NHL Player News

Tkachuk scored a goal on four shots, added two PIM and doled out three hits in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Wild.

Tkachuk got the Panthers on the board at 2:18 of the second period, but that was the only puck to get by Jesper Wallstedt. It's now a four-game point streak for Tkachuk, who was only held off the scoresheet in the season opener. The winger has three goals, one assist, 11 shots on net, 11 hits and a plus-1 rating over five appearances to begin the season. He should continue to see plenty of ice time in the top six and on the first power-play unit.

Cowan scored the game-winning goal Saturday in a 6-3 win over Colorado.

Cowan has a goal in each of his last two games and three (two assists) in six games. One of the goals came on the power play; two were game-winners. He also has nine shots in his last three games. Cowan has quietly stepped his game up this season, and his fantasy value continues to grow.

Formenton scored a goal on two shots, added four hits and blocked three shots in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Sharks.

Formenton has filled a middle-six role with the Oilers this season. The 27-year-old has a goal, two assists, six shots on net, 13 hits, five blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over five appearances. His ice time is likely to decrease once the Oilers' forward group gets healthier, which could begin to happen if Zach Hyman (undisclosed) returns Tuesday versus the Kings.

Ekholm scored a goal on two shots in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Sharks.

Ekholm tallied the opening goal at 12:37 of the first period. The 36-year-old defenseman is seeing heavy minutes in a top-four role since the Oilers have gotten poor results from all iterations of their third pairing so far. Ekholm has two points, five shots on net, four hits, two blocked shots, 10 PIM and a plus-11 rating over five contests. He's topped the 30-point mark in each of the last five campaigns and should also maintain a strong plus-minus rating while recording a decent total in blocks.

Lombardi notched an assist in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Canucks.

Lombardi signed a two-year contract with the Devils in the summer, though this season is a two-way deal. He earned his spot in training camp and has opened the year as a fourth-line forward, and after setting up a Jesper Boqvist goal Saturday, Lombardi has his first career point. The 23-year-old Lombardi has added five shots on net, two hits, four PIM and a minus-1 rating over four appearances so far. Stefan Noesen was waived Thursday, which is another vote of confidence for Lombardi to stay in the NHL.

McKenna picked up a power-play assist Saturday in a 6-3 win over Colorado.

The pass drew high praise from the recipient, who buried it behind Mackenzie Blackwood. "Unbelievable pass on that first goal," William Nylander said post-game. "He did a great job, and he's so talented, and he can make those plays all over the ice." McKenna became the first Maple Leafs player age 18 or younger to record a point in three straight games (one goal, three assists) since Russ Courtnall had 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games from March 3-14, 1984.

Boqvist scored a goal on four shots in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Canucks.

Boqvist has scored in both of his games this season, adding six shots on net, two hits and a plus-1 rating. The 27-year-old remains in a bottom-six role, and it's unlikely he'll see much more usage than that. Boqvist is a decent on-ice depth forward, but he won't produce enough to help in the vast majority of fantasy formats.

Paul picked up two assists Saturday in a 6-3 win over the Avalanche.

Paul has four points (one goal, three assists) and seven shots in six games. He's working to rebound from an injury-impaired 2025-26, when he could skate in only 51 games and put up just 15 points (seven goals, eight assists). Paul has already recorded 10 hits, which puts him on track to deliver a career best in that category. There's real value in a 40-45 point, 140-hit winger who also gets second power-play time.

Panarin scored a power-play goal on five shots in Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Golden Knights.

Panarin tied the game at 1-1 in the second period with his goal. He's started the season hot with three goals, one assist, 15 shots on net and a minus-4 rating over four contests. Panarin is arguably the most reliable forward in the Kings' lineup and should provide steady offense throughout the season.

Marchessault scored a power-play goal on three shots and added three hits in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Senators.

Marchessault doubled Nashville's advantage at 13:10 of the first period, converting a setup from Steven Stamkos and Roman Josi for his first goal of the season. The 35-year-old veteran might not be the player he once was, but he should retain some fantasy appeal as long as he stays in the top line alongside Steven Stamkos. Still, with just one point in five games, he's not worth rostering outside of deep leagues, especially after notching just 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) across 62 regular-season contests in 2025-26.