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Olen Zellweger Suffers Concussion in Preseason Game
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Olen Zellweger (concussion) is in danger of missing the start of the 2026-27 campaign after being hurt during Tuesday's preseason action. In a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Zellweger suffered a concussion. He was hurt in the second period when Blue Jackets defenseman Carson Soucy delivered a big hit. Zellweger is a fresh face in Buffalo after the team acquired him from the Anaheim Ducks this offseason. Following a back-to-back 20-point campaign, he will look to take the next step in 2026-27. Buffalo also lost Mattias Samuelsson (undisclosed) on Tuesday night, a further blow to their blue line just a week before the season opener.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Dan Vladar Sustains Upper-Body Injury
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (upper body) saw his night end early in Tuesday's preseason contest against the Boston Bruins. He left the game in the first period due to an upper-body injury. Vladar allowed one goal on seven Boston attempts. The Czech netminder had an impressive debut campaign in Philadelphia, posting a 29-14-7 record, a 2.42 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage. The Flyers will be sweating over his health before opening night. If Vladar misses time, Joseph Woll could take on an increased workload.
Source: Philadelphia Flyers
Source: Philadelphia Flyers
Drew Helleson Out for One Week
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (lower body) has been ruled out until next week, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports. The 25-year-old is dealing with a lower-body injury and will miss the rest of the preseason. However, Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville hopes to have Helleson available for the regular-season opener. Early in his NHL career, Helleson has showcased versatility. He finished last season with 15 points (two goals, 13 assists), 39 SOG, 79 blocks, and 63 hits in 60 games. Moving forward, Helleson must improve his offensive output to become a viable fantasy option.
Source: Zach Cavanagh
Source: Zach Cavanagh
Matt Duchene Expected to Skate Wednesday
Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene (undisclosed) is expected to skate on Wednesday. The two-time All-Star has been granted maintenance days at the start of training camp as a precaution. Dallas had Duchene in the lineup only 57 times last season and is being cautious with his health. Duchene played well when available, averaging nearly 0.8 points. He was a point-per-game player in 2024-25, so another 60-point campaign should be well within his reach this season. The Stars also hope to have fellow forward Colin Blackwell (lower body) back on the ice Wednesday.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Alex Ovechkin May Skip Preseason
Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin (lower body) may not be available during the preseason. He hasn't practiced due to a lower-body injury and is day-to-day. Washington won't open its regular season until Oct. 2, so Ovechkin still has more than a week to get ready for the real action. However, if he only sees limited practice time during the preseason and can't play in any games, the veteran star may struggle to find his stride early in the campaign. Ovechkin is prepping for his 22nd NHL season. He has scored at least 30 goals and 60 points in five consecutive years. Extending that streak will be challenging now that he's 41.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Cale Makar Returns to Full Practice
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (lower body) participated fully in Tuesday's practice, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports. The superstar defenseman was dealing with a lower-body injury as training camp opened, but he has shaken it off. Makar could jump into action later this week, when the Avalanche complete their preseason schedule. Jared Bednar's team starts the regular season on Sept. 30 against the Los Angeles Kings. There doesn't appear to be any danger of Makar missing opening night. Makar has racked up more than 250 points over the last three campaigns and will be among the league's most prolific defensemen again in 2026-27.
Source: Aarif Deen
Source: Aarif Deen
Stars Sign Sam Steel to Four-Year Extension
Dallas Stars forward Sam Steel has landed a contract extension ahead of the new season. He will be on a four-year, $14.8 million contract heading into the 2027-28 campaign. Steel earned a significant raise from his current deal, which pays him $2.1 million annually. While his numbers don't jump out, Steel has been a consistent contributor for the Stars, bagging a career-high 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists) in 73 contests last season. At 28, he's in his prime years, and significant improvement isn't anticipated moving forward
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Joel Farabee Set For Larger Role in Calgary
Calgary Flames winger Joel Farabee is expected to have a larger role this season, Chris Wahl of the Flames' official site reports. Farabee will take on additional duties following Blake Coleman's departure. At the start of training camp, Farabee has worked on the second line alongside Mikael Backlund and Samuel Honzek. Farabee is starting his second full season with the Flames. He notched 20 goals and 38 points in 82 games last term. With increased ice time, Farabee's production could rise in the upcoming campaign.
