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NHL News

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

Wednesday, September 16

Ethan Del Mastro Agrees to $1.9 Million, 2-Year Contract

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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Ethan Del Mastro agreed to a $1.9 million, two-year contract as a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old former fourth-round pick made his NHL debut in April 2024 and has recorded two goals and five assists across 45 career games. Last season, Del Mastro appeared in 19 games with Chicago, notching one assist, while also contributing two goals and 16 assists in 45 games with Rockford of the American Hockey League.

Mathew Barzal Out Two Weeks After Aggravating Injury

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New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal is not expected to skate for the next two weeks after aggravating a previous injury, putting his availability for the Sept. 30 season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs in serious doubt. Barzal served as New York's leading scorer last season, appearing in 81 regular-season games while recording 19 goals, 53 assists, and 20 power-play points. The team expects his absence to be relatively brief.

Scott Wedgewood Ready to Battle for Avalanche Crease

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Scott Wedgewood enters training camp facing a fierce battle with Mackenzie Blackwood for the Colorado Avalanche starting goaltender role. After posting a 31-6-6 record and a 2.00 GAA with a .919 save percentage last season, Wedgewood forced a serious re-evaluation in net. Entering the final year of his contract at $2.5 million, the veteran netminder is prepared to defend his workload against a newly motivated Blackwood for the upcoming campaign.

Mackenzie Blackwood Enters Training Camp in Peak Shape

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Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood arrived at training camp in the best shape of his life, looking to reclaim the starting crease under a clean slate. Head coach Jared Bednar noted an open competition, with Blackwood competing against Scott Wedgewood after a stellar summer of work. Signed to a five-year, $26.25 million extension, Blackwood is determined to prove his value following an injury-interrupted previous campaign where he shared duties extensively.

Clayton Keller Aims for Higher Peak Following 88-Point Season

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Utah forward Clayton Keller expressed confidence that he has yet to reach his career peak and is aiming for even greater offensive production in the 2026-27 season. Keller is coming off a stellar campaign in which he registered 26 goals and 88 points across 82 regular-season games for Utah. The 28-year-old winger has now posted at least 25 goals and 75 points in four consecutive regular seasons as he looks to elevate his game further.

Adam Fantilli Set to Miss Start of Training Camp Unsigned

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Adam Fantilli is set to miss the start of training camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets as he remains an unsigned restricted free agent following the expiration of his entry-level contract. Fantilli posted 24 goals and 59 points in 82 regular-season appearances last season. While a new contract could be finalized soon, an extended absence from camp could hinder his preparation and timing for the start of the regular season.

Pavel Zacha Remains In Talks With Boston Regarding Long-Term Future

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General manager Don Sweeney stated Wednesday that the Bruins remain in communication with Pavel Zacha's representation regarding a long-term deal ahead of the final year of his contract. Although Zacha has been a trade candidate, Sweeney reiterated the 29-year-old's importance. Zacha recorded a career-high 30 goals with 35 assists, 64 hits, 28 PIM, and 26 blocked shots over 78 regular-season games last year, marking his fourth straight year with at least 78 appearances.

Jason Zucker To Miss Start Of Season After Sports Hernia Surgery

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Buffalo Sabres left wing Jason Zucker is recovering from sports hernia surgery and will miss the start of the regular season, per general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. He could return by mid-October, missing a couple of weeks. Last season, the 34-year-old registered 24 goals, 21 assists, 57 hits, 23 PIM, and 21 blocked shots over 62 appearances while averaging 15:37 of ice time. The veteran forward's absence deals an early blow to Buffalo's forward depth to begin the campaign.

Nathan MacKinnon Points To Carolina's Patience As Inspiration For Colorado

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Nathan MacKinnon defended coach Jared Bednar during media day, pointing to Carolina's patient championship blueprint as inspiration after Colorado's playoff sweep by Vegas. MacKinnon believes the Avalanche should not tear apart their roster despite postseason frustration. Bednar acknowledged plans to evolve his approach by focusing more on individual players rather than opponent-specific analytics to squeeze more out of a veteran group aiming to contend again.

Logan Cooley Feels Good Heading Into Training Camp After Injury-Riddled Year

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Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley stated Wednesday that he feels good heading into training camp. Limited to a career-low 54 regular-season games last year, Cooley recorded 24 goals, 19 assists, 54 hits, 28 PIM, and 27 blocked shots while averaging 17:20 of ice time. During his press availability, he emphasized that one of his main goals for the 2026-27 season is staying healthy to play in all 84 regular-season games, looking encouraged by summer workouts.

