Injury and lineup notes ripple through the NHL, with Luukkonen re-aggravating a lower-body issue for Buffalo and Huberdeau among those being evaluated in Calgary. Kotkaniemi also sidelined by a stick-to-face incident but nearing return. Vlasic, Hart, Varlamov, and Lee provide goaltending and lineup updates shaping early-season depth charts. Namestnikov, Toews, Batherson, Eller, Jensen, Rust, and others surface in practice or status updates, signaling streaming and matchup considerations for fantasy managers this week.

Rumors swirl around Hutson, McLeod, Hart, and Markstrom, hinting at potential roster moves or extension talks that could alter upside in the near term. Namestnikov practicing with Winnipeg, Toews listed day-to-day, and Batherson skating keep watch on several teams’ depth and PP time as injuries create opportunities. Overall, the note pack emphasizes timing of returns and which players could emerge as fantasy differences if healthy.

Fantasy takeaway: monitor status updates and practice reports closely, as even minor timing shifts can open or close top-line and power-play opportunities. The mix of returns, evaluations, and rumours suggests flexible rostering and opportunistic adds over the next several days.

Carolina Hurricanes fought to the final whistle but lost 6-5 to Tampa Bay, despite a lineup largely composed of non-NHL players. Amir Miftakhov endured a high-damage night, allowing 6 on 28 shots as the Canes went 0-for-7 on the power play, including a failed 5-on-3. Tyson Jost logged 22:05, adding 5 shots; late-life scoring came from Givani Smith, Gleb Trikozov, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Noel Gunler and Bradly Nadeau, with Kotkaniemi leaving after a stick to the face. Carolina returns home to face Nashville.

The Canes battled back, scoring with 10 seconds left to make it 6-5, but the short-handed circumstances and special-teams miscues cost them. Nikishin led the defensive charge with 4 blocks, while Smith anchored the net-front presence with 7 hits. Nashville Kenotes await, offering another chance to stabilize the lineup and regain momentum after a three-game winless stretch.

Hurricanes bring a prospect-heavy lineup to a preseason tilt with Tampa Bay, featuring Kotkaniemi at first-line center and Quapp vs Miftakhov in goal. Look for Nikishin’s acclimation and Givani Smith’s edge-creating physicality to shape early roster decisions, while the broadcast streams on ESPN+. Fantasy managers should note depth roles and potential goaltending outcomes as the season approaches.

Quapp and Miftakhov anchor the goaltending duel, signaling which side may emerge with the steadier third string. Kotkaniemi’s assignment hints at immediate top-line usage, while Smith’s grinding tempo and Nikishin’s system fit could tilt minutes to Hurricanes prospects. This game offers a microcosm of Carolina’s deeper talent pool and how it translates to early-season fantasy upside.

The matchup serves as a small sample of how the Canes intend to deploy their depth in 2025–26, especially if goaltending remains a contest into the early exhibitions. Viewers gain a clearer read on which players might push for fourth-line to middle-six roles and how that could impact streaming or short-term bets in fantasy leagues.