Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau (hip) will miss the start of the season. Recently, Flames general manager Craig Conroy revealed that Huberdeau had suffered a setback in his recovery from hip surgery and wouldn't be available at the start of training camp. Unfortunately, Conroy has now delivered an even grimmer update, saying Huberdeau isn't ready to start the season. On the bright side, Huberdeau told reporters on Thursday that he is pain-free. Huberdeau's absence could open the door for a player like Samuel Honzek to get more opportunities early in the season.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (knee) has been turning heads during pre-training camp skates, TSN's Mark Masters reports. Maple Leafs defenseman Christopher Tanev told reporters on Thursday that Matthews has looked "amazing" in the informal skates. Matthews has been hampered by health issues in recent years and underwent MCL surgery in March, which ended his 2025-26 campaign. He posted 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) in 63 games during a disappointing season. With him now fully healthy, Matthews could bounce back in style in 2026-27.

Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala (lower leg) won't be available for the start of training camp next week. The Swiss forward has undergone follow-up surgery on the broken leg he sustained during the Olympics in February. Due to the injury, Fiala was limited to 56 NHL outings last season. He posted 18 goals and 40 points. It's uncertain if Fiala will be cleared to join training camp later. Fiala is a year removed from scoring a career-high 35 goals, and he would be sorely missed if the Kings have to start the season without him.

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Braeden Bowman signed a six-year, $20.4 million contract extension on Thursday. He will have a cap hit of $3.4 million starting in the 2027-28 season. Bowman broke into the Golden Knights team last season, appearing in 54 games. He recorded eight goals and 26 points. The 23-year-old was a standout performer in the AHL, with 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 20 games. Bowman will look to cement his place on the team in 2026-27 and is a name fantasy managers should keep an eye on.