NHL Player News

Blackwood arrived at training camp in the best shape of his life, according to head coach Jared Bednar, and will have the chance to earn the starting job, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports Wednesday.

When asked if he planned to rotate his goaltenders again, Bednar told reporters they'd enter the season with a clean slate. The 29-year-old Blackwood played in only 38 regular-season tilts, but he posted a solid 23-10-2 record with a 2.50 GAA and three shutouts. The door appears to be open for Blackwood to earn the No. 1 job back from Scott Wedgewood this year, and in an ideal scenario, Bednar seems to be looking for that result.

Miner is dealing with an undisclosed injury, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports Wednesday.

While the details of Miner's injury are unclear, it could cost him some preseason games. It's reasonable to believe the Avalanche won't push the matter for the sake of training camp, so even a minor injury he might have otherwise played through could keep him limited for now. The 25-year-old netminder is projected to start 2026-27 in the minors. Still, the Avalanche would likely call him up if Scott Wedgewood or Mackenzie Blackwood are unavailable at any stage of the campaign.

Poitras agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with Boston on Wednesday.

Poitras was limited to just three regular-season appearances for the Bruins last season, scoring one goal on eight shots while averaging 12:07 of ice time. While the 22-year-old center was significantly more productive in the minors, registering 44 points in 69 regular-season contests with AHL Providence, he hasn't been able to translate that scoring touch to the NHL level.

Kucherov said Wednesday that he's focused on helping the team win this year and playing well on the ice, Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley reports.

Kucherov is entering the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract he signed with the Lightning in July of 2018. However, he appears unfazed by the possibility of becoming an unrestricted free agent. The 33-year-old has topped 100 points in four consecutive seasons, and if he doesn't reach a long-term agreement with Tampa Bay, he should command plenty of interest from around the league.

Head coach Jared Bednar said Wednesday that Makar is dealing with a lower-body injury, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

While Makar is unlikely to be ready for the first day of training camp, he's expected to return to full health before the regular season begins. He was banged up during Colorado's playoff run, but his current injury is unrelated. The 27-year-old signed the largest contract in NHL history in August, agreeing to an eight-year, $163.2 million extension. After back-to-back regular seasons with at least 90 points, Makar took a slight step back in 2025-26, but he still recorded 20 goals, 59 assists, 118 blocked shots, 35 hits and 24 PIM while averaging 24:51 of ice time per game.

Del Mastro signed a two-year, $1.9 million contract with the Blackhawks on Wednesday.

Del Mastro was a restricted free agent coming off his three-year, entry-level contract. During the 2025-26 regular season, he had an assist and 18 PIM in 19 appearances with Chicago, as well as two goals, 18 points and 34 PIM across 45 outings with AHL Rockford. Del Mastro will compete for a third-pairing spot during training camp, but he's more likely to start the season as Chicago's seventh defenseman or be sent to the minors.

Marchand (lower body) will return "early in the season," general manager Bill Zito said, while confirming the veteran forward won't be ready for Opening Night, per, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald on Wednesday.

Marchand's availability for the start of the season has been in doubt for a while, and the team continues to play it coy regarding a definite timeline. However, this update suggests Marchand could return earlier than initially expected. The Nova Scotia native still generated over a point per game last year, earning 54 points in 52 regular-season tilts. He should have plenty of value in fantasy formats if managers factor his health concerns into their roster plans.

Evangelista signed a five-year, $36.25 million contract extension with the Devils on Tuesday.

Evangelista was traded to New Jersey from Nashville on Sept. 1. The 24-year-old is now locked in as a core part of the Devils' forward group before ever playing a game for his new team. After a 56-point regular season in 2025-26, Evangelista should benefit from having a bit more talent around him this year. Expect another step forward from the playmaking winger as long as he sees steady top-six minutes.

Staal signed a one-year, $4.9 million contract extension with the Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Staal's current contract covers 2026-27, but the extension will keep him in Raleigh an additional year. The 38-year-old center can earn up to $5.1 million in performance bonuses in 2027-28. Staal figures to remain a key part of the Hurricanes' defensive structure from the third line heading into the upcoming season as the team looks to defend its Stanley Cup title from June.

Gauthier signed a six-year, $81 million contract with the Ducks on Tuesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Gauthier is under contract just in time for training camp. The 22-year-old winger opted not to sign for maximum term, so he will be eligible for free agency while still in his prime at 28 years old. Gauthier can be safely penciled in as a top-six regular for the Ducks. He scored 41 goals and added 28 assists over 76 regular-season contests last year, and he could still find another level on offense as he continues to develop.