NHL Player News

General manager John Chayka said Wednesday that Domi (back) failed his physical and will be out indefinitely, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports.

Domi likely won't participate in training camp, and unconfirmed reports suggest that he could miss a significant chunk of the 2026-27 campaign. Domi made 80 regular-season appearances for Toronto in 2025-26, recording 12 goals, 24 assists, 95 PIM, 37 hits and 35 blocked shots while averaging 14:53 of ice time per game.

James has a broken hand and is expected to miss the first two weeks of the regular season, Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley reports Wednesday.

James had seven goals and 15 points in 43 regular-season appearances with the Lightning in 2025-26. His absence at the start of the campaign might create an opening for Jakob Pelletier, Scott Sabourin or Conor Geekie to begin the season as a member of the fourth line.

Gourde underwent offseason hip surgery and will not be available until December, Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley reports Wednesday.

Gourde played in all 82 regular-season games last year, generating nine goals and 19 helpers. He missed the 30-point threshold for the first time since 2016-17. With Dominic James (hand) also unavailable to start the season, the Bolts suddenly find themselves thin at center, which could create an opportunity for Jansen Harkins. Look for Gourde to start the year on long-term injured reserve, though the move may not become official immediately.

Poitras agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with Boston on Wednesday.

Poitras was limited to just three regular-season appearances for the Bruins last season, scoring one goal on eight shots while averaging 12:07 of ice time. While the 22-year-old center was significantly more productive in the minors, registering 44 points in 69 regular-season contests with AHL Providence, he hasn't been able to translate that scoring touch to the NHL level.

Staal signed a one-year, $4.9 million contract extension with the Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Staal's current contract covers 2026-27, but the extension will keep him in Raleigh an additional year. The 38-year-old center can earn up to $5.1 million in performance bonuses in 2027-28. Staal figures to remain a key part of the Hurricanes' defensive structure from the third line heading into the upcoming season as the team looks to defend its Stanley Cup title from June.

Newhook signed a four-year, $22.2 million contract extension with Montreal on Tuesday.

Before his new deal kicks in, Newhook has one more campaign remaining on his four-year, $11.6 million contract. He generated 13 goals, 25 points, 61 shots on net and 48 hits over 42 appearances during the 2025-26 regular season. The 25-year-old forward also led the Canadiens with seven goals in 19 games during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Zary (undisclosed) has been cleared to participate in Calgary's training camp, per Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM.

Zary was held out of the Flames' season finale in April due to an undisclosed injury. The issue appeared to be minor, as he has been cleared for training camp, where he will battle for a role in the team's top six. In the 2025-26 campaign, the 24-year-old winger took a slight step back with 12 goals, 25 points, 110 shots on net and 45 hits across 74 outings. He offers higher upside than most of Calgary's wingers, but he'll have to earn his role with the Flames if he's to take a jump to fantasy relevance this season.

Ostlund (lower body) signed an eight-year, $52.8 million contract extension with Buffalo on Monday.

Ostlund generated 11 goals, 27 points, 60 shots on net and 30 blocked shots across 60 regular-season appearances with the Sabres in 2025-26. He missed the final eight games of Buffalo's postseason run because of a lower-body injury, but he expressed optimism in May that he would be fine in a couple of weeks. Assuming he didn't suffer any setbacks during the offseason, Ostlund should be available for the start of training camp.

Horvat was named the Islanders' captain Monday.

Horvat was limited to 68 regular-season appearances last year, but he remained efficient with 31 goals, 26 assists, 51 hits, 40 PIM and 38 blocked shots while averaging 20:46 of ice time. The 2026-27 campaign will be his fourth full season with the Islanders, and he's set to take on a leadership role for the team. Prior to the 2025-26 season, Horvat had appeared in 81 regular-season games in back-to-back campaigns, and he should remain a strong source of offensive production if he can remain healthy this year.

Samanski is expected to compete for a checking-line center role during training camp, Derek Van Diest of NHL.com reports Sunday.

Samanski flashed his skills as a reliable two-way forward last campaign. He contributed two goals, four points, nine shots on net, 14 blocked shots and 27 hits over 24 regular-season appearances with the Oilers in 2025-26. Samanski should get a long look at training camp, as Mattias Janmark (undisclosed) continues to recover from surgery. Janmark underwent the procedure in March, and it remains unclear when he will be ready to return.