NHL Player News

Morrison was designated for waivers by the Kraken on Monday.

Morrison hasn't played in an NHL game since 2023-24, when he logged four games for the Kraken. The 24-year-old center put up big numbers last year, generating 29 goals and 32 assists in 68 regular-season tilts with the Firebirds. Still, it wasn't enough to earn him a call-up to the big club. If he does play in any NHL games this year, it will likely be due to injury.

Hayden was placed on waivers Monday for the purpose of being reassigned to AHL Coachella Valley.

Hayden notched 13 goals and 11 assists in 67 minor-league appearances for the Firebirds during the 2025-26 regular season. The 31-year-old forward didn't post a point in three NHL outings with Seattle last October.

Avon was placed on waivers for the purpose of reassignment Monday.

Avon has yet to appear in an NHL game, spending the last three seasons in the AHL. Undrafted out of the OHL, the 23-year-old center notched 10 goals and 14 assists in 45 regular-season contests for AHL Coachella Valley before adding eight points in 12 playoff games.

Head coach Jim Hiller said Monday that he isn't sure whether Joshua's undisclosed injury will impact his availability for the Maple Leafs' Opening Night matchup against Montreal on Sept. 29, Lance Hornby of The Toronto Sun reports.

Joshua didn't participate in either of Toronto's split-squad preseason games Saturday due to his unspecified injury. Although he's skating, his injury is putting his status to begin the regular season into question after he appeared in 55 regular-season games -- his lowest mark since the 2021-22 campaign -- during his first year in Toronto last season. Across those 55 appearances, Joshua recorded 10 goals, eight assists, 195 hits, 49 PIM and 32 blocked shots while averaging 12:15 of ice time.

Steel signed a four-year, $14.8 million contract extension with the Stars on Monday.

Steel has spent the past three seasons with the Stars, most recently recording 12 goals, 21 assists, 79 hits, 29 blocked shots and 24 PIM while averaging 16:04 of ice time across 73 regular-season appearances last year. He'll remain with Dallas on a multi-year agreement and will likely continue to handle a middle-six role during the 2026-27 campaign.

Blackwell is dealing with a lower-body injury but should return before Opening Night, Robert Tiffin of NHL.com reports Monday.

Blackwell could still return for an upcoming preseason contest, but his focus will be on the Opening Night clash with St. Louis on Oct. 2. In 70 regular-season games last year, the 33-year-old center notched four goals and 11 helpers. As such, he is unlikely to have enough fantasy value in most formats.

Lizotte (upper body) is week-to-week, the team announced Monday.

Lizotte likely won't participate in preseason action and could miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign. He registered seven goals, 19 points, 49 shots on net, 35 blocked shots and 49 hits over 55 appearances in the 2025-26 regular season.

Carlsson scored a goal and added a power-play assist in Sunday's 6-2 preseason win over the Sharks.

Carlsson is firmly cemented as Anaheim's No. 1 center, and he will have a lot to live up to after signing a five-year, $90 million contract with the team in July. The 21-year-old's offensive output has increased in each of his first three seasons in the NHL, and that trend should continue in 2026-27 if he plays in most, or all, of the team's regular-season games.

Barkov delivered a goal and a power-play assist during Sunday's 6-3 preseason win over the Hurricanes.

Barkov skated on the top line between Brady Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart on Sunday, which is a trio that has the potential to be one of the best lines in the NHL this season if it sticks together. Barkov missed the entirety of the 2025-26 season, but if he stays healthy this year, he will be a high-end fantasy option at the center position. Don't forget about the Finnish playmaker on draft day.

Brindley notched a goal, an assist and a plus-1 rating in Sunday's 4-1 preseason win over the Mammoth.

Brindley has an opportunity to seize a more prominent role in 2026-27, as the departures of players such as Valeri Nichushkin and Ross Colton have opened up some ice time in the team's top nine. Furthermore, head coach Jared Bednar said in November of 2025 that he believes Brindley can be a top-six forward in the NHL, per Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette. As such, Brindley is a player to keep an eye on depending on where he plays in Colorado's lineup this year.