmy Snuggerud expressed a strong desire to stay long-term. Snuggerud, who recorded 51 points in 70 games during his first full NHL season, is not concerned about signing an immediate extension amid a flurry of league-wide deals. General manager Alex Steen and president Doug Armstrong noted the team's philosophy of letting players earn their second contracts through performance.

Neal Pionk Healthy And Ready To Go For Jets Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk is fully healthy and ready for the start of training camp after dealing with an undisclosed issue. Pionk looks to rebound from a 2025-26 campaign where he notched three goals, 12 points, 111 hits, and 75 blocks in 51 games. The 31-year-old aims to return to the 30-point milestone, a mark he reached in six consecutive regular seasons from 2019-20 through 2024-25, proving his established track record as a productive blue-liner.

Nick Bjugstad Expected To Miss 4-6 Months After Pectoral Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Former Utah Mammoth forward Nick Bjugstad is expected to miss four to six months after undergoing surgery last week to repair a torn left pectoral muscle, the New Jersey Devils announced. Bjugstad sustained the injury during the offseason, derailing his first season with New Jersey before it began. The 33-year-old veteran joined the Devils at the trade deadline last season after appearing in 66 games for Utah during the 2024-25 campaign, recording 19 points.

Easton Cowan Impresses Head Coach Jim Hiller At Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Entering his sophomore NHL season, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan stood out during the first day of training camp. Head coach Jim Hiller praised Cowan, who skated alongside Colton Sissons and Nick Paul, describing him as a relentless 'puck hound' all over the ice. Cowan is looking to build on a rookie campaign where he recorded 11 goals and 29 points across 66 games while adding new dimensions to his playmaking abilities.

Sam Malinski Aiming For Growth After Breakout 40-Point Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Following a breakout season where he played all 82 games and recorded 40 points, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski entered training camp focused on further development. After showcasing his offensive skills and ability to create from the blue line, Malinski is now emphasizing defensive habits like puck retrieval and checking. He credited the team's veterans, including Brent Burns, for helping him learn how to maintain consistency over a full NHL season.

Ryan Reaves Announces Retirement From NHL After 16 Seasons

AutoDraft Pro AI

Long-time NHL enforcer Ryan Reaves announced his retirement from hockey after playing 16 seasons, recording 66 goals, 140 points, and 1,137 penalty minutes across 962 games. Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2005, Reaves also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, and San Jose Sharks. Known for his physicality and energy, he finished just shy of the 1,000-game milestone.

Dylan Larkin Addresses Offseason Trade Request as Camp Opens

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin spoke directly with his teammates regarding his offseason trade request and addressed questions from reporters on the very first day of training camp. Larkin, currently in limbo with the organization, navigated the opening media session as the Red Wings prepare to kick off their new campaign amidst questions surrounding the star forward's future with the franchise.

Alex Ovechkin Defends Political Ad Appearance and Russia Support

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin defended his appearance in a political ad for Vladimir Putin's party during his 22nd season opening news conference. The NHL's all-time leading goal scorer stated he supports Russia but is 'not pro-war' and hopes the conflict with Ukraine ends soon. Trailing Wayne Gretzky by 10 goals in combined regular season and playoff goals, Ovechkin is looking to add another milestone while planning to eventually retire in Russia.

Drew Doughty Named 15th Captain of Los Angeles Kings

AutoDraft Pro AI

Drew Doughty was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings, inheriting the role following Anze Kopitar's retirement after 20 seasons with the club. Entering the final year of his contract, the 36-year-old defenseman will lead a transition group that includes alternate captains Adrian Kempe, Mikey Anderson, and Artemi Panarin under new head coach Peter Laviolette. Doughty is the franchise leader among defensemen in goals, assists, points, and games played.

Anze Kopitar Retires After 20 Seasons, Succeeding Captaincy to Drew Doughty

AutoDraft Pro AI

Anze Kopitar concluded his storied 20-season career with the Los Angeles Kings, paving the way for defenseman Drew Doughty to be named the 15th captain in franchise history. Kopitar's retirement marks the end of an era for the Kings, who also hired head coach Peter Laviolette in June following a fifth straight first-round playoff exit. Doughty takes over the leadership role heading into his 19th NHL season alongside alternate captains Adrian Kempe, Mikey Anderson, and newcomer Artemi Panarin.

James Hagens Emerges As Key X-Factor In Boston Bruins Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Top prospect James Hagens enters Bruins training camp as a major X-factor following a standout four-goal performance in a 4-3 overtime win over the Sabres at the 2026 Prospects Showcase. Head coach Marco Sturm praised his strong start, giving him a head start in camp. While Hagens could eventually move into a top-six role, a third-line spot alongside veteran center Lindholm and Khusnutdinov is expected to help him smoothly transition to regular NHL competition this season.

Drake Batherson Secures Massive Eight-Year, $82M Contract Extension

AutoDraft Pro AI

Drake Batherson is locked in with the Ottawa Senators on an eight-year, $82-million contract extension carrying an AAV of $10.25 million. The Hockey News' Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy examine the blockbuster deal, discussing trade protection, salary cap impacts, and how his long-term commitment stabilizes the franchise following a turbulent summer. The agreement positions Batherson as a cornerstone for Ottawa as the team navigates the NHL's rising salary cap and roster shaping.

Mathew Barzal Sidelined at Start of Islanders Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mathew Barzal will not skate at the start of New York Islanders training camp due to the aggravation of a prior injury that has caused inflammation. The team announced his status as camp opened under shorter timelines per the new CBA. While the Islanders released an official statement emphasizing his commitment to getting back on the ice, Barzal remains on health watch without a full timetable provided, putting his early-season status in question.

Wednesday, September 16

Cutter Gauthier Signs Six-Year, $81M Extension With Ducks Ahead of Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Anaheim Ducks signed star forward Cutter Gauthier to a six-year contract extension carrying a $13.5 million cap hit through the 2031-32 season. GM Pat Verbeek secured the deal just before the previous CBA expired and two days prior to 2026 training camp. Gauthier, who led the team last season with 41 goals and 76 points as a 22-year-old, remains a core offensive pillar alongside the young core as Anaheim prepares for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.

Ryan Reaves Announces Retirement After 16 NHL Seasons

AutoDraft Pro AI

Veteran NHL enforcer Ryan Reaves announced his retirement from hockey after 16 seasons. The 39-year-old winger played in 962 career games across seven franchises, including the Blues, Penguins, Golden Knights, Rangers, Wild, Maple Leafs, and Sharks. Known for his physical style, Reaves accumulated 66 goals, 140 points, 1,137 penalty minutes, and 3,225 hits, finishing his career with three goals in 50 games for San Jose last season and leaving just three active visorless players in the league.

Connor Hellebuyck Suspended by Jets After Missing Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Winnipeg Jets suspended goaltender Connor Hellebuyck after he failed to report to training camp following a public trade request in August. Hellebuyck, under contract through 2030-31 at an $8.5 million average annual value, is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and 2025 Hart Trophy recipient. Winnipeg previously held trade talks with Buffalo prior to the 2026 draft and signed Stuart Skinner as goaltending coverage this summer. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will address the media Thursday morning.

Drew Doughty Named Kings Captain Replacing Anze Kopitar

AutoDraft Pro AI

Drew Doughty has officially been named the new captain of the Los Angeles Kings. Doughty steps into the primary leadership role for the franchise, replacing former captain Anze Kopitar following Kopitar's retirement.