NHL Player News

Kasper pocketed two assists in Saturday's 4-2 preseason loss to the Blue Jackets.

Both helpers came in the third period as Kasper tried to spark a comeback from a 3-0 deficit. The 22-year-old center saw his numbers take a significant step backwards in 2025-26, as he managed just nine goals and 19 points in 81 games, but Kasper could be thrust into a top-six role this season if Dylan Larkin (upper body) gets his desired trade.

Coyle scored a power-play goal and added an even-strength assist in Saturday's 4-2 preseason win over Detroit.

Both points came in the first period as the Blue Jackets never trailed in the contest. Coyle was handsomely rewarded with a six-year contract extension this offseason after producing 20 goals and 58 points over 82 regular-season games in 2025-26, but his ability to repeat those numbers could depend on Sean Monahan's ability to stay healthy and be an effective No. 2 center behind young star Adam Fantilli.

Cooley scored a power-play goal in Saturday's 2-0 preseason win over the Avalanche.

The 22-year-old center wrapped up the scoring midway through the first period by tucking the puck past Scott Wedgewood from in close. Cooley has scored at least 20 goals in all three of his NHL campaigns so far, but if he can stay healthy this time around he could be headed for a breakout after potting 24 in only 54 regular-season contests in 2025-26.

Turcotte scored two even-strength goals and added a power-play assist in Saturday's 6-2 preseason win over the Ducks.

All three points came in the third period as the Kings pulled away. Turcotte could be headed for a top-six role this season following the retirement of Anze Kopitar, but the 25-year-old center has yet to produce big numbers in the NHL, and he managed just three goals and 14 points in 62 regular-season games in 2025-26.

Hopkins scored a goal on seven shots and added two assists in OHL Guelph's 5-1 win over Owen Sound on Saturday.

Hopkins is entering his fourth year in the OHL. He's already produced five points over two games since coming back from training camp with the Maple Leafs. Hopkins didn't stand out last year with 50 points in 56 regular-season appearances between Guelph and Kingston, but the Storm are looking like one of junior hockey's best teams on paper, so Hopkins should be able to see a bump in offense.

Crosby scored a goal in Saturday's 3-1 preseason win over the Sabres.

The 39-year-old future Hall of Famer opened the scoring midway through the first period, blasting a shot from the faceoff dot past Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Crosby is still producing at a high level, racking up 29 goals and 74 points in 68 regular-season games in 2025-26, and he needs just 11 points to pass Marcel Dionne and take over sixth place on the NHL's all-time list.

Steeves was placed on waivers by the Bruins on Saturday.

After a productive first year of seeing regular playing time at the NHL level, Steeves will begin the 2026-27 campaign in the minors if he goes unclaimed. The 26-year-old winger was solid from his bottom-six role, where he posted nine goals, 16 points, 55 shots on net, 144 hits and 27 blocked shots across 43 regular-season games. If he clears waivers over the next 24 hours, he'll likely play a large role for AHL Providence. Steeves will likely see some NHL playing time in 2026-27 if the Bruins' forward room runs into injury trouble.

Foudy was placed on waivers Saturday for the purpose of sending him to AHL Hamilton.

Foudy notched 26 goals and 47 points in 60 games for AHL Bridgeport during the 2025-26 regular season. If he clears waivers, he will likely spend most, if not all, of the 2026-27 campaign in the minors.

Del Bel Belluz (shoulder) is expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against Detroit.

Del Bel Belluz is competing for a fourth-line role with the Blue Jackets at training camp, and he will get another chance to make an impression in Saturday's preseason finale. He picked up one assist, 11 shots on net, 10 blocked shots and three hits in 14 appearances for Columbus during the 2025-26 regular season.

Hamilton scored three goals in WHL Red Deer's 4-3 win over Lethbridge on Friday.

Hamilton was a third-round pick of the Avalanche back in June. He broke out with 62 points in 67 regular-season appearances on a struggling team. This year, he's captaining the Rebels and is off to a hot start. The 18-year-old should be able to show growth on offense while playing in a large role for Red Deer throughout 2026-27.