NHL Player News

Schmaltz scored a goal on three shots in Saturday's 2-1 preseason win over the Avalanche.

Schmaltz didn't see much preseason action -- this was just his second appearance during the exhibition schedule. The 28-year-old didn't need to compete for a spot, as he's all but guaranteed to begin 2024-25 on the top line alongside Clayton Keller and Barrett Hayton. Schmaltz was productive as usual last season, recording 22 goals, 61 points (21 on the power play) and 158 shots on net over 79 contests as a playmaker.

Protas scored a shorthanded goal Saturday in a 2-0 win over the Bruins.

Protas was credited with the game-winner in Saturday's preseason finale. He won a faceoff in the left circle, and the puck ricocheted off the linesman's skate into the low slot, where he jumped on it and lifted a shot over Brandon Bussi's glove. Protas projects to be a third-line winger in Washington, which would limit his fantasy upside.

Brind'Amour signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Brind'Amour was on a professional tryout during training camp and has turned it into his first NHL-level deal. That said, he is likely to spend much of 2024-25 with AHL Chicago. Brind'Amour produced just eight points in 54 regular-season games with AHL Charlotte a year ago, which is a clear signal his offense is not strong enough yet to be an NHL regular. Look for Brind'Amour to be reassigned to the minors prior to the start of the regular season.

Highmore sustained an upper-body injury during Saturday's preseason contest against Montreal and won't return.

Highmore was limited to 1:39 of ice time due to the injury. During the 2023-24 regular season, he recorded nine goals and 31 points in 43 contests with AHL Belleville and had two assists in seven NHL outings with Ottawa. Highmore has been competing for a bottom-six role during training camp.

Pavel (undisclosed) won't play in Saturday's preseason finale against Utah, according to Belle Fraser of The Salt Lake Tribune.

Pavel didn't see any exhibition action after getting injured in the 2024 Rookie Faceoff. He could begin the 2024-25 campaign on season-opening injured reserve before heading to AHL Colorado once he's healthy.

Condotta was called up by Montreal on Saturday.

Condotta was also previously summoned ahead of Tuesday's preseason contest against Ottawa before being reassigned to AHL Laval after that game concluded. It wouldn't be surprising if he's similarly demoted following Saturday's exhibition clash versus the Senators. Condotta is projected to spend the majority of 2024-25 in the minors.

Celebrini (lower body) won't play in Saturday's preseason game versus Vegas, per Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now.

Celebrini's lower-body injury isn't believed to be serious, so he might still be available for Opening Night against St. Louis on Thursday. Selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Celebrini is expected to be a serious contender to win the scoring title among rookies this campaign.

Hughes was waived by the Stars on Saturday, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Hughes scored 25 goals and 57 points in 69 regular-season contests with AHL Coachella Valley in 2023-24. The 27-year-old hasn't played in the NHL since 2020-21, and he's expected to begin this season in the minors if he clears waivers.

The Avalanche have put Tynan on waivers Saturday, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Tynan last played at the NHL level during the 2021-22 campaign, partaking in two games without a point. He spent last season with AHL Ontario, picking up nine goals and 57 assists in 71 regular-season contests. He should be a key cog with the Colorado Eagles of the AHL.

Jones was placed on waivers by the Wild on Saturday.

Jones is expected to pass through waivers and be sent to AHL Iowa. The center had 21 goals, 22 assists and 59 PIM in 72 regular-season appearances with AHL Calgary in 2023-24.