NHL Player News

Spurgeon scored a goal, blocked two shots, added two PIM and went plus-2 in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Bruins.

Spurgeon has gotten a chance at a larger role than initially expected due to the indefinite absence of Brock Faber (skull fracture). Spurgeon is currently on the top pairing at even strength and is also involved on the second power-play unit. The 36-year-old has held up his end of the bargain with two points, two shots on net, five blocks, four PIM and a plus-3 rating over two contests so far. Spurgeon has a fairly lengthy injury history as well, but he's in a position to be productive as long as he stays healthy.

Hughes scored a power-play goal on four shots and dished an assist in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Bruins.

Hughes' second-period tally gave the Wild a 2-1 lead and stood as the game-winner. He also helped out on Jared Spurgeon's goal in the third. Hughes has collected three points, nine shots and a plus-2 rating over the first two games of the campaign. He's in the upper echelon of offensive defensemen in the league, though Hughes' offense will far outpace his physical play -- he had 76 points, seven hits and 87 blocked shots over 74 regular-season outings in 2025-26.

Chabot scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Maple Leafs.

It was a statement game for the new Senators captain. Chabot put the Sens up 1-0 late in the first period on rebound. And he stepped up when Jake Sanderson (lower body) left the game early and didn't return. Chabot himself has a long history of injury, and he's played a full season just once (80 games in 2024-25) in 10 seasons as a regular. Still, he's capable of a 40-point campaign with some power-play production, and that's valuable in a lot of formats.

D'Astous scored a goal in Saturday's 3-1 win over Washington.

D'Astous delivered a surprisingly strong debut season in 2025-26 with 29 points (six goals, 23 assists), 112 PIM, 96 hits and 74 blocks in 70 games last season. He has been a point producer at every level and in every league he's played in, both in North America and Europe, and he's found a way to translate his game into the NHL. D'Astous is behind Victor Hedman and John Carlson on the blue line and power play, but that changes with a single injury.

Lilleberg sustained an undisclosed injury in Saturday's game versus the Capitals, and there was no update on his status from head coach Jon Cooper after the contest, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

Lilleberg was hurt early in the third period. The 25-year-old defenseman picked up a helper prior to his exit. The Lightning dressed seven blueliners Saturday, so they'll have some options for their roster if Lilleberg is unavailable Monday versus the Flyers. Defenseman Max Crozier could come in if the team sticks with seven defensemen, or one of Jansen Harkins or Scott Sabourin could get the call instead.

Sanderson departed Saturday's game versus the Maple Leafs due to a lower-body injury, Julian McKenzie of The Athletic reports.

Sanderson is set for further evaluation Sunday, and the team will know more in the next few days. The defenseman was never seemingly fully healthy after dealing with the injury throughout the preseason, but this is the first time the Senators have put a label on the issue. His status for Monday's game in Boston remains up in the air.

Trouba (illness) is expected to play Saturday versus the Kings, Max Miller of NHL.com reports.

Trouba was tracking towards playing, but there was some doubt after he missed Friday's practice and Saturday's morning skate. The 32-year-old is slated to fill his usual second-pairing role.

Carrier is being evaluated for an undisclosed injury sustained versus the Penguins on Saturday.

The Canadiens didn't reveal the nature of Carrier's injury. The 29-year-old defenseman has earned two points over two appearances so far this season. If he can't play Tuesday versus the Hurricanes, Adam Engstrom would likely draw into the lineup.

Ristolainen (undisclosed) exited and won't return to Saturday's game against Carolina.

Ristolainen had a goal, four shots, three hits and five blocks in two appearances in 2026-27 going into Saturday's action. The 31-year-old is expected to be re-evaluated Sunday. If he can't play Monday in Tampa Bay, then Simon Benoit will probably draw into the lineup.

Solberg scored a goal and added two assists in AHL San Diego's 5-1 win over San Jose on Saturday.

Solberg was the leader on offense in the Gulls' season opener. The defenseman wasn't exactly a standout last year with 24 points, a minus-16 rating and 102 PIM over 71 regular-season contests. Solberg is a first-round pick from 2024, so he should be able to tap into a bit more offense over time, though he'll need more development before he's a candidate for a call-up.