NHL Player News

Vladar made 29 saves through overtime and stopped three of five attempts in the shootout in a 3-2 loss to the Kraken on Tuesday. He also picked up an assist.

This guy can't buy a win. Vladar and the Flyers have crashed to earth after last season's improbable run to the playoffs. And since taking a 3-0 lead in the opening round against the Pens, the Flyers have lost 14 of 15 games, including a second-round sweep to the eventual Cup-winning Hurricanes. They have lost eight games to start the season, setting a franchise low, and it's the longest season-opening skid since the Sharks lost their first nine in 2024-25. Vladar has battled, but his 4.21 GAA and .875 save percentage will soon have him benched behind Joseph Woll, who is 0-2-2 with a 2.95 GAA and .914 save percentage. This team needs wins, and head coach Rick Tocchet's neck is on the line. He'll ride the first guy who wins.

Stephenson's assist Tuesday in a 3-2 shootout win over Philadelphia extended his point streak to three games and three assists.

Surprise, surprise -- Stephenson has seven points (one goal, six assists) in seven games so far. Three of his helpers, including Tuesday's, have come on the power play. Stephenson can't possibly keep up this point-per-game pace, not with just five shots in seven contests. But right now, he's a solid streaming option in the right situation.

Ottavainen scored a goal Tuesday in a 3-2 shootout win over the Flyers.

It was his first NHL goal; it came in his fourth contest this season. Ottavainen snapped a shot from the top of the circles through traffic that beat Dan Vladar. He plays a physical, defensive style that won't make him stand out in fantasy, but it could keep him on the ice in Seattle.

Grubauer made 24 saves through overtime and stopped four-of-five attempts in the shootout Tuesday. Seattle won 3-2 over Philadelphia.

Grubauer had a bit of a speed wobble in the third period, allowing two goals in a span of just 1:13. But he shook it off and was solid from that point forward. Grubauer (three starts) and Joey Daccord (four starts) are splitting the Kraken net, and both men have been solid in the paint. Consider Grubauer in daily matchups or in weekly formats when the game split gives him two starts.

Hintz (undisclosed) was unavailable to speak to the media after Tuesday's game versus the Avalanche, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

While no official reason was given, it likely stems from Hintz's fight with Nathan MacKinnon. Hintz was seen icing his hand in the penalty box after the fight, though he was able to finish the contest. Check back in prior to Wednesday's rematch against the Avalanche to confirm Hintz's availability for that game.

Johnston (illness) won't travel to Colorado for Wednesday's game versus the Avalanche, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Johnston hadn't missed a game in his career prior to Tuesday, but the illness will cost him consecutive contests. The 23-year-old center hasn't been ruled out for Saturday's game versus the Blackhawks. Expect the Stars to roll with 11 forwards and seven defensemen again Wednesday.

McMann scored a goal in regulation and notched the winner in the shootout in a 3-2 win over Philadelphia on Tuesday.

His first goal came on the power play to open the scoring. McMann has a modest four points, including three goals, in seven contests so far. Two of his goals have come with the man advantage. McMann delivered 14 points, including 10 goals, in just 18 games in Seattle after arriving in a trade with Toronto last year. His Cy Young approach to points may be continuing, especially if he keeps up his current 280-plus shot projection. McMann already has 24 shots in just seven contests so far.

Thompson made 31 saves in a 4-2 loss to Carolina on Tuesday. He allowed three goals.

Thompson rebounded nicely from his stumble against Seattle on Sunday. The winning goal came on a power play on the hardest shot to stop -- a backhand roof-down by Andrei Svechnikov. Thompson is 3-2-0 with a 2.84 GAA and .904 save percentage. Consider Sunday's outing as a true outlier. Thompson is a great fantasy netminder.

Protas was held off the score sheet Tuesday in a 4-2 loss to Carolina.

Protas is off to a quiet start this season. He has two assists and seven shots in six games in a very deep Washington lineup. Protas is a 5v5 producer -- he gets no time on the power play. But he's likely living out a childhood dream skating with Alex Ovechkin and his kid brother, Ilya Protas. The trio made their debut together late last season, but they're regular linemates this year. Production will come, but temper expectations a little short term as opposing teams key on Ovechkin in his last NHL season.

Jenner scored a goal Tuesday in a 4-2 loss to Carolina.

Three games. Three goals. Jenner is currently tied with Alex Tuch for the team lead in goals (three). The Caps may have the deepest forward corps in the NHL and that means opportunities for production will come -- it's almost impossible to stop every forward unit on any given night. And with focus on the top lines, Jenner and his bottom-six compadres will get ample opportunities to score. He will have increased upside in bruise leagues with his consistent triple-digit annual result in hits.