NHL preseason sees multiple player injuries and physical play

Several NHL players sustained injuries during recent preseason games. Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel left a game against the Buffalo Sabres with a lower-body injury, which may impact the team's top-nine depth heading into the 2026-27 season. Additionally, Penguins forwards Blake Lizotte and Oliver Okuliar are sidelined week-to-week due to undisclosed injuries.

In Philadelphia, Flyers forward Denver Barkey sustained a lower-body injury during a preseason matchup against the Washington Capitals. Goaltender Dan Vladar also left a game against the Boston Bruins following an apparent injury after contact with a player.

During a preseason game between the Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings, tensions rose when Detroit players engaged physically with Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. Penguins defenseman Declan Carlile stated that the team would not hesitate to defend their captain, noting, “If you’re going after the best player in the league, you’re going to have to answer a little bit.”