Preseason Results, Cap Projection and Injury Notes Lead NHL Roundup
Friday's preseason slate included Colorado beating Winnipeg, the Rangers routing the Islanders, Dallas edging Minnesota, and Washington topping Boston in overtime. The league's 2028-29 salary cap is projected to reach $127.5 million, while Macklin Celebrini was named San Jose's captain and Carolina re-signed Pyotr Kochetkov. Alex Ovechkin sat out with a lower-body injury and Brock Faber left after a puck hit his helmet, though Ovechkin is expected back for the season opener.
Washington captain Alex Ovechkin was absent from Friday’s overtime win against Boston because of a lower-body issue. He is also set to miss the Capitals’ last preseason matchup with Philadelphia, but the team expects him available for the Oct. 2 opener versus Carolina.
In Dallas’s 2-1 win over Minnesota, Wild defenseman Brock Faber exited in the second period after a puck hit his helmet on the left side. He sat out the rest of the game as a precaution and was scheduled for further evaluation Saturday. The contest also featured 86 combined penalty minutes, largely from late fights, while Tyler Seguin returned from a December knee injury.
Injury news in preseason hockey may affect more than team standings. Fans could see star players rested or held out, altering early-season matchups and ticket value. Coaches and medical staff may face pressure to balance caution with readiness, while players’ long-term health and careers could hinge on return timelines. For younger athletes, visible helmet and lower-body incidents may reinforce safety awareness. The broader public may also follow whether leagues and teams adopt clearer protocols, though the immediate impact is likely limited to the sport’s participants and supporters.