NHL Player News

Batherson scored a power-play goal and added an even-strength assist in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to Detroit.

After having a hand in a Tim Stutzle tally early in the first period, Batherson banged home his own goal early in the second on a slick cross-ice shot-pass from William Eklund. Batherson has picked up two goals and three points through three games, and after dishing out five hits Tuesday he's up to 10 on the young season.

Roy (lower body) will not be available versus the Penguins on Wednesday, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Roy has yet to get his name on the scoresheet through the Capitals' first two games and will now have to wait a little while longer. The veteran blueliner has been labeled day-to-day, so he could return at any point, perhaps even Friday versus the Rangers. In his stead, Dylan McIlrath will slot into the third pairing for Washington.

Stutzle produced a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Red Wings.

The third overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft opened the scoring early in the first period, taking the puck out of his own zone, maneuvering around the Detroit defense and snapping the puck past John Gibson from the slot. Stutzle has come flying out of the gates on the 2026-27 campaign, racking up three goals and six points in three games while adding seven shots on net, nine hits, three blocked shots, two PIM and a plus-4 rating. His production is even more impressive considering he's still looking for his first power-play point of the season.

Thompson will get the starting nod at home against the Penguins on Wednesday, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Thompson has made just one appearance so far this season because the Capitals started the campaign off with a back-to-back. The 29-year-old netminder was solid in that outing against the Hurricanes, stopping 31 of 33 shots (.939 save percentage) in a winning effort. After two consecutive seasons in which Thompson recorded 31 wins, he should be primed to top that number in 2026-27, especially with the two extra games.

Dravecky agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders on Wednesday.

Dravecky is putting together a strong start to the 2026-27 campaign, generating one goal and three assists through the opening four games with OHL Guelph. Selected by the club in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old blueliner could be called up to join the NHL club at the end of the year, especially if he continues to rack up offensive numbers.

Ersson turned aside 31 of 35 shots in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Red Wings, with Detroit's final goal getting scored into an empty net.

Making his first start of the season, Ersson's misplay on a bouncing puck early in the first period led directly to an Alex DeBrincat tally and sparked a four-goal surge for the home side that put the game out of reach. With Linus Ullmark (undisclosed) banged up, Ersson could be in line for more work than expected in the short term, but he'll need better performances than this to hang onto his spot as Ottawa's No. 2 netminder. Ullmark's availability will determine which of them is between the pipes Thursday in a home clash with the Flyers.

Bump was loaned to AHL Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

Bump appeared in the Flyers' first three games of the season, and he was held without a point while recording seven hits and four shots on goal. He was a healthy scratch for Monday's game against Tampa Bay and should have the opportunity to see more consistent work in the minors, though it wouldn't be surprising to see him rejoin the NHL club at some point.

Texier collected two assists, one on the power play, in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to Carolina.

Both helpers came on Zachary Bolduc goals in the first period as Montreal grabbed a 3-2 lead it couldn't make hold up. The points were the first of the season for Texier in three games, and his current role in the middle six and on the second power-play unit could allow him to challenge the career-high 12 goals and 30 points he delivered over 78 regular-season games for Columbus in 2023-24.

Kreider pocketed two assists in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Hurricanes.

The long-time Ranger has had a strong start to his first season with Montreal, collecting a goal and four points in three games while dishing seven hits. Kreider is skating alongside Nick Suzuki at even strength and manning the top power-play unit, a role that will give the 35-year-old every chance to reach the 20-goal plateau for a ninth straight season.

Bolduc scored two goals, one on the power play, in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Hurricanes.

Both goals came in the first period as the Canadiens built a 3-2 lead, but they couldn't make it stick. Bolduc is off to another hot start with three goals in three games, but after a similar surge to begin 2025-26 he wound up with just 12 goals and 30 points in 78 regular-season contests.