NHL Player News

Leonard scored a power-play goal on two shots, doled out four hits and added two PIM in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Penguins.

Leonard's third-period tally restored a two-goal lead for the Capitals. The 21-year-old winger has two goals, eight shots on net, nine hits and a plus-1 rating over three contests this season. He was moved to the fourth line ahead of this game, but the depth of the Capitals' forward group -- along with Leonard's continued power-play usage -- should keep his offense at an acceptable level.

Tuch scored a goal on six shots, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Penguins.

Tuch has three goals over the first three contests of the season. His six shots led the Capitals in Wednesday's game, giving him 11 shots on the year. The 30-year-old winger has also accumulated four hits, three blocked shots and a plus-4 rating. Tuch looks set to see steady top-six minutes this season, though he's on the second power-play unit, which could limit his contributions with the man advantage.

Dubois scored a goal on three shots, added an assist, logged two PIM and went plus-3 in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Penguins.

Dubois has earned a pair of multi-point efforts over the first three games of the season. He and Tom Wilson assisted each other's tallies in this contest. Dubois is up to a goal, three helpers, five shots on net, three hits, six PIM and a plus-3 rating. The 28-year-old is filling a top-six role to begin the campaign and looks set for a productive year as an all-around contributor.

Wilson scored a goal on two shots, added two assists, logged two hits, blocked two shots and went plus-3 in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Penguins.

Wilson's line with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alex Tuch was the driving force on offense. The Capitals won't have to lean on any one line this year, but this trio could be the team's most productive in fantasy since all three players can add physicality. Wilson is up to one goal, three assists, four shots on net, seven hits, six blocked shots, 12 PIM and a plus-3 rating over three outings this season.

Thompson stopped 27 of 30 shots in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Penguins.

The Penguins had a couple of goals in the second period, but Thompson bounced back well in the third to preserve the lead. The 29-year-old netminder has given up five goals on 63 shots over his two outings this season, winning both of them. Thompson is likely to maintain the starter role for the Capitals, and if the team performs up to expectations, he should rack up plenty of wins. The Capitals' next game is at home versus the Rangers on Friday.

Morrissey (upper body) won't return to Wednesday's game versus the Avalanche.

Morrissey went for a hit late in the first period but came out of the situation ailing. Per Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press, the injury is likely to Morrissey's right hand or arm. For now, Morrissey can be considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's contest versus the Ducks.

Skinner will protect the home goal versus the Avalanche on Wednesday, per Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press.

Skinner has allowed six goals on 65 shots over two outings to begin his time with the Jets. The 27-year-old netminder will face his toughest test yet against the Avalanche, who have scored 14 goals over their first two games.

Fowler was summoned by the Canadiens on Wednesday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Fowler has a 1.53 GAA and a .945 save percentage in three appearances with AHL Laval this season. He's up from the minors because Sam Montembeault sustained an undisclosed injury during Wednesday's practice. It remains to be seen who will start at home against Nashville on Thursday.

Dach (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, per Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton.

Dach's placement might be retroactive to when he last played in Edmonton's 3-1 win over Seattle on Saturday. He has no points, two PIM, eight hits and three blocks in three outings this season. His injury coincides with the Oilers' acquisition of Filip Hallander, who might draw into the lineup for Edmonton against Anaheim on Wednesday. If Hallander isn't available so soon after being traded, then Mathieu Joseph might play instead due to the spot in the lineup vacated by Dach.

Rust (upper body) was activated off injured reserve ahead of Wednesday's game against the Capitals.

Rust was labeled as a game-time decision, but this announcement indicates that he is ready to make his season debut. He had 29 goals and 65 points in 72 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. Rust is projected to serve on the third line alongside Ville Koivunen and Ben Kindel on Wednesday, but it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up taking shifts alongside Sidney Crosby in the near future.