NHL Player News

Hofer stopped 19 of 22 shots in Saturday's 3-2 preseason loss to the Blackhawks.

Hofer played nearly the entire contest and was beaten three times over the first 30 minutes. Anton Frondell opened the scoring off a rebound in the first period before Ian Cole and Roman Kantserov converted breakaways 2:31 apart in the second, with Kantserov's tally coming on the power play. Hofer settled down after Chicago built its 3-0 advantage and didn't allow another goal before being pulled for the extra attacker late in the third, but it was too late to mount a comeback. Hofer posted a 24-13-5 record with six shutouts, a 2.61 GAA and a .909 save percentage in 46 appearances during the 2025-26 regular season, and it remains to be seen whether he or Jordan Binnington will start in the regular-season opener against the Stars on Friday, Oct. 2.

Lankinen stopped 25 of 28 shots in Saturday's 4-3 preseason win over the Kraken.

Lankinen surrendered two goals during the opening eight minutes as Seattle quickly built a 2-0 advantage, but he settled down while Vancouver worked its way back into the contest. Berkly Catton beat him early in the third to put the Kraken back ahead 3-2, though Lankinen shut the door from there while Zeev Buium and Jake DeBrusk scored power-play goals to complete the comeback. The 31-year-old played all 60 minutes and finished with an .893 save percentage in this game. He posted an .875 save percentage in 47 starts in the 2025-26 regular season and is slated to open the 2026-27 season as the No. 1 option between the posts for Vancouver.

Daccord stopped 26 of 30 shots in Saturday's 4-3 preseason loss to the Canucks.

Daccord had a strong showing in the early stages of the game and limited Vancouver to two goals through the opening 40 minutes, but the Canucks' power play ultimately proved decisive. Zeev Buium tied the game at 3-3 on the man advantage late in the third before Jake DeBrusk, who had three points, redirected a shot past Daccord with 1:38 remaining for the game-winning goal. Daccord played the entire contest and finished Seattle's preseason finale with an .867 save percentage. He's slated to be the starter in the season opener against Calgary on Thursday, Oct. 1.

DeBrusk recorded a goal and two assists in Saturday's 4-3 preseason win over the Kraken.

DeBrusk factored into three of Vancouver's four goals while working alongside Elias Pettersson and Jonathan Lekkerimaki. He picked up the primary assist on Brock Boeser's power-play goal in the first period and another helper on Pettersson's equalizer early in the second. DeBrusk then delivered the game-winner with 1:38 remaining, redirecting Boeser's shot past Joey Daccord on the power play. The 29-year-old winger is slated to open the season in the first line, presumably skating next to Pettersson and Linus Karlsson, ahead of the season opener against Edmonton on Tuesday.

Fowler stopped 16 of 18 shots in Saturday's 4-2 preseason win over the Senators.

Both goals against Fowler came on Ottawa power plays in the opening period. Philip Tomasino opened the scoring at 11:54 before Tyler Boucher restored the Senators' lead at 19:19, with Montreal answering each time to send the game into the first intermission tied 2-2. Fowler remained perfect through his second-period stretch before giving way to Sam Montembeault at 10:43, and the Canadiens scored twice in the third to secure the win. The Canadiens have a crowded situation between the pipes, but it seems Fowler will open the season as the No. 2 goaltender -- ahead of Montembeault but behind Jakub Dobes.

Stanley signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Islanders on Sunday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Stanley registered nine goals, 21 points, 74 shots on net, 69 blocked shots, 96 hits and 99 PIM in 59 games for Winnipeg during the 2025-26 regular season before being dealt to the Sabres ahead of their playoff run. As a member of the Islanders in the 2026-27 campaign, he will likely play a depth role while adding some physicality to the lineup.

Montembeault stopped all 14 shots he faced in Saturday's 4-2 preseason win over the Senators.

Montembeault replaced Jacob Fowler 10:43 into the second period and shut down Ottawa the rest of the way. He was tested immediately after entering, making several stops during a Senators power play, and ultimately kept Ottawa scoreless for nearly 30 minutes while Montreal turned a 2-2 tie into a two-goal victory. It was an encouraging finish to the preseason for Montembeault as Montreal sorts through a crowded goaltending situation. On paper, though, it seems Montembeault will open the regular season as the No. 3 goaltender behind Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler. The Canadiens open their 2026-27 season against the Maple Leafs on Tuesday in Opening Night.

Ersson stopped 22 of 26 shots in Saturday's 4-2 preseason loss to the Canadiens.

Ersson allowed one goal in the first period and another early in the second before Montreal broke a 2-2 tie with two third-period tallies. The 26-year-old made his second preseason appearance against Montreal after stopping 32 of 35 shots in Monday's 3-2 overtime loss to the same Canadiens team. Ersson will open the 2026-27 season as Ottawa's No. 2 goalkeeper.

Vanecek was placed on waivers Sunday with the intention of assigning him to AHL Hamilton.

Vanecek posted a 5-13-3 record with one shutout, a 2.94 GAA and an .883 save percentage in 22 appearances with Utah during the 2025-26 regular season. He signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Islanders when free agency opened in July. If he goes unclaimed, he will likely begin the 2026-27 campaign in the minors.

Slafkovsky recorded a goal and two assists in Saturday's 4-2 preseason win over the Senators.

Slafkovsky assisted on Noah Dobson's power-play goal just 47 seconds into the second period, then broke a 2-2 tie at 6:13 of the third. He added another helper on Phillip Danault's insurance tally later in the frame, giving him a hand in each of Montreal's final three goals. Slafkovsky finished the preseason on a high note after also scoring in Montreal's exhibition opener against Toronto, and he is expected to be a key player for the Canadiens in the 2026-27 season, skating on the second line next to Phillip Danault and Alex Newhook.