NHL Hockey Player News

Demko's 2025-26 season ended in January after a hip injury that required surgery, but he is hopeful to make his 2026-27 debut in December. Demko, who has battled a myriad of injuries in recent seasons, had a 2.90 GAA and .895 SV% in 20 appearances last season (8-10-1). The Canucks begin the 2026-27 season with Kevin Lankinen and Leevi Merilainen as their goaltending tandem.

The Oilers acquired Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins last season to help solidify their crease, but he just added more uncertainty and was eventually outdueled by Connor Ingram. Now, with Ingram retired and newly acquired Frederik Andersen (undisclosed) sidelined, Jarry will start the 2026-27 season with an opportunity to prove himself and earn the trust of new bench boss Mike Babcock. The 31-year-old Jarry had an ugly 3.86 GAA and .857 SV% in 19 appearances (9-6-2) with the Oilers last season.

Burakovsky exited Saturday's preseason game with an undisclosed injury, and the team has yet to provide a concrete update on his status. The 31-year-old forward averaged 16:25 of ice time and scored just 33 points (11G / 22A) last season, while posting a career-worst -32 plus/minus in 75 games with the Chicago Blackhawks. He hopes to rediscover his offensive prowess in an elevated role with the Senators this season.

Joshua has been battling a core injury for an extended period, limiting his presence at training camp. Last week, Maple Leafs GM John Chayka insisted Joshua was day-to-day, but has since changed his timeline to week-to-week. The 30-year-old Joshua had a decent inaugural season with the Maple Leafs in 2025-26, scoring 18 points (10G / 8A) and recording 195 hits while playing 55 games in a bottom-six role.

Tucker played his first full NHL season in 2025-26, scoring 17 points (3G / 14A) in 69 games, and hopes his role will grow in 2026-27. That said, the 26-year-old defenseman suffered a lower-body injury that has sidelined him for a week and will derail the start of his 2026-27 season. He is expected to be re-evaluated shortly.

Mailloux exited Saturday's preseason game after a fight with Chicago Blackhawks forward Cole Smith and did not return. He has since undergone surgery to address the injury and will likely miss at least eight weeks. It's an unfortunate blow for Mailloux, who began looking more comfortable toward the end of his rookie season in 2025-26 and was in line to take a step forward with the Blues in 2026-27.

A day before the Canadiens open their regular season against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kapanen has been listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The 23-year-old Swedish forward is coming off a solid rookie season in 2025-26, scoring 37 points (22G / 15A) in 82 games.

Barzal did not pass his physical at the start of training camp as he works his way back from a left knee injury. Moving him to the Injured Non-Roster list means he does not count against the 23-man roster required by Monday at 5pm, but it also allows him to be activated and play whenever he's back to 100 percent.

Fabbro sustained a hand fracture in the preseason and is expected to miss at least one month, opening the season on the Injured Non-Roster List. With Fabbro out, the Blue Jackets may sign Carson Soucy, who was with the team on a PTO during the preseason. Expect Fabbro to miss at least the first 10 games of the season.

Severson is recovering from shoulder surgery in April and has been medically cleared to play, but the Blue Jackets will assess how he feels in practice this week before determining his availability for their opener on Thursday. The Blue Jackets will practise three times this week, so they'll monitor how Severson responds to contact before deciding on their top-pairing defenseman.

L'Heureux is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury that he suffered late in the preseason. L'Heureux missed the final two preseason games on Friday and Saturday, and then also missed Sunday's practice session. He's considered day-to-day and questionable to play in the season opener.

O'Connor is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury that he suffered late in the preseason. O'Connor missed the final two preseason games on Friday and Saturday, and then also missed Sunday's practice session. He's considered day-to-day and questionable to play in the season opener. T.J. Hughes skated in O'Connor's spot at Sunday's practice and is expected to play on Wednesday.

Jarvis skated throughout training camp in a non-contact jersey and will open the season on the Injured Non-Roster list. The Hurricanes have yet to provide an update on his status, so the original timeline of 4-to-6 months from the end of June, would put him in line to return in late-October at the earliest.

Poitras suffered a lower-body injury in practice and missed the Bruins' preseason finale on Friday. Poitras appeared in only three NHL games last season and was likely headed for waivers if he didn't land on IR to start the season. The Bruins will have a decision to make about the 2022 2nd-round pick when he's healthy.