NHL Hockey 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 1, 2026, 10:20 PM ET
Player Transactions
The Ducks signed espn.com defenseman Tristan Luneau to a six-year, $43.2 million extension after just 14 NHL games. The Stars extended espn.com backup goaltender Casey DeSmith to a two-year, $5 million deal. The Sabres signed espn.com defenseman Louis Crevier to a four-year, $16 million extension. The Golden Knights re-signed espn.com center William Karlsson to a two-year, $13.5 million extension.
Injury Updates
The Rangers listed espn.com backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
Coaching Moves
The Avalanche secured espn.com 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 espn.com her retirement from hockey to return to medical school. No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna, made espn.com his NHL debut for the Maple Leafs in a 3-2 loss to the Canadiens.
Commissioner Comments
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman noted espn.com 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 espn.com the uneven NHL schedule in October to optimize lineups and gain a competitive edge.
Game Recommendations
CBS Sports highlighted cbssports.com 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.