NHL Player News

Brodin scored a goal on three shots, added an assist, went plus-3 and blocked two shots in Friday's 6-1 preseason win over the Blackhawks.

Brodin caught Petr Mrazek napping at 7:05 of the first period, scoring on a shot from the neutral zone. This was Brodin's lone preseason appearance, but that shouldn't be any trouble for the 31-year-old blueliner. He's expected to serve in a shutdown role alongside Brock Faber on the top pairing. Brodin had 27 points, 142 blocked shots and a plus-22 rating in 62 appearances last season, and his best chance of generating more offense this year will come from staying healthy.

Hirose (concussion) won't play in Friday's preseason finale versus the Oilers, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

Hirose is likely ticketed for AHL Abbotsford once healthy, but if his concussion lingers into the regular season, he could first have a stint on season-opening injured reserve. The 25-year-old defenseman has 10 games of NHL experience over the last two seasons.

Levshunov (foot) was placed on season-opening injured reserve on Friday, Mario Tirabassi of CHGO Sports reports.

Levshunov has been skating during camp, but as expected, he won't be active by the start of the season. The 18-year-old defenseman is expected to play with AHL Rockford for most of 2024-25, and that's likely where he'll be assigned once he's healthy.

Kaiser (illness) was placed on injured reserve Friday, Mario Tirabassi of CHGO Sports reports.

Kaiser's placement on IR is retroactive to Sept. 19. He missed about a week of practice earlier in training camp, and it appears this may be the reason why. It's safe to assume Kaiser will miss the Blackhawks' last two preseason games.

Pulock (illness) will play in Friday's preseason game versus the Rangers, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

Pulock was held out due to illness for much of this week, but he'll be able to check in for the Islanders' last preseason game. The gritty defenseman is likely to see top-four minutes to begin the 2024-25 campaign, starting with Thursday's home opener versus Utah.

Skinner was recalled from AHL Springfield on Friday.

Skinner will be available to play in Saturday's preseason finale versus the Blackhawks. The 23-year-old blueliner was waived last Sunday and will likely return to the AHL ahead of Opening Night.

Lindstrom was released from his professional tryout agreement with Anaheim on Friday.

Lindstrom joined the Ducks' training camp on a tryout basis after Anaheim declined to present him with a qualifying offer over the summer. He had three goals and 10 points across 46 contests between Montreal and Anaheim in 2023-24. Lindstrom might still be able to get a two-way contract somewhere, but he will probably begin the campaign with that franchise's AHL squad if that happens.

Pysyk was released from his professional tryout agreement by the Ducks on Friday.

Pysyk joined Anaheim on a PTO in mid-September but was unable to earn a spot on the Opening Night roster. He made 37 appearances in the AHL last season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him play there again this year.

Ruhwedel will miss Friday's preseason game against the Islanders.

Ruhwedel had a goal, four points, 90 hits and 44 blocks in 52 regular-season games between Pittsburgh and the Rangers in 2023-24. The 34-year-old defenseman might serve on the third pairing if he's healthy in time for the Rangers' Opening Night against the Penguins on Wednesday.

Power scored the Sabres' lone goal in Friday's 4-1 defeat against New Jersey.

Power is well on his way to surpassing his career-high six goals he put up last season and should once again be capable of reaching the 30-point threshold. The blueliner would certainly benefit from running Buffalo's No. 2 power-play unit but may have to share those responsibilities with Bowen Byram -- especially with Rasmus Dahlin firmly entrenched with the No. 1 group.