NHL Player News

Tavares scored a goal on five shots, added two assists, logged two hits and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 6-1 preseason win over the Senators.

Tavares was one of three Maple Leafs to record three points in the game. The 36-year-old center looks ready to roll after this performance. He's topped the 70-point mark in four of the last five years, and he'll be in position to keep producing on offense while occupying a second-line role and a spot on the first power-play unit to begin 2026-27.

Matthews scored a goal on four shots and added two assists in Wednesday's 6-1 preseason win over the Senators.

Matthews looked good in the Maple Leafs' last tune-up before the regular season. The 29-year-old is coming off a down year of 27 goals and 53 points over 60 regular-season games, his first time under a point-per-game mark since his rookie year. Matthews is showing no lingering effects from the MCL injury that ended his 2025-26 campaign prematurely, and he should be a reliable source of offense in a top-line role this season.

Paul (undisclosed) left Wednesday's preseason game versus the Senators early, but head coach Jim Hiller didn't think the issue was significant, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

Paul's removal from the game appears to be more on the precautionary side. The forward will have nearly a week to rest up before Opening Night versus the Canadiens on Tuesday. Assuming he's healthy, Paul should feature in a middle-six role to begin 2026-27.

Barre-Boulet didn't skate Wednesday for an undisclosed reason and is considered day-to-day, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

While the exact nature of Barre-Boulet's injury is unclear, he appears to be facing some limitations heading into the final week of training camp. Even if the 29-year-old returns to full health in the near future, he will likely begin the 2026-27 campaign in the minors. He's made just four NHL regular-season appearances across the last two years.

Head coach Jeff Blashill said Wednesday that Bedard (shoulder) isn't yet close to joining the Blackhawks for practice, Scott Powers of The Athletic reports.

Bedard is expected to be sidelined until around November after undergoing shoulder surgery in July. He's been taking part in some activities during training camp, including taking some slap shots on the ice before Wednesday's team session. Once he's healthy, the Blackhawks' new captain will handle a significant role. He recorded 30 goals, 45 assists, 50 PIM, 31 hits and 27 blocked shots while averaging 20:52 of ice time per game in 69 regular-season appearances last year.

Studnicka hit the waiver wire Wednesday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

Once a well-regarded prospect, Studnicka has bounced through a few organizations since and signed with the Flyers on a two-way deal this summer. This is a continuation of a career that's had trouble finding NHL stability, and he now heads back to the wire again.

Sillinger was put on waivers by Columbus on Wednesday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Sillinger had 14 goals, 34 points and 50 PIM in 69 regular-season outings with AHL Cleveland in 2025-26. He inked a one-year, two-way contract with the Blue Jackets over the summer.

Skoog was waived by Detroit on Wednesday, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Skoog inked a one-year, two-way deal with Detroit this summer to potentially provide some depth scoring insurance. The 27-year-old is expected to report to AHL Grand Rapids if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

Aston-Reese was designated for waivers by the Flyers on Wednesday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

A long-tenured energy and penalty-killing forward who signed a two-year deal with the Flyers over the summer, Aston-Reese was ticketed for a checking-line role. This move suggests Philadelphia has other options ahead of him for now, though his track record makes him useful depth if he clears.

Norris scored a goal on two shots while recording a blocked shot and two PIM during Tuesday's 5-1 preseason win over the Blue Jackets.

Norris didn't appear in Monday's preseason opener against the Penguins but made an impact in the second half of the back-to-back set. The 27-year-old is coming off an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign, recording 13 goals, 21 assists, 28 PIM, 27 blocked shots and 24 hits in 44 regular-season appearances. He should continue to play a prominent role if he can remain healthy this season.