NHL Player News

Contrary to a previous report, Gustavsson is expected to start for Sweden against Italy on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics, per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.

Jacob Markstrom initially looked like he would get the start, but it now seems he'll serve as the understudy. Gustavsson has a 20-9-6 record, 2.64 GAA and .906 save percentage in 36 outings with Minnesota in 2025-26. The 27-year-old Gustavsson will face the host nation. However, Italy doesn't have any players presently on NHL rosters and is a heavy underdog going into this match.

Markstrom won't start for Sweden during Wednesday's game against Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.

A previous report indicated that Markstrom would draw the start during Wednesday's tournament opener, but Filip Gustavsson will ultimately tend the twine against the host nation. Markstrom will still dress as the backup goaltender, and it's possible that he sees some playing time if the score gets out of hand.

Wallstedt (illness) won't be in the lineup for Team Sweden's game against Italy on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Wallstedt missed Minnesota's 6-5 overtime win over Nashville last Wednesday. However, he was available for Sweden for the start of the Olympics, according to Bill Price of NHL.com. Wallstedt has a 14-5-4 record, 2.72 GAA and .913 save percentage in 23 outings with the Wild in 2025-26. Filip Gustavsson is set to start for Sweden on Wednesday.

Markstrom is set to start for Team Sweden against Italy on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics, per Kyle Cushman of theScore.

Markstrom has a 15-13-1 record, 3.20 GAA and .882 save percentage in 30 outings with New Jersey in 2025-26. It will be Sweden and Italy's opening game of the tournament. Although Italy is the host nation, the Italian team is the clear underdog with a team that includes no players currently in the NHL.

Nylander (groin) is in Sweden's lineup for Wednesday's game against Italy in the preliminary round of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Nylander's status ahead of Wednesday's matchup was uncertain after he skipped Tuesday's practice for maintenance. However, he had fully participated in practices beforehand and will be in the lineup against Italy. Sweden may exercise caution later in the tournament, but Nylander is poised to be a focal point of the team's offense in the Olympics.

McLaughlin (undisclosed) has been activated off long-term injured reserve and put on waivers Wednesday.

McLaughlin hasn't played yet this season due to the injury. He had two goals and three points in 14 regular-season outings between New Jersey and Boston in 2024-25. If he clears waivers, New Jersey will send him to AHL Utica.

Lindholm (upper body) was taken off injured reserve Wednesday, per the NHL media site.

Lindholm will play for Team Sweden against Italy on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He missed Boston's final three games before the break due to the injury. He has 11 goals and 37 points in 44 outings this campaign. After he's done playing for Sweden, he should make his return with the Bruins against Columbus on Feb. 26.

Hlavaj is set to start for Slovakia against Finland on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Patrik Mitas of STV reports.

Hlavaj has a 3.33 GAA and an .884 save percentage in 18 outings with AHL Iowa in 2025-26. The 24-year-old was never drafted, but he signed a two-year, entry-level contract with Minnesota on April 5, 2024. This is the first game of the tournament for Slovakia and Finland, but the Finnish team is expected to be very good. Hlavaj will be facing the likes of Roope Hintz, Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen, as well as other NHL talent.

Schmidt scored twice and added an assist in WHL Seattle's 3-1 win over Spokane on Tuesday.

Schmidt has racked up 18 points over 14 contests with the Thunderbirds since he was traded from WHL Vancouver. Overall, the crafty winger has 78 points in just 54 appearances this season, matching his production from 61 regular-season outings in 2024-25. The Stars prospect has shown the ability to score and create for teammates over multiple junior campaigns.

Chiarot scored a goal and added two assists in OHL Kitchener's 5-2 win over London on Tuesday.

Chiarot, a Canucks prospect, has struggled since a late December trade from Brampton to Kitchener. He's earned just eight points in 17 outings for Kitchener, with this being his first multi-point effort with his new club. He's at a total of 33 points in 48 appearances, which is still a better pace than 2024-25, when he had 35 points in 66 regular-season games.