Joonas Korpisalo Set To Compete For Backup Role Ahead Of Opening Night

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Joonas Korpisalo will have to earn the backup goaltender job ahead of Opening Night against the Bruins. Korpisalo holds the inside track to secure the No. 2 role over Dylan Garand, though he is not a lock. Even if he wins the battle, he is unlikely to see many starts behind workhorse netminder Igor Shesterkin, meaning Korpisalo will likely provide only middling fantasy value for managers during the 2026-27 regular season according to reports from the New York Post.

Pavel Dorofeyev To Be Tested In Different Roles During Training Camp

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The New York Rangers will test different roles for Pavel Dorofeyev over training camp to determine his best fit following his summer acquisition from Vegas. Dorofeyev had 37 goals and 64 points in 82 regular-season games in 2025-26. Capable of playing both wings, his versatility gives the team flexibility in experiments. Whatever his specific assignment, he is expected to secure a spot in the top six for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign as his exact deployment is ironed out.

Alex Lyon Slated for Solid Workload in Buffalo Sabres Goaltending Timeshare

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Although projected as Buffalo's secondary goaltender, Alex Lyon is slated to receive a solid workload and split duties rather than hold a traditional backup role. Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed the team will share crease time. Lyon posted a 20-10-4 record, 2.77 GAA, and .906 save percentage across 36 games last year, and he is expected to share playing time primarily with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Colten Ellis.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen Expected to Share Net in Buffalo for 2026-27 Season

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Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff announced that goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and the team's other netminders will share playing time early in the 2026-27 campaign. Following a timeshare approach from the previous year, Luukkonen is slated to split crease duties primarily with Alex Lyon and potentially Colten Ellis to preserve long-term health during the abbreviated training camp and rigorous regular-season schedule.

Justin Sourdif Inks Eight-Year Max Term Contract With Washington Capitals

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Former Florida Panthers draft pick Justin Sourdif has signed an eight-year contract with the Washington Capitals carrying an annual value of $6.35 million. Traded to Washington in June 2025, the 24-year-old center thrived in his rookie season by recording 15 goals and 35 points in 78 games. The long-term signing right before the new CBA limits max terms highlights the Capitals' strong confidence in Sourdif as a key contributor to their future success.

Ryan Johnson Provides Training Camp Update on Thatcher Demko's Recovery

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Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson announced that goaltender Thatcher Demko will not be a full participant in training camp as he continues recovering from hip surgery. Demko remains without a definitive timetable to return to full action, though he will join teammates on the ice in Penticton. In the event Demko is sidelined for the start of the regular season, options such as Kevin Lankinen, Chris Driedger, and Nikita Tolopilo are candidates to step into net duties.

Thatcher Demko Will Not Be Full Participant in Vancouver Training Camp

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Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson announced that goaltender Thatcher Demko will not be a full participant in training camp as he continues his recovery from offseason hip surgery. Demko will be on the ice in Penticton with teammates, though his ultimate availability for the regular-season opener remains unclear. Kevin Lankinen, Chris Driedger, and Nikita Tolopilo are candidates to see time in net if the goaltender is forced to miss additional time.

Nate Danielson Sets Sights on Detroit Red Wings Roster Spot

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Nate Danielson is aiming to secure a spot on the Detroit Red Wings roster out of training camp after participating in the NHL Prospects Tournament. Last season, the 2023 first-round pick appeared in 28 NHL games with two goals and five assists before a mid-February stress fracture ended his season. Griffins head coach Dan Watson notes Danielson's defensive responsibility can sometimes hinder his offense, but expects his rehab to help him become a more impactful net-front contributor.

Elvis Merzlikins Remains Out Indefinitely Following Shoulder Surgery

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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins remains out indefinitely after failing his physical due to ongoing recovery from shoulder surgery. General manager Don Waddell stated there is no clear timetable for his return, noting he will not be seen in the near future. Merzlikins recorded a 14-11-3 record, 3.39 GAA, and .883 save percentage across 30 regular-season appearances. Cam Talbot is projected to serve as the backup to Jet Greaves during his absence.

Aleksander Barkov Confident And Ready For Training Camp Return

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Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is available for the start of training camp after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign with a knee injury. Barkov expressed confidence ahead of his comeback, stating that the hardest part of his rehabilitation is behind him. Although he missed last season, he logged three goals and 11 points in 10 outings for Team Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. When healthy, Barkov remains a point-per-game player.