[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [SPORTS]

3 clusters · 19 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

2026 NHL preseason developments

Overview

The 2026 NHL preseason has commenced with various matchups across the league. Initial games saw victories for the Washington Capitals over the Philadelphia Flyers, a shootout win for the Boston Bruins against the Capitals, and a 4-1 win for the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Buffalo Sabres.

As play continued, the preseason period was marked by several player injuries and increased physical play. The Pittsburgh Penguins reported lower-body injuries to Ben Kindel, which may impact the team's top-nine depth, and week-to-week injuries for Blake Lizotte and Oliver Okuliar. The Philadelphia Flyers also reported a lower-body injury to Denver Barkey and an injury to goaltender Dan Vladar.

Physical tensions emerged during a game between the Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings involving Sidney Crosby. Following physical engagement with the Penguins captain, defenseman Declan Carlile stated that the team would defend him, noting, “If you’re going after the best player in the league, you’re going to have to answer a little bit.”

As the regular season approaches, the Penguins are managing roster battles, including sending six defensemen and goaltender Taylor Gauthier to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Additionally, defenseman Caleb Jones has returned to action following an 11-month absence involving foot and shoulder injuries, as well as a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL’s performance-enhancing substances program. Jones maintained that his positive test was likely due to an unintentional contaminated substance associated with exosome therapy.

Entities

Pittsburgh Penguins · Philadelphia Flyers · Boston Bruins · Michael DiPietro · Blake Lizotte

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Pittsburgh Penguins continue preseason schedule amid roster battles

    The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their preseason against the Columbus Blue Jackets amid roster battles and the return of defenseman Caleb Jones following a season lost to injury and suspension.

  2. 5 days ago

    [SPORTS] 9 sources
    NHL preseason sees multiple player injuries and physical play

    Multiple NHL players, including Ben Kindel and Denver Barkey, sustained injuries during preseason games, while Pittsburgh Penguins players defended Sidney Crosby during a physical matchup against Detroit.

  3. 6 days ago

    [SPORTS] 15 sources
    NHL preseason action begins with Capitals, Bruins, and Penguins victories

    NHL preseason action features the Washington Capitals defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2, the Boston Bruins securing a shootout win over Washington, and the Pittsburgh Penguins beating the Buffalo Sabres.

Sources

bostonhockeynow.com · broadstreethockey.com · buffalohockeybeat.com · cappertek.com · dailyfaceoff.com · flyersnation.com · mapleleafshotstove.com · nesn.com · nhltraderumors.me · pensburgh.com · pittsburghhockeynow.com · prohockeyrumors.com · russianmachineneverbreaks.com · si.com · theahl.com · timesng.com · tribhssn.triblive.com · triblive.com · wpgtalkradio.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history