NHL Player News

Czata scored twice in OHL Guelph's 6-0 win over Oshawa on Friday.

Fresh off a stint at training camp with the Lightning, Czata had a strong OHL season debut. He's on a new team this year, joining the Storm after three years with Niagara. He posted 53 points in 63 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, a slight per-game uptick from the year before. Playing on a strong team that's also hosting the Memorial Cup in May of 2027 should allow Czata to do a bit more on offense in his age-19 campaign.

Nobert scored twice in QMJHL Halifax's 4-3 overtime win over Newfoundland on Friday.

Nobert made his Mooseheads debut after getting traded from Blainville-Boisbriand in the offseason. The Vegas prospect collected 78 points in 62 regular-season games with the Armada last year. The 19-year-old should be a leader on offense for Halifax in 2026-27, setting him up either for an entry-level deal or a jump to the NCAA next year.

Dagenais scored twice and added two assists in QMJHL Quebec's 7-4 win over Shawinigan on Friday.

Dagenais made his season debut after a stint at the Blues' training camp. The forward was drafted 16th overall in 2026 and has a great shot while still needing work in other areas. Dagenais was drafted as a center but has mostly worked on the wing in his junior career, and it's possible he moves full time to the wing once he reaches the professional ranks.

Zibanejad scored a goal, dished an assist and added two hits in Friday's 6-1 preseason win over the Islanders.

Zibanejad looks set to open the season as the Rangers' top center. While the team around him has gotten a remodel in recent years, Zibanejad stood out with a 78-point effort in 81 games in 2025-26. He also had 105 hits last year, topping the 100-hit mark for the first time since 2018-19. The 33-year-old can offer a little of everything, making him a quality middle-round fantasy option.

Chytil (shoulder) was put on injured reserve Friday.

Although Chytil's placement on IR is retroactive to Sept. 24, he's week-to-week, per Thomas Drance of The Athletic, so he's unlikely to be activated at his earliest date of eligibility. He had three goals in 12 regular-season outings with Vancouver in 2025-26.

Celebrini was named the Sharks' captain Friday.

San Jose's previous captain was Logan Couture, who has one season remaining on his eight-year, $64 million contract but announced his retirement in April 2025 due to a groin injury. Celebrini is the future of the Sharks after signing a five-year, $94 million contract that won't begin until the 2027-28 campaign. While his upcoming $18.8 million cap hit is unquestionably huge, the 20-year-old demonstrated that he can live up to it by scoring 45 goals and 115 points in 82 regular-season appearances last campaign. Celebrini should be one of the league's top forwards for years to come.

Gregor was placed on waivers by Winnipeg on Friday.

Gregor was in action for 37 regular-season games with the Panthers last year, tallying four goals, five assists and 37 hits while averaging 9:34 of ice time. Despite his experience, it seems the 28-year-old center won't be starting the 2026-27 campaign in the NHL, heading to the minors if he clears waivers.

Robidas was placed on waivers by Carolina on Friday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Robidas had 23 goals and 60 points in 58 regular-season appearances with AHL Chicago in 2025-26. He also registered an assist in two regular-season outings with Carolina. Although his inclusion on waivers suggests that he won't be part of the Hurricanes' Opening Night roster, Robidas might still get a shot with Carolina as the 2026-27 campaign progresses.

Brind'Amour was waived by Carolina on Friday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Brind'Amour had 16 goals, 34 points and 36 PIM in 68 regular-season appearances with AHL Chicago in 2025-26. He also has a goal in six career NHL regular-season outings with the Hurricanes. The 27-year-old is likely to spend the vast majority of the upcoming campaign in the minors.

Ford was designated for waivers by the Jets on Friday.

Ford logged 15 regular-season games for Winnipeg last year, producing one assist, 10 shots and 27 hits while averaging 9:45 of ice time. Assuming he clears waivers, the 26-year-old forward will be reassigned to AHL Manitoba, where he will likely play the bulk of his games.