NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: September 17, 2026, 7:29 AM ET

Jets Suspend Hellebuyck After Camp No-Show

The Winnipeg Jets suspended star goalie Connor Hellebuyck on Wednesday night after he failed to report to training camp, a dramatic escalation tied to his standing trade request. The move leaves Winnipeg without its franchise netminder as the season approaches and hands the crease to an unproven tandem. It is a stunning turn for a former Vezina Trophy winner who had been the face of the organization.

Kings Name Doughty Captain

Drew Doughty has been named the new captain of the Los Angeles Kings, succeeding the retired Anze Kopitar. The veteran defenseman inherits the leadership mantle from one of the most decorated players in franchise history. Doughty, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, now anchors a Los Angeles core in transition.

Reaves Retires at 39

Enforcer Ryan Reaves announced his retirement Wednesday at age, closing a career defined by his physical presence and outsized personality. His departure leaves just three visor-less players remaining in the NHL, a quiet marker of how the game has changed. Reaves spent more than a decade as one of the league's most feared fighters.

Burns Shaves Iconic Beard

Brent Burns, arrived at camp clean-shaven, shedding the trademark unkempt whiskers that became his signature over a long career. The Avalanche defenseman joked that he now looks like some rookie. It is a jarring sight for fans accustomed to the bushy beard that defined his image for years.

Injury Bug Hits Camps

Red Wings center Dylan Larkin will not skate when Detroit opens training camp Thursday after suffering an injury in off-ice training. Sabres forward Jason Zucker is expected to miss the start of the season following sports hernia surgery. On Long Island, Mathew Barzal, the Islanders' leading scorer last season, aggravated an injury and is not expected to skate, putting the opener in doubt. Three clubs now face early-season absences before a single puck drops.

Fantasy Hockey Prep

With drafts underway, a goalie draft guide breaks down the top-tier starters, midround gambles and timeshare situations to target. A companion piece flags defensemen to grab before their breakout seasons arrive. Both resources aim to help managers find value before the rest of the room catches on.

League Notebook

An NHL superstar poll gathered player takes on summer highlights, potential Texas expansion team names and fan culture. Expansion remains a live topic, with a 33rd team possible in the coming seasons and its rink in either Austin or Houston. In coaching news, the Wild signed head coach John Hynes to a multiyear extension, locking up their bench boss. The Devils, meanwhile, are hiring former Kraken assistant Jessica Campbell, the first woman to coach full time in the NHL, as manager in player development.