NHL Player News

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.

Sourdif signed an eight-year, $50.8 million contract extension with the Capitals on Tuesday.

Sourdif and the Capitals were able to get an extension done prior to Tuesday night's deadline for eight-year deals before the new CBA takes effect. Sourdif had a breakout performance in 2025-26, earning 15 goals and 20 assists over 78 regular-season games. The 24-year-old will be in line for bottom-six minutes, but at a $6.35 million cap hit, he should push for a more prominent role throughout the majority of the contract.

Bastian has signed a professional tryout agreement with the Panthers, David Dwork of The Hockey News reports Tuesday.

Bastian will enter the mix for a fourth-line job with the Panthers during training camp. The 28-year-old was limited to seven points in 36 regular-season appearances with the Stars in 2025-26 before a hand injury cost him 15 straight contests at the end of the campaign. Bastian will likely be auditioning for a two-way contract during his time with Florida in the preseason.

Newhook signed a four-year, $22.2 million contract extension with Montreal on Tuesday.

Before his new deal kicks in, Newhook has one more campaign remaining on his four-year, $11.6 million contract. He generated 13 goals, 25 points, 61 shots on net and 48 hits over 42 appearances during the 2025-26 regular season. The 25-year-old forward also led the Canadiens with seven goals in 19 games during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Xhekaj signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with Montreal on Tuesday.

Xhekaj chipped in one goal, three assists and 40 shots on net while adding 116 PIM and 178 hits in 65 appearances during the 2025-26 regular season. He may not play regularly in the 2026-27 campaign, but he should be a good source of banger-league statistics whenever he is in the lineup.