NHL Player News

Cirelli found the back of the net in Friday's 2-1 overtime exhibition loss to Carolina.

In addition to scoring, Cirelli registered a plus-1 rating in 22:17 of ice time, the most of any Lightning forward. The 27-year-old will slot in on the second line while receiving power-play time in the coming campaign. Cirelli set career highs in goals (20) and points (45) in 2023-24.

Eriksson Ek recorded two assists, three hits, three blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 6-1 preseason win over the Blackhawks.

Eriksson Ek was a force in the preseason with three goals and five assists over three games. The 27-year-old center's position in the lineup isn't certain yet -- he'll be an every-game player, but he could play anywhere from the first line to the third line. The Swede improved his point total for the fifth straight year in 2023-24, producing 30 goals, 64 points, 267 shots on net and 169 hits over 77 appearances. If he can fend off Marco Rossi for the top-line gig between Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, Eriksson Ek would be a strong and consistent fantasy center.

Necas registered two assists in Friday's 2-1 overtime preseason win versus the Lightning.

Necas had the primary helper on both of Carolina's goals in Friday's contest, which puts him up to three assists in two exhibition games. The 25-year-old has a lot to prove in the coming campaign -- the right-shot forward signed a two-year bridge deal with the club in July. With Necas set to fill a top-six role while skating on the top power-play unit, his career high of 71 points in 2022-23 could be within reach.

Kotkaniemi opened the scoring in Friday's 2-1 overtime exhibition win against Tampa Bay.

Kotkaniemi redirected a shot from Martin Necas at 5:26 of the second frame. Kotkaniemi added three shots, one block and a plus-1 rating in 14:59 of ice time. The Finnish forward is expected to step into a second-line role while receiving time on the power play in 2024-25. The 24-year-old's career high in points is 43, set during the 2022-23 campaign.

Rossi scored a goal on four shots and added an assist in Friday's 6-1 preseason win over the Blackhawks.

Rossi began the game as the first-line center, but Joel Eriksson Ek also saw time in that role. However, it was on the power play where Rossi made his impact. He scored the opening goal late in a double-minor to Patrick Maroon in the first period, and he then helped out on a Mats Zuccarello tally late in the second. Regardless of which line he's on, Rossi is poised to be a major contributor for the Wild this year after generating 40 points in 82 regular-season appearances as a rookie last season.

Suter (upper body) won't play Friday versus the Oilers, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

Suter will be out for the Canucks' preseason finale, putting his status for Wednesday's season opener in doubt as well. The 28-year-old forward's absence is at least partially offset by the return of Teddy Blueger (lower body), who will suit up Friday.

Blueger (lower body) will play in Friday's preseason finale versus the Oilers, Jeff Paterson of CanucksArmy.com reports.

Blueger appears set to get some preseason action after missing a large portion of training camp. The 30-year-old forward is projected to play in a fourth-line role to begin 2024-25, though he could move up to the third line at times if injuries impact the Canucks' center depth.

Brown signed an AHL-only contract with AHL Syracuse on Friday, indicating he has been released from his professional tryout with the Lightning, per PuckPedia.

Brown dealt with an undisclosed injury late in camp, which likely hurt his chances of making the NHL roster. The 26-year-old forward's NHL rights are available for any team to sign.

Peterson was recalled from AHL Springfield on Friday.

Peterson will be available for the Blues' preseason finale Saturday versus the Blackhawks. The 22-year-old signed an entry-level deal in April and is likely to spend most of the campaign in the AHL.

McGing was recalled from AHL Springfield on Friday.

McGing was waived Sunday, but he'll return to the NHL for a preseason game Saturday versus the Blackhawks. The 26-year-old has no points over six NHL appearances across the previous two seasons.