NHL Player News

Carlsson scored a goal and added an assist in Friday's 4-3 win over the Golden Knights.

The $90 million man was the only Duck with a multi-point effort Friday. Carlsson's new contract means expectations have skyrocketed, but after posting 29 goals and 38 assists over 70 regular-season games last year, he should be able to find another level on offense. Carlsson is likely to be unleashed in full as an all-situations forward this year, and while it may take some time for him to live up to the number on his paycheck, he's more than good enough to help a fantasy roster.

Dostal stopped 27 of 30 shots in Friday's 4-3 win over the Golden Knights.

Dostal kept Vegas off the board for two periods, but last year's runners-up didn't go down without a fight, scoring thrice in the third. That's likely a product of a very young blue line, and more generally an inexperienced roster. Dostal is capable of handling a starter's workload, and it'll be up to him to provide a calming presence in goal to build his defense's confidence. The Ducks' next game is Sunday at home versus the Panthers, which will provide another tough test early in the campaign.

Dvorsky scored a goal on two shots in Friday's 4-0 win over the Stars.

After showing some promise with 21 points over 71 games as a rookie last year, Dvorsky is poised to stay in the NHL on a full-time basis this year. The 21-year-old opened the season as the Blues' third-line center, and it's unclear if he'll be a candidate to move to the wing to unlock more offense. He's also on the second power-play unit. Dvorsky is a player to watch for now, but if he takes a meaningful step forward in 2026-27, he'll have appeal in deeper fantasy formats.

McTavish scored a goal on three shots and added two hits in Friday's 4-0 win over the Stars.

McTavish's first goal as a Blue came just 1:34 into his team debut. The 23-year-old was traded from the Ducks in June, and he'll have a fresh start on a team where there are fewer high-end prospects to block his path. McTavish has logged at least 40 points in all four of his full-length campaigns in the NHL, and with a second-line role in St. Louis, he's in a position where that level of production should be his floor this year.

Suter scored an empty-net goal on four shots, supplied an assist, went plus-2 and added four hits in Friday's 4-0 win over the Stars.

Suter opened the season on the fourth line, logging 14:25 of ice time. As a penalty-killing forward, he'll likely draw a bit more ice time than the usual fourth-liner, especially if he can chip in a bit of offense. The 30-year-old is also in a contract year, so he'll be motivated to get back to the 46-point form he showed in 2024-25 with the Canucks rather than last season's 29-point performance over 64 games. Suter can be left on the waiver wire in most fantasy formats, though that could change if he carves out middle-six minutes.

Snuggerud scored an empty-net goal on four shots, dished an assist and went plus-2 in Friday's 4-0 win over the Stars.

After a 21-goal, 51-point effort over 70 games as a rookie last year, Snuggerud is looking to take his game to another level. The 22-year-old opened the season on the top line, which bodes well for him being in positions to be productive. Snuggerud logged 13 multi-point efforts in 2025-26, so there's definitely potential for him to pile up points in bunches. He can add a little bit of everything in fantasy.

Hofer posted a 25-save shutout in Friday's 4-0 win over the Stars.

Mason McTavish scored early in the first period for the Blues, and Hofer made that goal stand as the game-winner. If there's any chance of Hofer and Jordan Binnington battling for No. 1 minutes, the former has set a strong tone right out of the gate. After steady work with a 2.61 GAA and a .909 save percentage over 46 games in the 2025-26 regular season, Hofer sure looks ready to handle a starter's workload if asked to do so. However, Binnington will get the chance to response as he is scheduled to make the start Saturday in Colorado.

Oettinger stopped 20 of 22 shots in Friday's 4-0 loss to the Blues. The last two goals were empty-netters.

Oettinger missed the preseason due to a lower-body injury, but the 27-year-old was cleared to play as of Wednesday. He did a decent job between the pipes Friday, but his teammates weren't able to give him any support. It's a tough loss to begin the year, but Oettinger has a winning track record with at least 30 victories in five straight years. He should see a starter's workload in 2026-27, though Dallas also has a capable backup in Casey DeSmith, who will probably get the nod Saturday in Nashville.

Skinner stopped 26 of 30 shots in Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Bruins.

Skinner came within 98 seconds of earning a victory in his Winnipeg debut. He allowed two first-period goals before blanking Boston throughout the second and most of the third, but Elias Lindholm's late redirection forced overtime. JJ Peterka would then beat Skinner on a breakaway at 3:21 of overtime, leaving the netminder with an .867 save percentage in his first start for the Jets. Skinner figures to remain the No. 1 option for the Jets as long as Connor Hellebuyck (suspension) remains away from the team.

DeMelo scored a goal on one shot in Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Bruins.

DeMelo made his only shot count, giving Winnipeg a 1-0 advantage at 4:52 of the first period with a one-timer from the point that beat a screened Jeremy Swayman high on the stick side. DeMelo isn't known for his scoring prowess, however, as he's posted 19-point seasons in each of the last two regular-season campaigns. With 100-plus hits and blocks in each of his last five campaigns, DeMelo has more fantasy upside in fantasy leagues that reward physicality and defensive stats.