NHL Player News

Appleton (upper body) has been cleared to participate in Red Wings' training camp, per Max Bultman of The Athletic.

Appleton missed Detroit's final seven games of the 2025-26 campaign with an upper-body injury. The 30-year-old forward was one of the Red Wings' regular depth wingers prior to his injury, where he posted six goals, 14 points, 63 shots on net and 89 hits across 65 regular-season games. As he's resumed skating for training camp, he'll battle for a similar depth role this season against the Wings' plethora of forwards in attendance.

Namestnikov (undisclosed) was skating on the second line during Thursday's practice session on the first day of training camp, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports.

Namestnikov was unavailable for the end of the 2025-26 campaign due to an undisclosed injury, but he appears to have returned to full health ahead of the 2026-27 season. The 33-year-old was limited to 60 regular-season appearances last year, and he recorded eight goals, six assists, 76 hits, 37 blocked shots and 28 PIM while averaging 13:47 of ice time.

Robinson (knee) was on the ice for Thursday's practice session, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports.

Robinson had a procedure on his knee back in June, but it seems the winger is good to go, suiting up on the first line on the opening day of training camp. In his 67 regular-season appearances last year, the New Jersey native notched 12 goals and six helpers. If he can play all 84 games this year, Robinson could get back over the 30-point threshold.

Rasmussen (lower body) was skating on the second line during Thursday's practice session to begin training camp, Max Bultman of The Athletic reports.

Rasmussen missed the end of the 2025-26 campaign due to a lower-body injury, but he appears to have moved past the issue during the offseason. It seems unlikely that he'll face limitations stemming from his previous injury leading up to Opening Night. Across 64 regular-season appearances last year, he recorded six goals, eight assists, 64 hits and 63 blocked shots while averaging 12:39 of ice time.

Zub (lower body) is expected to miss the first 1-2 weeks of training camp, Claire Hanna of TSN reports Thursday.

The Senators announced Wednesday that Zub wouldn't skate for the first day of training camp Thursday, and it now appears as though he'll be sidelined for at least a week. If he can return to the ice on the earlier side of his timetable, it seems possible that he'll be able to ramp up before Ottawa's Opening Night matchup against Toronto on Oct. 3, but it seems likely that he'll at least miss most, or all, of the team's preseason games.

Salomonsson (shoulder) was seen skating ahead of Jets' training camp Thursday morning, per Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site.

Salomonsson was spotted getting additional work in prior to the official start of camp. Not only is his presence on the ice an encouraging sign for his recovery, but he also wasn't dressed in a non-contact jersey. The 22-year-old blueliner underwent a shoulder procedure following the 2025-26 campaign, where he compiled a goal, five points, 37 shots on net, 50 hits and 27 blocked shots across 32 regular-season games. If he's cleared to fully participate in Winnipeg's training camp, then he'll be in a good position to battle for a roster spot against right-handed defensemen such as Jack St. Ivany and Henry Thrun.

Hutton signed a professional tryout agreement with Ottawa on Thursday.

Hutton appeared in 55 regular-season games with the Golden Knights last year in which he generated six goals and nine helpers while averaging 14:35 of ice time. With Scott Harrington also in camp on a tryout, a spot in the lineup is far from guaranteed for either defenseman.

Hellebuyck has been suspended by the Jets for not reporting to training camp Wednesday amid his ongoing confrontation with the team regarding his trade request.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will talk to the media Thursday. Hellebuyck's failure to report to camp while having an active trade request in place likely is the final nail in the coffin on his Jets career. The goaltender will still be worth a large haul once he's dealt, but his fantasy value hinges on ending up in a favorable landing spot for 2026-27 and beyond. If he is not dealt by the start of the season, Hellebuyck may ultimately need some time to get up to game speed with a new team.

Doughty was named the Kings' 15th captain in franchise history Wednesday.

Doughty is in the homestretch of his career, but he will get a little time as the captain following Anze Kopitar's retirement. Doughty should still see top-four minutes in 2026-27. He has been limited to 40 points over 102 regular-season games in the last two years combined following a pair of 50-point campaigns before that. He is eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027, and while negotiations aren't expected during the year, Doughty and the Kings are expected to get a new deal done before he ever gets to the market.

Levi will be given every chance to win the No. 1 job in goal during the preseason, Janson Duench of The Athletic reports Wednesday.

Levi was acquired from the Sabres on July 1. While Frederik Andersen (undisclosed) will miss the start of the season, Levi and Tristan Jarry will battle for the top job in goal. Levi will have to earn it, given Jarry's experience, but the former has the upside of youth to help him make a case. Keep a close eye on Edmonton's crease early in the season, as a strong start to the year could help Levi maintain his playing time once Andersen is back.