NHL Hockey Player News

Smith separated himself from Mikko Koskinen last season and ended up starting 54 percent of the Oilers games, going 21-6-2 with a 2.31 GAA and .923 SV%. It was a resurgent year for the veteran netminder, who struggled mightily in his debut season with the Oilers. If all goes well in 2022, he should start the lion’s share of the Oilers games and their high-powered offence could make him a valuable fantasy option.

Lapierre was selected No.22 overall in the 2020 draft and cracked the Capitals lineup out of training camp with Nicklas Backstrom (hip) sidelined. Lapierre had eight goals and 23 assists (31 points) in 21 QMJHL goals last season and picked up five assists in four preseason games. Lapierre will start his NHL career as the Capitals third-line centre, with T.J. Oshie and Conor Sheary on his wings.

Martin is not expected to play on Thursday but he will travel with the team to Carolina, so he may not be sidelined for too long. With Martin out, Ross Johnston is expected to draw into the lineup.

Sceviour was in Oilers’ training camp on a PTO but earned a one-year deal and could be in the opening night lineup on Wednesday. Sceviour had five goals and five assists (10 points) in 46 games with the Penguins in 2020-21.

Varlamov is expected to miss the start of the season but will travel with the team on their lengthy road trip, which is a good sign that he isn’t far. With Varlamov out, Ilya Sorokin should start almost every game with Jakub Skarek as his backup.

Vanecek went 21-10-4 with a 2.69 GAA and .908 SV% in his rookie season with the Capitals. This offseason he was lost in the expansion draft but was re-acquired for a 2023 second-round pick after the Kraken signed Philipp Grubauer. Head coach Peter Laviolette said that Vanceck “separated himself a little bit” in training camp and that’s why he gets the nod on opening night.

Megna had seven goals and two assists (nine points) in 13 games with the Eagles a season ago. The 31-year-old will likely serve as a reserve forward on Wednesday with Nathan MacKinnon (COVID-19) not available.

Ovechkin has been dealing with a minor lower-body injury but was on the ice for Wednesday’s morning skate and it appears he will be available for the Capitals’ season opener. However, Ovechkin told reporters he did not know if he was playing tonight, so consider him a game-time decision.

Marner left Tuesday’s practice early following a collision with Wayne Simmonds, but was back on the ice this morning and will be a game-time decision vs. the Canadiens.

Vanecek went 21-10-4 with a 2.69 GAA and .908 SV% in his rookie season with the Capitals. This offseason he was lost in the expansion draft but was re-acquired for a 2023 second-round pick after the Kraken signed Philipp Grubauer. Head coach Peter Laviolette said that Vanceck “separated himself a little bit” in training camp and that’s why he gets the nod on opening night.

Svechnikov was in Jets' training camp on a PTO and earned a one-year deal. Svechnikov is a former first-round pick (No.19 overall) of the Detroit Red Wings but injuries stunted his development over the years. In 41 career NHL games with Detroit, the 24-year-old had five goals and seven assists (12 points).

Boeser was expected to miss the start of the season, however, head coach Travis Green did not rule him out for Wednesday's season opener. Boeser travelled and will likely test his injury in the morning skate, so monitor his status this afternoon.