NHL Player News

Hofer turned away 15 of 17 shots on net in Tuesday's 7-2 win over the Senators.

Hofer cruised to victory Tuesday while his teammates compiled seven goals against Ottawa, who only dressed five healthy defensemen. This allowed Hofer to see less than 20 shot attempts for the second time in his past three outings. With Tuesday's win, the 26-year-old netminder now has a 2-1-1 record, a shutout, a 1.76 GAA and a .920 save percentage across four appearances. With each above-average performance that the young netminder has churned out this season, it feels as if he claims an even larger portion of the opportunities between the pipes away from Jordan Binnington, who has struggled to begin the new season. Hofer is a strong No. 2 goalie option in fantasy across all league formats moving forward.

Vladar made 29 saves through overtime and stopped three of five attempts in the shootout in a 3-2 loss to the Kraken on Tuesday. He also picked up an assist.

This guy can't buy a win. Vladar and the Flyers have crashed to earth after last season's improbable run to the playoffs. And since taking a 3-0 lead in the opening round against the Pens, the Flyers have lost 14 of 15 games, including a second-round sweep to the eventual Cup-winning Hurricanes. They have lost eight games to start the season, setting a franchise low, and it's the longest season-opening skid since the Sharks lost their first nine in 2024-25. Vladar has battled, but his 4.21 GAA and .875 save percentage will soon have him benched behind Joseph Woll, who is 0-2-2 with a 2.95 GAA and .914 save percentage. This team needs wins, and head coach Rick Tocchet's neck is on the line. He'll ride the first guy who wins.

Grubauer made 24 saves through overtime and stopped four-of-five attempts in the shootout Tuesday. Seattle won 3-2 over Philadelphia.

Grubauer had a bit of a speed wobble in the third period, allowing two goals in a span of just 1:13. But he shook it off and was solid from that point forward. Grubauer (three starts) and Joey Daccord (four starts) are splitting the Kraken net, and both men have been solid in the paint. Consider Grubauer in daily matchups or in weekly formats when the game split gives him two starts.

Thompson made 31 saves in a 4-2 loss to Carolina on Tuesday. He allowed three goals.

Thompson rebounded nicely from his stumble against Seattle on Sunday. The winning goal came on a power play on the hardest shot to stop -- a backhand roof-down by Andrei Svechnikov. Thompson is 3-2-0 with a 2.84 GAA and .904 save percentage. Consider Sunday's outing as a true outlier. Thompson is a great fantasy netminder.

Kochetkov made 20 saves in a 4-2 win over Washington on Tuesday.

Kochetkov is on a four-game winning streak with a 1.72 GAA and .911 save percentage. He is undefeated this season. Kochetkov and Brandon Bussi are in a straight platoon, with each man earning four starts so far this season. Kochetkov's numbers are significantly better than Bussi's (2-1-1, 2.95 GAA and .871 save percentage), but Bussi was really sharp in his last start. Expect the platoon to continue as-is unless one of the two men truly falters.

Annunen (undisclosed) remains on injured reserve and won't suit up versus the Golden Knights on Tuesday, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Annunen was labeled a game-time decision, but he won't make his return Tuesday. Matt Murray will serve as Juuse Saros' backup for another game. Annunen may be close to a return, with his next chance to suit up being Thursday versus the Sharks.

Hildeby (undisclosed) won't be available for Tuesday's game versus the Rangers, Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley reports.

Hildeby will be out of action for at least one game. Andrei Vasilevskiy is getting the start at Madison Square Garden, while Mads Sogaard will fill the backup role until Hildeby is good to go again. The Lightning's next two games are at home, beginning with Thursday's contest versus the Kraken.

Grubauer will defend the road net against Philadelphia on Tuesday, per Sound of Hockey.

Grubauer has a 1-1-0 record in three appearances this season, stopping 66 of 72 shots. Philadelphia (0-5-2) has scored only eight goals in the first seven games of the 2026-27 campaign.

Luukkonen will protect the road goal versus the Canadiens on Tuesday, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

Luukkonen has struggled in his starts this season, but he earned a win in relief on Monday after a bad game from Colten Ellis. Luukkonen has allowed 13 goals on 69 shots, and considering the Sabres are on the second half of a back-to-back, including travel, he'll be a risky fantasy play against Montreal.

Ersson will defend the home crease in Tuesday's clash against the Blues, per Andrew Wilimek of the Senators' official site.

Ersson will make his first regular-season start at the Canadian Tire Centre as a member of the Senators on Tuesday, where he'll look to get his campaign on track. Across two appearances in 2026-27, the 26-year-old netminder has an 0-1-0 record, a 3.85 GAA and an .886 save percentage. He'll face off against the Blues, who he has found success against in the past, where he's posted a 2-1-1 record, an .894 save percentage and a 2.41 GAA across four outings. He's a decent spot start for fantasy managers in a pinch Tuesday.