NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 2, 2026, 6:12 AM ET
NHL Game Results
Igor Shesterkin scored espn.com an empty-net goal to help the Rangers secure a victory, becoming just the 18th goaltender in NHL history to do so. Victor Hedman returned espn.com to the ice for the Lightning after a mental health break, appearing energized in his first game of the season. Gavin McKenna made espn.com his NHL debut at age 18 as the No. 1 overall pick, though the Maple Leafs fell 3-2 to the Canadiens.
Player Transactions
The Ducks signed espn.com defenseman Tristan Luneau to a six-year, $43.2 million extension after just 14 NHL games. The Sabres agreed espn.com to a four-year, $16 million deal with defenseman Louis Crevier. The Stars extended espn.com backup goaltender Casey DeSmith to a two-year, $5 million contract. The Golden Knights re-signed espn.com center William Karlsson to a two-year, $13.5 million extension, securing a franchise staple.
Injury Updates
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov exited espn.com early with an apparent lower-body injury during the second period against the Sharks. Rangers backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo is week-to-week espn.com with a lower-body injury, leaving New York thin in net. Claire Thompson announced espn.com her retirement from hockey to return to medical school, ending a career that included Olympic and PWHL stardom.
Coaching and Management
The Avalanche eliminated espn.com coaching uncertainty by signing Jared Bednar through the 2030-31 season. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated espn.com that no-trade clauses are no longer being used as originally intended, signaling potential policy discussion. The Flyers are espn.com fighting regression after a shocking offseason that saw major roster turnover.
League Notes
Ten teams made espn.com their season debuts on a busy NHL night, with stat leaders and matchups drawing early attention. Fantasy players can use the NHL’s uneven schedule to gain espn.com an edge in October lineup settings. Analysts project espn.com the Panthers as repeat Stanley Cup champions, citing roster continuity and elite goaltending. CBS Sports highlighted cbssports.com top games to watch, including Braves-Phillies Game 3 and Steelers at Browns, with betting odds and props for Thursday’s marquee matchups.