NHL Player News

Rakell scored a goal on two shots during Tuesday's 7-4 preseason loss to Detroit.

Rakell has been inconsistent over his four full seasons in Pittsburgh, and he's coming off a season in which he recorded 24 goals, 24 assists, 71 hits and 43 blocked shots while averaging 18:57 ice time over 60 regular-season games after racking up a career-high 70 points the year before. The 33-year-old will presumably continue to see plenty of work during the 2026-27 campaign, and he had an encouraging showing during his preseason debut Tuesday.

Gauthier was placed on waivers by the Penguins on Wednesday for the purpose of reassignment to the minors.

Gauthier wasn't going to make the Penguins' Opening Night roster considering the depth ahead of him between the pipes. The 25-year-old backstop could spend most of the year with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, though he might also get a look with ECHL Florida for a larger role.

Foegele (undisclosed) won't appear in either of the Senators' split-squad preseason games against Toronto on Wednesday, Claire Hanna of TSN reports.

Foegele has dealt with an undisclosed injury for at least a week, and he isn't yet ready to return. Although he's been ruled out for Wednesday's split-squad action, head coach Travis Green said that he isn't yet sure whether Foegele will be able to suit up in Saturday's split-squad matchups against Montreal to close out the preseason. Regardless of whether he's available Saturday, Foegele appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of the Senators' Opening Night matchup against Toronto on Oct. 3.

Zub (knee) isn't expected to be ready for Ottawa's season opener in Toronto on Oct. 3, per TSN 1200 Ottawa on Wednesday.

Zub had five goals, 30 points, 57 PIM, 66 hits and 120 blocks in 81 regular-season appearances with Ottawa in 2025-26. It remains to be seen how long he will be on the shelf for, but he has been out since April 18. He missed Ottawa's final three playoff games because of the injury.

Sanderson didn't skate Wednesday due to a minor undisclosed issue, Claire Hanna of TSN reports.

Head coach Travis Green hesitated to label the reason for Sanderson's absence as an injury, so fantasy managers likely shouldn't worry. Sanderson isn't expected to play in either of Wednesday's split-squad preseason games against Toronto. Still, it wouldn't be surprising if he was fine for the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

Spence is dealing with a minor injury that will sideline him for Wednesday's matchups with Toronto, Claire Hanna of TSN reports.

Spence saw action in 73 regular-season tilts last year in which he set new personal bests in both goals (seven) and points (31) while averaging a career-high 18:44 of ice time. It certainly doesn't sound like the 25-year-old blueliner will miss the season opener against the Maple Leafs on Oct. 3.

Larkin (upper body) participated in Wednesday's practice session but won't play in Thursday's preseason matchup against the Sabres, Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News reports.

Larkin has been recovering from an upper-body injury during training camp. Although he hasn't been cleared to play, head coach Todd McLellan said Wednesday that Larkin is making progress. In addition to missing Thursday's exhibition game, Larkin could also be held out for Saturday's preseason finale against Columbus. It remains unclear whether he'll be in the mix to suit up for the Red Wings' Opening Night matchup against the Rangers on Oct. 2.

Silovs allowed seven goals on 23 shots during Tuesday's 7-4 preseason loss to the Red Wings.

Silovs made his preseason debut after Sergei Murashov got the nod for Monday's preseason opener. Silovs wasn't particularly effective in the defeat, and he defended the crease for the entire game. He made 39 regular-season appearances with the Penguins last year, going 19-12-8 with a 3.07 GAA and an .887 save percentage. Silovs could still begin the 2026-27 campaign as Pittsburgh's primary netminder, though Sergei Murashov is expected to push for playing time.

Gibson turned aside 22 of 24 shots during Tuesday's 7-4 preseason win over the Penguins.

Gibson drew the start during Tuesday's exhibition and played the first two periods before being replaced by Trey Augustine. Gibson made 57 regular-season appearances in his first year for Detroit in 2025-26, going 29-22-4 with a 2.72 GAA and a .901 save percentage. He's expected to serve as the Red Wings' starting goaltender again in the 2026-27 campaign, with Daniil Tarasov operating as the No. 2 option.

Hildeby stopped 23 of 26 shots in a 3-2 overtime preseason loss to Nashville on Tuesday.

Hildeby had a 5-7-4 record, 2.85 GAA and .912 save percentage in 20 regular-season appearances with Toronto in 2025-26. The 25-year-old netminder has the potential to become a solid starter, but his short-term fantasy value will be limited by the presence of Andrei Vasilevskiy, who is expected to get a considerable majority of the workload this year.