NHL Player News

Kuemper will guard the home crease in Tuesday's clash against the Panthers, per Alexander Legget.

Kuemper will look to bounce back in a big way Tuesday after he struggled in the Kings' opener Wednesday. The 26-year-old netminder struggled, allowing eight goals across 29 shots on net in the 8-4 loss to Colorado. Backup netminder Anton Forsberg also struggled in his first appearance, where he allowed five goals to the Sharks, so both he and Kuemper have a lot of work to do to get the Kings on the right track. Kuemper will operate as the lead option between the pipes for the time being and will face off against a deep Panthers' lineup Tuesday, which should pose a good challenge. He should only be started in deep fantasy leagues until he reclaims his old form.

Rust (upper body) was a full practice participant Tuesday, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Rust seems to be trending in the right direction toward a possible return against the Capitals on Wednesday, though he'll need to receive full medical clearance and be activated off injured reserve. Still, the fact that Rust was filling a third-line role at practice and working with the No. 2 power-play unit bodes well for the veteran getting back in the lineup sooner rather than later.

Batherson scored a goal on two shots and added three hits in Monday's 4-1 win over the Bruins.

Batherson's tally early in the second period stretched the Senators' lead to 3-1. The 28-year-old winger has a goal, four shots and five hits over two contests this season. He's in his usual top-six role with a spot on the top power-play unit, so expect Batherson's production to remain steady this year. He had career highs in goals (33) and points (71) over 79 regular-season outings in 2025-26 while also topping the 100-hit mark for the fourth time in eight years.

Hagel scored an empty-net goal on eight shots and added two PIM in Monday's 4-1 win over the Flyers.

Hagel was able to add some late insurance to this victory. He's come out of the gate firing, racking up a goal, two assists and 17 shots on net over three contests. Hagel is a lock for top-six minutes and usage in every situation. He's looking to top the 70-point mark for the fourth year in a row.

Knight will patrol the home crease against St. Louis on Tuesday, Lou Korac of The Hockey News reports.

Knight has gone 0-2-0 to begin the 2026-27 campaign, allowing eight goals on 64 shots. St. Louis (1-1-0) has scored five goals in two games this year. During the 2025-26 regular season, Knight went 1-1-0 and allowed six goals on 56 shots in two outings against St. Louis.

Point scored a goal on three shots in Monday's 4-1 win over the Flyers.

Point has contributed a goal, an assist, seven shots on net, three blocked shots and a plus-2 rating over three games this season. The 30-year-old center continues to work on the top line as he aims to author a bounce-back campaign. He was limited to 50 points in 63 regular-season outings in 2025-26, his lowest marks in a full-length season since his rookie year in 2016-17.

Hofer will start Tuesday's road game against Chicago, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.

Hofer will draw his second start in the Blues' first three games of the regular season Tuesday. He posted a shutout during his Opening Night start in Dallas on Friday, turning aside all 25 shots he saw during a 4-0 victory. Across three starts against the Blackhawks last year, Hofer went 2-1-0 with a 4.29 GAA and .859 save percentage.

Carrier (undisclosed) is expected to play against Carolina on Tuesday, per Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette.

Carrier logged only 8:32 of ice time in Saturday's 6-5 overtime loss to Pittsburgh. However, he participated fully in Monday's practice and is good to go for Tuesday's matchup against the Hurricanes. Carrier has one goal, two points, three shots on net, two blocked shots and one hit in two appearances this season.

Kapanen (lower body) won't play during Tuesday's game against the Hurricanes, Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette reports.

Kapanen continues to deal with a lower-body injury, and he'll be unavailable for a third consecutive game to begin the regular season. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return, but his next opportunity to suit up will be Thursday against the Predators.

Shesterkin will start Tuesday's home game against the Islanders, Jim Cerny of NHL.com reports.

Shesterkin will tend the twine for the fourth time over the first five games of the regular season. Across his previous three starts, he went 2-1-0 with a 1.68 GAA and .935 save percentage. The 30-year-old made one start against the Islanders last year, which came on the road, and he allowed a goal on 25 shots during a 2-0 loss.