NHL Hockey 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 1, 2026, 10:20 PM ET
Player Transactions
The Ducks signed defenseman Tristan Luneau to a six-year, $43.2 million extension after just 14 NHL games. The Stars extended backup goaltender Casey DeSmith to a two-year, $5 million deal. The Sabres signed defenseman Louis Crevier to a four-year, $16 million extension. The Golden Knights re-signed center William Karlsson to a two-year, $13.5 million extension.
Injury Updates
The Rangers listed backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
Coaching Moves
The Avalanche secured head coach Jared Bednar through the 2030-31 season, ending ongoing speculation about his future with the club.
Player News
Olympic and PWHL star Claire Thompson announced her retirement from hockey to return to medical school. No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna, made his NHL debut for the Maple Leafs in a 3-2 loss to the Canadiens.
Commissioner Comments
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman noted that no-trade clauses are no longer being used as originally intended, citing their increased prevalence in player contracts.
Fantasy Advice
Fantasy hockey managers can leverage the uneven NHL schedule in October to optimize lineups and gain a competitive edge.
Game Recommendations
CBS Sports highlighted top games to watch and best bets, including Braves-Phillies Game 3 and Steelers at Browns, though these are MLB and NFL matchups, not NHL.