NHL Player News

McKown was elevated from AHL Cleveland on Friday.

McKown made the jump to the professional ranks last year following a three-year career with Colorado College. In his 53 regular-season games with AHL Cleveland, the 22-year-old center notched nine goals and 15 assists, adding another four points in 11 playoff matchups. While McKown likely will play most of his games in the minors this year, his offensive upside should see him make his NHL debut at some point during the 2024-25 campaign.

Del Bel Belluz was promoted from AHL Cleveland on Friday.

Del Bel Belluz figures to get some minutes in Friday's preseason finale versus Pittsburgh but will likely be shipped back to the minors ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. With the Monsters last year, the 20-year-old center generated nine goals and 22 helpers in 58 regular-season contests. If Del Bel Belluz can improve on that level of productivity in the minors, he should earn a call-up or two this year.

Eichel scored a goal on two shots and went minus-3 in Thursday's 3-1 preseason loss to the Avalanche.

Eichel has accumulated four points this preseason, so his offense is already in good shape. The 27-year-old center will continue to be a key part of the Golden Knights' offense in 2024-25 after producing 31 goals and 68 points over 63 regular-season outings a year ago. Eichel could begin the year with Ivan Barbashev and Victor Olofsson on his wings, but Vegas' lack of proven forward depth could lead to many changes during the campaign.

Byfield netted a hat trick Thursday in a 4-1 preseason win over Boston.

Byfield has been playing at center this preseason and is showing the NHL why he was drafted second overall (2020). On Thursday, the big man scored twice in 25 seconds in the second period. The first came on a beautiful one-timer on a 2-on-1 break with Kevin Fiala, and then Byfield smacked in a rebound from in tight. His third goal came on the power play in the third. Byfield has looked comfortable at pivot this season and seems to have chemistry with newcomer Warren Foegele and veteran Kevin Fiala. He hopes to build on his 20 goals and 35 assists from last year.

Stankoven scored two goals on four shots in Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Blues.

Stankoven tallied twice in the third period, with his second goal coming at the 19:20 mark of the frame to tie the game at 3-3. He's up to four goals and seven points over five preseason outings, proving himself more than ready to begin the year in the NHL. Stankoven racked up 22 points across 43 regular-season and playoff games last year, and since just 24 of those appearances came in the regular season, he'll retain eligibility for the Calder Trophy with 2024-25 serving officially as his rookie year. Look for the 21-year-old to fill a middle-six spot when the Stars open their schedule in Nashville next Thursday.

Thomas provided two assists and went plus-2 in Thursday's 4-3 overtime win over the Stars.

Thomas set up a Philip Broberg goal in the third period and also found Jordan Kyrou for the game-winner 1:43 into overtime. After taking a large step forward with 26 goals and 60 assists over 82 games last season, Thomas is firmly entrenched as the Blues' No. 1 center. The playmaking pivot should again push for a point-per-game pace while seeing ample power-play time, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to add much outside of the scoring categories.

Kyrou scored a goal on four shots in Thursday's 4-3 overtime win over the Stars.

Kyrou tallied 1:43 into the contest, giving the Blues a win after they blew a two-goal lead over the final nine minutes of regulation. The 26-year-old winger is expected to maintain a top-six role in 2024-25. He's coming off of a slightly down year after producing 67 points in 82 games in 2023-24, the first time in three years he missed the 70-point mark. Kyrou has 30-goal, 70-point potential, though he's also posted a minus-50 rating over the last two seasons combined.

Karlsson (undisclosed) isn't in the lineup for Thursday's preseason game against Colorado, per the NHL media site.

Karlsson's final chance to get into an exhibition contest before the start of the regular season will come Saturday versus San Jose. Even if Karlsson doesn't play against the Sharks, it's still possible he'll feature on the lineup for Vegas' Opening Night clash against Colorado on Wednesday.

Ponomarev (upper body) is expected to miss Friday's preseason game against Columbus, the team announced Thursday.

Friday's clash is Pittsburgh's final scheduled exhibition contest before the start of the regular season. When Ponomarev is healthy, he will probably be sent to the minors. He had nine goals and 30 points across 45 regular-season contests between AHL Tucson, Chicago and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2023-24.

Geekie will be suspended for Friday's matchup with Carolina, the Department of Player Safety announced Thursday.

Geekie left the bench for the express purpose of starting a fight, which resulted in not only 19 minutes in penalties in Thursday's clash with Tampa Bay but will also see the 20-year-old center sitting out a game. While his suspension may not have a significant impact considering it's just the preseason, Geekie needs every available minute to impress team brass in the hopes of securing a roster spot for Opening Night against the Hurricanes on Oct. 11.