Goaltender Ilya Samsonov will attempt an NHL comeback in 2026-27, having signed a one-year, two-way contract with the San Jose Sharks. After six years in the NHL, Samsonov spent the 2025-26 campaign with HC Sochi in the KHL. This could be a smart pickup for the Sharks, given Samsonov's solid play throughout his NHL career. He has posted a 118-48-25 record, a 2.77 goals-against average, and a .902 save percentage. Last season, the Sharks ranked 25th in save percentage, with Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic sharing starts in the crease.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub (lower body) is expected to be available for training camp, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports. Senators general manager Steve Staios told Garrioch that Zub is still rehabbing from a lower-body injury he suffered during the playoffs, but he expects the Russian rearguard to be fine for training camp. Zub is a versatile defenseman who contributes in all areas. He finished last season with 30 points (five goals, 25 assists), 92 SOG, 120 blocks, and 66 hits in 81 games. The 30-year-old led his team with a plus-22 rating.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (hip) doesn't have a timeline for his return, Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK reports. Recent reports indicated that Demko's availability for training camp is in doubt. Since he doesn't have a timeline for a return, the Canucks may also be without Demko at the start of the regular season. Demko had hip surgery in January. His absence leaves Kevin Lankinen as Vancouver's de facto starter. Last season, Lankinen struggled to fill Demko's shoes, posting a 11-27-5 record.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson plans to attend training camp even if he's still unsigned, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports. The 23-year-old Swedish blue-liner is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. Edvinsson has enjoyed back-to-back strong campaigns. In 2025-26, he appeared in 72 regular-season contests, recording 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists), 88 SOG, 148 blocks, 94 hits, and a plus-12 rating. Edvinsson has formed a strong partnership with Moritz Seider in Detroit's defense and is expected to stay in Motown long-term. However, his contract situation remains unresolved as the Red Wings are still looking for a new general manager.