NHL Player News

Sorokin is expected to guard the home net in Saturday's clash against New Jersey, per Andrew Gross of Newsday.

With Saturday's start, Sorokin will take sole possession of second place for most goalie appearances in Islanders history, trailing only Billy Smith. Across 10 appearances in the 2026-27 campaign, the 31-year-old Sorokin has posted a 6-4-0 record, a 2.41 GAA, a shutout and a .911 save percentage. He'll face a relatively tough matchup Saturday against New Jersey, but fantasy managers should start Sorokin with confidence given his track record as a consistent top-10 goalie in the NHL.

Salomonsson (illness) was absent from Saturday's practice, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports.

Salomonsson was a healthy scratch for Thursday's 6-2 win over Vancouver. Even if he's healthy, he may not play against Tampa Bay on Sunday. He has registered 14 shots on goal, five blocked shots and seven hits in six NHL appearances this season, but he hasn't earned a point yet.

Bobrovsky will guard the home crease in Saturday's clash against the Canadiens, per Terry Koshan of The Toronto Sun.

Bobrovsky posted 33 saves in the most recent loss of his three-game losing streak. Despite his decent play Saturday, the 38-year-old netminder has fallen to a 3-6-2 record, a 3.27 GAA and an .889 save percentage across 11 appearances this season. If Bobrovsky continues to be inconsistent across the course of the season, he'll likely leave the door open for Anthony Stolarz to steal some starts. Bobrovsky's matchup Saturday is slated to be a difficult one against the Habs, who have won their lone game since the return of team captain Nick Suzuki. Bobrovsky is a high-risk, high-reward option in fantasy for the time being.

Nikishin (not injury related) is expected to make his 2026-27 debut against Chicago on Saturday, per Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News.

Nikishin needed some time to ramp up after missing training camp and the start of the season due to a contract dispute. He signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Hurricanes on Oct. 25, ending his holdout. The 25-year-old blueliner had 11 goals, 33 points, 122 shots on net, 132 hits and 94 blocked shots in 81 regular-season games for Carolina in 2025-26. Nikishin is projected to skate on the third pairing and see time with the second power-play unit against the Blackhawks on Saturday.

Ersson will patrol the home crease against Utah on Saturday, per Andrew Wilimek of the Senators' official site.

After a rocky start to the season, Ersson has stopped 45 of 47 shots in two straight wins. He has allowed two goals or fewer in each of his last three appearances, posting a 1.59 GAA and a .942 save percentage during that span. Utah (10-6-1) sits eighth in the league this campaign with 3.59 goals per game.

Tavares (lower body) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, per David Alter of The Hockey News.

Following a nine-game absence, Tavares is expected to return to the lineup against Montreal on Saturday. He has collected two goals, seven points, 17 shots on net, five blocked shots and four hits in seven appearances this season. Based on Friday's practice, Tavares will likely occupy a top-six role and see time on the first power-play unit.

Akhtyamov was summoned from AHL Toronto on Saturday, per David Alter of The Hockey News.

Akhtyamov appears poised to serve as Sergei Bobrovsky's backup in Saturday's home matchup against Montreal. Bobrovsky occupied the starter's crease during the Maple Leafs' optional morning skate. Anthony Stolarz may get Saturday's game off ahead of a potential home-ice start against New Jersey on Sunday.

Lundell (undisclosed) won't play against Washington on Saturday, Rob Darragh of the Panthers' official site reports.

Lundell is day-to-day, but it's unclear if he will be available to play against Boston on Sunday. He has contributed four goals, six points, 43 shots on net, 25 hits and eight blocked shots in 16 appearances this season.

Thompson will protect the home net against Florida on Saturday, according to Sammi Silber of The District Standard.

Thompson has gone 0-1-0 in his last two outings, allowing eight goals on 39 shots. In 10 appearances this campaign, he has a 5-4-0 record, a 3.23 GAA and an .887 save percentage. Florida (9-5-2) sits 15th in the league this season with 3.25 goals per game.

Schmid will defend the road net against Washington on Saturday, per Rob Darragh of the Panthers' official site.

Schmid will get the first half of Florida's back-to-back after Jacob Markstrom played the last two games. The 26-year-old Schmid has stopped 65 of 70 shots during his three-game winning streak. Washington (8-6-0) is tied for ninth in the league with 3.50 goals per game this season.