Source: Chris Wahl
Source: Chris Wahl
Morgan Frost Working as Top-Line Center at Camp
Calgary Flames center Morgan Frost has started training camp in a top-line role, Chris Wahl of the Flames' official site reports. He has been skating with Matt Coronato and Matvei Gridin. The trio built some chemistry late last season and will look to build on it in 2026-27. Frost had his first full season with the Flames last term, registering 43 points (22 goals, 21 assists) in 82 outings. In an elevated role, he will have a chance to reach 50 points for the first time in his career.
Source: Chris Wahl
Source: Chris Wahl
Ivan Demidov Impressing in Preseason
Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov appears ready to take another "step," Sportsnet's Eric Engels reports. The 20-year-old kicked off the preseason with a power-play goal in a 4-3 overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, earning praise from Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis. St. Louis highlighted Demidov's ability to create space for himself and noted that he has "another step" to his game. Last season, Demidov made the All-Rookie Team, recording 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists) in 82 games. He could become a point-per-game player quickly if he continues his rapid development.
Source: Eric Engels
Source: Eric Engels
Matvei Michkov Looking "Lighter and Stronger" at Camp
Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov is aiming to bounce back from a down year and has worked hard this offseason. According to Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet, Michkov looks "lighter and stronger skating" at training camp. Michkov has changed his diet and said he wants to "play better for the team." After collecting 63 points (26 goals, 37 assists) during his rookie campaign, Michkov managed only 51 points (20 goals, 31 assists) in 2025-26. He was a non-factor in the playoffs, contributing one assist and no goals in eight games. The Russian youngster will have lost some fans among fantasy managers after his poor year, but those who still have faith in his ability might be well rewarded in 2026-27.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Evgeni Malkin Not Ruling Out Returning for 22nd NHL Campaign
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin is not planning a retirement tour in 2026-27. He hasn't ruled out extending his NHL career into a 22nd year. "I mean, it's a hard question," Malkin said. "We'll see what's going on during the season, you know? Right now, I want to say, 'Yes,' (to playing longer). But we'll see how my body feels." After a couple of down years, Malkin enjoyed a renaissance last season, posting 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists) in 56 appearances. The Russian veteran, who turned 40 in July, has shown he can still be effective when healthy, keeping him relevant in fantasy leagues.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Gabriel Landeskog Expecting to Take "Another Step"
Colorado Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog believes he can elevate his performance in 2026-27. The Avalanche captain returned from a knee injury last season, recording 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 60 games. He feels he can be much better this term. "I am expecting myself to take another step," Landeskog told NHL.com. "I've had a great summer. There's a huge difference from 12 months ago." The 33-year-old missed three regular seasons before returning. Landeskog was nearly a point-per-game player during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, building strong momentum heading into this season. Fantasy managers should keep him on their radar.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Mats Zuccarello Dealing With Minor Shoulder Injury
Los Angeles Kings right wing Mats Zuccarello (shoulder) skated in a red jersey during Day 1 of training camp, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports. According to Dooley, Zuccarello is working his way back from a minor shoulder surgery. He is expected to be fully healthy next week. Zuccarello is a new man in town in L.A. and will look to impress early in the season. A strong start from him could be important, especially since the team can't count on Kevin Fiala (lower leg).
Source: Zach Dooley
Source: Zach Dooley
Kevin Fiala Unavailable for At Least Three Weeks
Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala (lower leg) won't be available for at least three weeks, according to Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site. Fiala fractured his left lower leg at the Olympics and underwent a follow-up procedure in the offseason. He is expected to begin skating individually next week and could rejoin the group in three weeks. Fiala's absence leaves the Kings without one of their primary offensive contributors, creating opportunities for other skaters early in the season.
Source: Zach Dooley
Source: Zach Dooley
