NHL Player News

Stecher scored his first goal of the season in a 5-4 win over the Rangers on Tuesday.

It came in his 12th game of the season. Stecher took a pass on a delayed penalty and went high over Dylan Garand's glove with 28 seconds left in the game to seal the win for the Maple Leafs. Stecher was claimed off waivers by Toronto from Edmonton on Nov. 15, 2025. It was his third game-winning goal (636 games).

Johansson notched an assist in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Canucks.

This was his first point of the campaign. Johansson has filled a bottom-four role for much of the season so far, though his 19:44 of ice time Thursday was his second-highest total of the year. Through 10 appearances, he's added 13 shots on net, 12 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating. Johansson has a total of 21 points across 153 games in his NHL career, so he's unlikely to be a steady source of offense.

Fox delivered four assists in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Maple Leafs.

It was Fox's third career four-assist game. Only two Rangers defenders have as many: Brian Leetch (six) and Brad Park (five). Fox has eight assists in his last five games and 14 helpers in 12 games so far. He leads all defenders and sits second overall in the NHL in that category.

Wallinder scored a goal and added two hits in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Canucks.

Wallinder has filled a part-time role as the Red Wings continue to balance his usage as well as Axel Sandin-Pellikka's early in the campaign. Through five outings, Wallinder has done fairly well, earning two goals, one assist, five shots on net, five hits, four blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating. Until his playing time steadies, the 24-year-old defenseman won't be a strong fantasy option.

Gostisbehere registered two assists, including one on the power play, and added two hits and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 6-5 shootout loss to the Oilers.

Gostisbehere already has a trio of multi-assist games this season. Through 12 contests overall, he's up to two goals, seven helpers, six power-play points, 22 shots on net, six blocked shots and a plus-8 rating. Gostisbehere's usage as an offensive specialist on a strong team makes him a quality fantasy blueliner.

Valimaki scored a goal, added two PIM and went plus-3 in Thursday's 6-5 shootout loss to the Oilers.

Valimaki has a goal and an assist, as well as two shots on net, two blocked shots and a plus-4 rating, over two games since he entered the Hurricanes' lineup. With that kind of offense, he's poised to maintain a third-pairing spot over Mike Reilly for a while. Valimaki hadn't scored in the NHL since the 2024-25 campaign with Utah.

Walman supplied an assist and went minus-2 in Thursday's 6-5 shootout win over the Hurricanes.

The helper was Walman's first point through seven games this season. The 30-year-old defenseman has added six shots on net, 14 blocked shots and a minus-5 rating. While his numbers aren't great, he appears to be first in line for an increased role while Mattias Ekholm (undisclosed) recovers from the injury he suffered Thursday. As such, Walman is a decent short-term speculative addition in fantasy.

Spence scored his first goal of the season Thursday in a 6-2 loss to San Jose.

The young defender has just three points, including the one he scored Thursday, in 11 games. Spence has talent, and he's coming off a career year (seven goals, 24 assists; 79 games). The return of Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub from injury Tuesday stabilized the back end of the Sens, so Spence might flourish under a reduced burden.

Trouba had a goal and an assist in a 6-2 win over the Senators on Thursday.

Trouba has three points, including two power-play assists, in his last contests. The time with the man advantage is a huge upgrade for Trouba, especially with the hot young offensive players in teal. So far, he has two goals, four assists and 16 shots in 11 contests. He's a solid waiver pickup until he gets moved off that PP unit.

Ekholm (undisclosed) will miss at least a week after getting injured versus the Hurricanes on Thursday, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports.

Ekholm was hurt on a hit by William Carrier in the third period of Thursday's game. For now, Shakir Mukhamadullin will fill in on the third pairing while Jake Walman will pick up some top-four usage. However, the Oilers' defense has been a little shaky to start the season, so a roster move could still be in order.