NHL Player News

Nelson scored a goal on four shots in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Maple Leafs.

Nelson has a point in each of his last two games and five (two goals, three assists) in five games this season. His four shots Saturday eclipsed the total number he fired to this point in the season (three). Nelson delivered one of the best seasons of his career in 2025-26 (33 goals, 32 assists and 186 shots; 81 games), and his roles as second-line pivot and cog on the second power-play unit should deliver another strong season. His power-play production may be slightly lower this season, though -- it may be hard for Nelson to put up 18 PPP from the second unit.

MacKinnon scored twice Saturday in a 6-3 loss to Toronto. He fired eight shots.

He ripped both goals in a 4:28 span of the first period to put the Avs up 2-1. MacKinnon has 10 points, including five goals, and 23 shots in five games. The pace is almost impossible to maintain, but Mack should easily top the century mark like he has the last four seasons. MacKinnon sits in a tie with Auston Matthews for fifth in NHL scoring, behind Connor McDavid (13), Evan Bouchard and Jack Eichel (12) and William Nylander (11).

Blackwood made 17 saves in a 6-3 loss to Toronto on Saturday.

He allowed five goals. Blackwood is being given every chance to earn the starter's role, and he's 2-2-0 with a 3.30 GAA and .867 save percentage in four starts. Colorado will need more from him, especially with Scott Wedgewood (1-0-0) sitting on the end of the bench. Blackwood's battery-mate went 31-6-6 with four shutouts, a 2.02 GAA and .921 save percentage in 2025-26. The Avs play back-to-back games with the Stars this coming week and again against the Flyers and Devils the next week. Blackwood will need to nail the crease down in his half of the contests to avoid a controversy.

Schenn scored a power-play goal on two shots, added four hits and blocked two shots in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Lightning.

Schenn continued his strong start to the year with this tally. The veteran forward has two goals, three assists, 10 shots on net, 14 hits, three blocked shots, nine PIM and a plus-1 rating over five appearances. Schenn is playing on the second line and first power-play unit, which gives him a reliable floor for fantasy production, especially in leagues that reward his physicality.

Pinchuk registered an assist in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Senators.

Pinchuk made his NHL debut Saturday, logging 11:10 of ice time, including 2:12 on the power play. He filled in on the third line for Mavrik Bourque (upper body). Pinchuk isn't guaranteed to stick in the lineup once Bourque is healthy, but getting his first point in his debut is a good first impression. Expect most of Pinchuk's minutes to come in the bottom six this season.

Colton scored a goal, added two hits and blocked two shots in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Senators.

Colton has filled a third-line role with the Predators to begin the season after he was dealt from the Avalanche in June. The 30-year-old forward has earned two points, six shots on net, 15 hits, five blocked shots, four PIM and an even plus-minus rating over five appearances. Colton has displayed decent depth offense in his career, but his primary fantasy value will come from hits, making him a roster target in banger leagues.

Bobrovsky made 30 saves Saturday in a 6-3 win over Colorado.

It was his first win as a member of the Maple Leafs. Bobrovsky is 1-2-1 with a 2.97 GAA and .907 save percentage in four starts. The two-time Vezina and Stanley Cup winner was brought into Toronto to help them win a Cup. Bob is doing his part. Now the team has to step up.

Kotkaniemi notched an assist in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Kotkaniemi has a helper in each of the last two games. He's clicking well on the fourth line with Mark Jankowski lately. Kotkaniemi has two helpers, one shot on net, three hits, four PIM and an even plus-minus rating over four appearances this season. He could lose playing time to Nicolas Deslauriers down the line, and both players could find themselves in the press box once Seth Jarvis (shoulder) is ready for his season debut.

Reilly notched two assists, two shots on goal, two hits and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Reilly began the season in the press box, but he's since played in four straight games as a third-pairing option. He got on the scoresheet for the first time Saturday with the pair of helpers, and he's added five shots on net, six hits, three blocked shots and a plus-3 rating. Reilly is likely to see the bulk of the playing time over Juuso Valimaki, but he probably won't produce enough overall to justify a roster spot in fantasy.

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.