NHL Player News

There's been no update on Zub's (lower body) status, per Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia, and he consequently isn't expected to play in Thursday's preseason game against Buffalo.

Zub's next chance to play would be Sunday against Pittsburgh. He recorded five goals, 25 points, 32 PIM, 139 hits and 122 blocks in 69 contests with Ottawa in 2023-24.

Doughty sustained a fractured ankle in Wednesday's preseason matchup, Eric Stephens of The Athletic reports.

Team doctors are still evaluating Doughty, so it's unclear what his exact timeline might be at this point, but he will likely face an extended stint on the shelf. The veteran blueliner's absence will create a significant gap on the Kings' blue line, one that is not likely to be filled by a single player. It's the 23-year-old Jordan Spence who could benefit the most if he can secure his spot on the No. 1 power-play unit in Doughty's absence.

Bean (undisclosed) didn't participate in Thursday's practice session for maintenance reasons.

Bean's absence from practice comes after he was injured in the third period of Wednesday's preseason clash with Vancouver. The fact that the team referred to his absence as maintenance should clear the way for him to return to action ahead of either Saturday or Monday's preseason matchups with Vancouver and Seattle, respectively. Considering the 26-year-old's ceiling is probably in the 20-25 point range, he is unlikely to offer more than mid-range fantasy value this year.

Karlsson (upper body) continues to be classified as day-to-day but should be available for Opening Night against the Rangers on Oct. 9 after coach Mike Sullivan told reporters Thursday, "I'm confident that he is going to make progress here. Right now, his status is day-to-day... Our team is working with him here, and I am confident that they will have success."

Karlsson has yet to get onto the ice during training camp due to his lingering upper-body issue. The fact that Sullivan used the term confident multiple times actually could be more concerning for fantasy players, as it still leaves things up in the air. If Karlsson were to miss any game action, it would likely fall to Kris Letang to suit up with the No. 1 power-play unit while Sebastian Aho could make the Opening Night roster.

Guhle (abdomen) took the ice Thursday for a solo skate.

Guhle -- who underwent appendix surgery Sept. 18 -- has been upgraded to day-to-day and could rejoin his teammates on the ice in the coming days. While there are still some hurdles for the blueliner to clear, including taking contact, he seems to be on track for Opening Night against the Maple Leafs on Oct. 9.

Morrow will again miss practice Thursday due to an undisclosed injury, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

Morrow had been back on the ice Monday in a regular jersey but has now missed the last two practice days due to a seeming recurrence of his undisclosed injury. The 21-year-old blueliner was going to need to impress during training camp to break into the Opening Night roster. As a result of his missed time, Morrow is almost certainly destined to start the year with AHL Chicago. At this point, Morrow seems unlikely to play in either Friday or Saturday's matchups with Florida.

Bean (undisclosed) exited Wednesday's preseason game versus the Canucks in the third period, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

There was no update available on Bean's status after the contest. The 26-year-old defenseman can be considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's preseason rematch with the Canucks.

Stanley (undisclosed) missed Wednesday's preseason game versus the Oilers, Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

Stanley was initially expected to be in the lineup, but he did not play. The Jets did not have an update on the defenseman after the game, but they are expected to provide one Thursday. The 26-year-old is in competition for a third-pairing role during the preseason.

Doughty (lower body) won't return to Wednesday's preseason game versus the Golden Knights.

Doughty couldn't put any weight on his left leg after colliding into the boards in the first period. Given that it's preseason, the Kings quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the contest. Expect the team to be cautious with Doughty, as there's little point in risking further injury before the regular season begins. The Kings' next game is Saturday versus the Ducks.

Harrington (upper body) will not return to Wednesday's preseason game versus the Blue Jackets.

Harrington is with the Blues on a professional tryout, so any missed time with this injury will hurt his chances of making the Opening Night roster. His next chance to play is Saturday versus the Blackhawks.