NHL Player News

Helleson (undisclosed) isn't listed as injured on the Ducks' training camp roster.

Helleson missed the end of Anaheim's postseason run due to an undisclosed injury, but he should be fully healthy for the start of training camp ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Across 60 regular-season appearances last year, he recorded two goals, 13 assists, 79 blocked shots, 63 hits and 20 PIM while averaging 16:58 of ice time.

Poehling (upper body) isn't listed as injured on the Ducks' training camp roster.

Poehling sustained an upper-body injury in May during the Ducks' second-round playoff series against the Golden Knights, and there was no timetable to return when Anaheim was eliminated. However, he appears to have moved past the injury during the offseason and should be available for the start of training camp. Poehling appeared in 75 regular-season games during his first year in Anaheim in 2025-26, and he put together one of the best years of his career. He generated 11 goals, 25 assists, 86 blocked shots, 44 hits and 12 PIM while averaging 15:04 of ice time per game.

Guenther is aiming to contribute more deflection and tip-in goals this season, per Cole Bagley of KSL Sports on Wednesday.

Guenther had 40 goals and 73 points in 79 regular-season appearances with Utah in 2025-26. His shooting percentage climbed to a career-high 16.5, which is a bit concerning and might indicate that he's due for a modest regression in goals. However, if he can do more damage close to the net this season, then that would help him repeat his strong results from 2025-26.

Harrington signed a professional tryout agreement with the Senators on Wednesday.

Harrington has made his fair share of NHL appearances during his career, but the 33-year-old hasn't appeared in an NHL game since the 2022-23 campaign and has played exclusively in the AHL across the past two seasons. He made 68 regular-season appearances with AHL Belleville last year and recorded three goals, 16 assists and 29 PIM. He'll have an opportunity to compete with the Senators during training camp ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, but he could have to settle for an AHL role once again.

Zherenko signed a professional tryout agreement with Ottawa on Wednesday.

Zherenko spent the past four years in the minors with AHL Springfield. In 2025-26, he posted a 17-16-5 record and a .902 save percentage in 42 regular-season contests. With a crowded crease in front of him, including three netminders already under contract with the Senators, the best Zherenko can probably expect is to play to earn himself a two-way contract or a minor-league deal from AHL Belleville.

Smith has been in contact with the Sharks throughout the offseason and remains likely to sign an extension with the team at some point, Max Miller of NHL.com reports Wednesday.

Smith and the Sharks didn't strike a new deal before Tuesday's deadline for players to sign eight-year extensions. Still, the 21-year-old forward seems likely to reach an agreement before becoming a restricted free agent next summer. General manager Mike Grier hasn't signed a player to an extension longer than five years since assuming the role in San Jose, but Smith is a candidate to receive a long-term deal. Smith racked up 24 goals, 35 assists, 16 PIM, 16 hits and 12 blocked shots in 69 regular-season games last year.

Lee said Wednesday that he's excited to work with the Mammoth during the 2026-27 campaign.

Lee signed a three-year contract with the Mammoth in July after spending the first 14 seasons of his career with the Islanders. The 36-year-old praised the skill set and work ethic of his new teammates Wednesday and seems optimistic about his potential with the group for the upcoming season. Lee has appeared in at least 81 regular-season games in each of the last four years, most recently generating 19 goals, 23 assists, 91 hits, 44 PIM and 37 blocked shots while averaging 15:38 of ice time across 82 regular-season appearances last year.

Keller doesn't believe he's hit his peak and is looking to be more productive in 2026-27, according to Cole Bagley of KSL Sports on Wednesday.

Keller was fantastic last year, scoring 26 goals and 88 points in 82 regular-season outings with Utah. It was his fourth straight regular season with at least 25 goals and 75 points. It's hard to imagine the 28-year-old hitting another level, but he's certainly capable of repeating last year's success.

General manager Eric Tulsky announced Wednesday that Nikishin isn't currently under contract with the Hurricanes and won't be present for the start of camp Thursday.

Nikishin remains a restricted free agent on the eve of training camp, and it's unclear if he will be a member of the Hurricanes in 2026-27 following his offseason trade request. The 24-year-old made 81 regular-season appearances during his first year in the NHL last campaign. He recorded 11 goals, 22 assists, 132 hits, 94 blocked shots and 33 PIM while averaging 18:11 of ice time per game.

Danforth should be ready for the start of training camp after undergoing a minor procedure in his knee, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports Wednesday.

There were apparently some doubts originally about whether Danforth would be ready for the start of camp, but it seems he is good to go. In his four regular-season games with the Sabres last year, the 33-year-old winger failed to get on the scoresheet. Still, Danforth has been a 20-point producer in the past and could offer low-end fantasy value in deeper formats if he can rediscover that form.