NHL Player News

Eichel skipped Thursday's practice because of "a little tweak," head coach Bruce Cassidy told Jesse Granger of The Athletic.

Cassidy said he didn't want to risk having Eichel skating under those circumstances this early into training camp. The 28-year-old Eichel had 28 goals and 94 points in 77 regular-season appearances with the Golden Knights in 2024-25. Provided he's healthy, Eichel should serve in a top-six capacity and on the first power-play unit this year.

Copp (pectoral) skated on a line with Michael Rasmussen and Mason Appleton in Thursday's practice, Max Bultman of The Athletic reports.

Copp was given a 4-6 month timeline after undergoing surgery for a torn pectoral tendon in February. He was expected to be fine for the start of the season, and with no apparent limitations at practice Thursday, it looks like that will hold true. Copp's role this season has yet to be determined, but he could be a candidate to play at center or on the wing, giving the Red Wings some flexibility in filling out the lineup.

Kopitar announced Thursday that the 2025-26 season will be his last in the NHL, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Kopitar will head into his 20th and final season when this campaign kicks off. The Slovenian center leads the franchise in games played (1,454) and assists (838) and is also the most prominent hockey player from his country. He is also a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, a five-time All-Star and has won the Selke Trophy twice and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy three times. Kopitar figures to push for 20-plus goals and approximately 70 points in 2025-26 as he looks to go out on a high note as one of the best two-way centers of his generation.

Norris (oblique) centered the Sabres' top line on the first day of training camp Thursday, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.

Norris was sidelined for the last 18 games of the campaign in 2024-25, making just three appearances with the Sabres after being traded from the Senators. The 26-year-old was flanked by Zach Benson and Tage Thompson, which suggests head coach Lindy Ruff may continue to use Thompson on the wing and Norris at center early in 2025-26. If he can stay healthy, Norris has 30-goal, 60-point potential, but he has missed at least 16 games in each of the last four seasons.

Sturm left Thursday's scrimmage due to a back injury, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Sturm was able to practice but couldn't get through the Wild's first scrimmage. He can be considered day-to-day for now. The 30-year-old is in contention for a bottom-six job going into 2025-26.

Celebrini was sent home after Thursday's practice due to an illness, per Max Miller of NHL.com.

Celebrini is presumably day-to-day, but the Sharks have no reason to rush him back early in training camp, so it wouldn't be shocking if he takes a bit of time off. He had 25 goals, 63 points and 236 shots across 70 appearances with San Jose last year.

Aman (shoulder) took part in Thursday's practice, per Thomas Drance of The Athletic, which suggests that he's healthy for the start of training camp.

Aman missed Vancouver's final seven games of 2024-25 due to the injury. He had a goal and six points in 19 appearances with the Canucks in 2024-25. Aman will compete for a spot on Vancouver's Opening Night roster, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him start the season in the minors.

Hyman (wrist) isn't expected to be ready to return until Nov. 1, per Mark Spector of Sportsnet on Thursday.

Hyman underwent wrist surgery in late May. He had 27 goals and 44 points in 73 regular-season appearances last year, which was down from 83 and 77 points during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 regular seasons, respectively. When Hyman's healthy, he'll likely rejoin the top line alongside Connor McDavid.

Kastelic (upper body) participated in Thursday's practice session to begin camp, signaling that he appears to have moved past his injury, Jim McBride of The Boston Globe reports.

Kastelic missed the final few weeks of the 2024-25 campaign due to an upper-body injury, but the injury doesn't appear to be bothering him to begin training camp this year. He made 61 regular-season appearances last year and recorded five goals, nine assists, 218 hits and 106 PIM while averaging 10:44 of ice time.

McTavish remains mired in a contract dispute with the Ducks and wasn't on the ice Thursday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

McTavish is reportedly working out with OHL Ottawa while he awaits a new contract. A restricted free agent, the 22-year-old center has reached the 40-point threshold in each of his first three full NHL campaigns, including last year when he set personal bests in goals (22) and assists (30). At this point, it seems unlikely McTavish will be signed in time to play in either of the Ducks' first two preseason contests versus the Kings and Mammoth on Sunday and Monday, respectively.