NHL Player News

Hayton distributed two assists, recorded a plus-2 rating and posted three blocked shots in Saturday's 4-1 win over Buffalo.

Hayton played the primary pass on the tallies put away by Kailer Yamamoto and John Marino. The 26-year-old Hayton has played a nice secondary role from the team's third line to begin 2026-27, where he's compiled four assists, a plus-3 rating, 11 shots on net and four blocked shots across six games. He's currently on a three-game point streak, making him a decent streaming option in deep fantasy leagues for as long as he's playing an important role offensively.

Schmaltz potted a power-play goal, fired four shots on net and recorded two blocked shots in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Sabres.

After being kept off the scoresheet for the first time in 2026-27 during Thursday's loss to Boston, Schmaltz responded well Saturday with the game's go-ahead goal. The 30-year-old forward did his job well on the power-play goal, where he slammed the puck past Buffalo's Colten Ellis at the far post off a set-up pass from center Logan Cooley. Schmaltz has been excellent to start the new season, where he has posted six goals, including a league-leading four tallies on the power play, eight points and 24 shots on net across six appearances. His hot start is no fluke, as he started the 2025-26 campaign on the right foot as well, tallying seven goals and 17 points across his first 11 games. Fresh off his first 30-plus goal season, Schmaltz looks poised to contend for that number and beyond in 2026-27, making him an excellent option in fantasy.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.