NHL Hockey Player News

Wallstedt has been busy with Filip Gustavsson (hip) sidelined and will return to the crease for the 16th time in Minnesota's first 18 games. The 23-year-old Swedish goalie has been outstanding to start the 2026-27 season, giving Head Coach John Hynes no reason to deviate, posting a stellar 2.06 GAA and .920 SV% in 15 games (10-2-3). In his last six games (4-1-1), Gustavsson has allowed two or fewer goals five times. Minnesota enters Friday's outing as a sizeable -273 home favourite against a struggling San Jose Sharks team that has scored only seven goals combined in their past five games (1-4-0).

With Jiri Kulich expected to return from a concussion, McLeod will be the odd man out as a healthy scratch. The 27-year-old McLeod scored an impressive 107 points (34G / 73A) in his first two seasons with Buffalo, playing 160 games, but has struggled offensively in 2026-27. In 15 games, McLeod has just three points (1G / 2A) and a -7 plus/minus.

Kulich has been sidelined for over a week with a concussion, but has been practicing for the past few days. He was cleared to return on Wednesday, but remained sidelined and is anticipating to return for Friday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 22-year-old Czech forward has three points (1G / 2A) in eight games.

Gibson left Tuesday's game with a lower-body injury and missed Thursday's game. The Red Wings recalled Michal Postava from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) to back up Daniil Tarasov. Gibson should be ready to return soon, but if he misses any more time, expect Tarasov to be between the pipes.

The Flames were leaning on Devin Cooley before his lower-body injury, but now, upon his return, they will roll with Wolf, who was solid in Cooley's absence. The 25-year-old Wolf saved 27 of 29 shots (.931 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 2-1 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken. In his last three games (2-0-1), he has a stellar 1.69 GAA and .936 SV%. The Flames enter Friday's game as -140 home favourites against an Anaheim Ducks team that has been thriving offensively, scoring five or more goals in six straight games (4-1-1).

Shaw has enjoyed a hot start in Iowa, posting 10 points (4G / 6A) in his first 11 games of the season. The 27-year-old veteran has 20 points (8G / 12A) in 82 career NHL games with the Wild, but has not appeared in an NHL game since the 2023-24 season.

Kleven has become a pivotal part of Ottawa's blueline, but missed his first game of the season on Wednesday. That said, he was back at practice on Friday and will presumably be ready to suit up on Saturday against the Utah Mammoth. The 24-year-old defenseman is averaging 20:14 time on ice, recording three points (2G / 1A), 43 blocks, and 29 hits in 16 games.

Livanavage made his NHL debut last season, playing one game with the Penguins after completing his three-year collegiate career with the University of North Dakota. The undrafted 22-year-old defenseman has eight points (2G / 6A) in nine games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) this season.

Colten Ellis has been between the pipes for the past two games, but Luukkonen will return on Friday. With Alex Lyon (upper body) nearing his season debut, Luukkonen's inconsistent start to the 2026-27 season could put his future playing time in jeopardy. That said, the 27-year-old Finnish goalie is coming off one of his best outings of the season, saving 27 of 29 shots (.931 SV%) in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. He has a 3.40 GAA and .874 SV% in 10 games (4-3-3). The Sabres enter Friday's game as -170 home favourites against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that defeated the Dallas Stars 2-1 in a shootout last night.

Brossoit returned last season after nearly a two-year injury absence and has mostly played in the AHL since, but is currently getting a look in the Ducks' crease. Amid struggles from Lukas Dostal and Ville Husso, Brossoit will tend the twine for a third consecutive game. Brossoit has been far from stellar, posting a 3.50 GAA and .848 SV%, but has yet to lose, with a 2-0-0 record. The Ducks enter Thursday's game as +165 road underdogs against an Edmonton Oilers team that defeated them 5-2 earlier this season.