NHL Player News

Merzlikins will patrol the visiting cease in Washington on Saturday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

Merzlikins is in a battle for the No. 1 job with the Blue Jackets, as Jet Greaves has been pushing the Russian veteran all training camp. Merzlikins made 53 regular-season appearances for Columbus last season, going 26-21-5 with a 3.18 GAA and an .892 save percentage.

Montembeault will patrol the crease at home in Saturday's preseason finale versus Ottawa, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

Montembeault will get the last tune-up before Opening Night against the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, a game that the 28-year-old netminder also figures to get the starting nod. After appearing in 62 regular-season tilts last year, the Quebec native should see a similar workload in 2025-26 and will no doubt be hoping to once again eclipse the 30-win threshold.

Jarry will be between the home pipes versus Buffalo on Friday, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reports.

Jarry will play the first half of the game while Sergei Murashov will tend the crease for the final 30 minutes. Jarry had an inconsistent 2024-25 campaign that included a stint in the minors. The 30-year-old netminder was 16-12-6 with a 3.12 GAA and an .892 save percentage over 36 regular-season appearances with Pittsburgh.

Luukkonen (lower body) will not be available against the Penguins on Friday, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.

With Alex Lyon already confirmed as the starter for Friday's preseason finale, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see Luukkonen being held out completely while Alexandar Georgiev serves as the backup. The priority for Buffalo will be getting the 26-year-old Luukkonen healthy in time to face the Rangers in the season opener at home Thursday.

Vanecek will protect the home goal versus the Kings in Thursday's preseason game, Brogan Houston of Deseret News Sports reports.

Vanecek will likely be getting his final look in the preseason. The 29-year-old is set to fill the backup role for 2025-26 behind Karel Vejmelka. Vanecek has allowed five goals on 35 shots in his first two preseason contests.

Vejmelka will not start Thursday's preseason game versus the Kings, Brogan Houston of Deseret News Sports reports.

Vejmelka appeared to be in line for the start, but that has changed. This is likely nothing to be concerned about, as Vejmelka will likely get the nod for the preseason finale versus the Sharks on Saturday.

Forsberg will protect the road goal versus the Mammoth in Thursday's preseason game, Jared Shafran of LA Kings Insider reports.

Forsberg stopped 32 of 33 shots in his preseason debut versus Vegas on Sept. 23. The 32-year-old netminder will slot in as the Kings' backup goalie, but he shouldn't have to wait long for his first start of the season, as the Kings host the Avalanche on Tuesday and visit the Golden Knights on Wednesday to begin the regular season.

Binnington will guard the home goal in Thursday's preseason game versus the Senators, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.

Binnington will make his third appearance of the preseason. He's been excellent so far, allowing just one goal on 36 shots over his two starts. Binnington is locked in as the Blues' top netminder heading into 2025-26.

Talbot will guard the road goal in Thursday's preseason game versus the Maple Leafs, per the NHL media site.

Talbot is set for his third preseason start. He's been sharp so far, allowing just three goals on 36 shots over his first two outings. Talbot's strong performance has been nearly matched by John Gibson during exhibition play. The Red Wings will have one more preseason game Saturday at home versus the Maple Leafs, which will likely see Talbot getting some rest.

Markstrom will protect the road goal in Thursday's preseason game versus the Rangers.

Markstrom will make his third start of the preseason. He's played roughly a full game over his first two appearances, allowing three goals on 21 shots. Expect Markstrom to get the full game Thursday so he can be stretched out for the Devils' Opening Night game versus the Hurricanes next Thursday.