All articles tagged with #roster decisions
With the 2026 preseason halfway complete, the Boston Bruins face critical roster decisions. Matt Poitras and Frederic Brunet are favored to make the team, while Alex Steeves and Mikey Eyssimont appear likely to be waived. Injuries to Poitras and Mason Lohrei complicate the timeline.
With the 2026-27 season opener against the Rangers approaching on September 29, Boston Bruins coach Marco Sturm faces a compressed timeline to finalize his lineup. Key uncertainties surround the 13th forward spot and the defense corps, complicated by a lower-body injury to Matt Poitras and an undisclosed issue for Mason Lohrei. While JJ Peterka and David Pastrnak are set to anchor the top line, Sturm is evaluating whether to split them for better scoring depth. The team has waived Max Guenette to Providence, and decisions regarding Alex Steeves and Mikey Eyssimont hinge on cap management and performance.
The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 in their third preseason game on Wednesday, September 23, at Honda Center. This victory marked the Kings' first win of the exhibition season, ending a 0-2-0 record. The game served as a critical audition for players on the roster bubble, with veterans like Erik Haula and Drew Doughty making their preseason debuts. Anton Forsberg recorded 24 saves for Los Angeles, while Alex Laferriere and Joel Armia scored in the first period. The Ducks, who had won their opener 6-2, struggled to convert chances, with coach Joel Quenneville noting a lack of high-quality scoring opportunities. The Kings are expected to finalize their roster shortly, with a full lineup anticipated for the preseason finale on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Kings (0-2-0) face the Anaheim Ducks (1-0-0) in their third preseason game at Honda Center on September 23. This matchup serves as a final opportunity for 'bubble' players to secure roster spots before Saturday's exhibition finale. The Kings are testing new line combinations under coach Peter Laviolette, while the Ducks aim to maintain momentum following a 6-2 victory over San Jose.
The Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights began their 2026-27 preseason slates on Saturday, September 19, at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. Both teams fielded younger lineups to evaluate prospects and bubble players, while veterans like Trevor Moore and Scott Laughton for the Kings and Adin Hill for Vegas played limited minutes. The Kings emphasized special teams development and roster depth, while Vegas focused on integrating new coaching strategies and evaluating young talent. The game marked the first on-ice action for both clubs in the new season, with significant attention on players vying for opening night spots.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are navigating a significantly shortened NHL training camp mandated by the new collective bargaining agreement, which limits the team to three practices and four preseason games before the September 30 opener. Assistant GM Jason Spezza and head coach Dan Muse have adjusted their strategies by utilizing intrasquad competitions and dividing the roster into three groups to evaluate players quickly. While the condensed schedule reduces time for line experimentation, it may help minimize injuries. Key players like Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson are still in contract discussions, but the organization remains focused on immediate performance and roster certainty.
The Pittsburgh Penguins enter the 2026-27 season with a highly competitive training camp, defined by the emergence of young goalie Sergei Murashov and significant uncertainty for several high-salary veterans. While Murashov is poised to challenge Arturs Silovs for the starting role, players like Ryan Graves, Ville Koivunen, and Justin Brazeau face tough decisions regarding their roster spots. The team's recent history of waiving experienced players suggests a strong emphasis on performance over contract status, making this 13-day camp critical for determining the final lineup.
The New York Yankees are evaluating whether to bench Trent Grisham in favor of Spencer Jones as Grisham’s performance declines. With Aaron Judge’s return imminent, Jones’ strong recent play and defensive versatility make him a viable everyday starter, potentially ending Grisham’s tenure in New York.
Kyle McCord threw four touchdowns to lead the Green Bay Packers to a 42-38 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason finale. The game featured a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, with McCord erasing an 11-point deficit in the final minutes. While the score was irrelevant, the performance highlighted key roster decisions for both teams, particularly regarding McCord's future and the Cardinals' offensive line depth.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost their preseason finale to the Jacksonville Jaguars 19-0, marking a frustrating end to the 2026 preseason. While the Bucs offense managed only 87 total yards and failed to score, several defensive and special teams players delivered standout performances that may influence upcoming roster decisions. The game highlighted a stark contrast between a struggling offensive unit and a resilient defense, with key players like CB Ayden Garnes and OLB Jack Pyburn making significant impacts. The Jaguars capitalized on special teams errors and strong defensive play to secure a decisive victory, while the Bucs look to retain depth players ahead of the regular season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-0 in the final preseason game on August 28, 2026, at EverBank Stadium. The shutout marked the first for the Bucs since 1989. Undrafted Jaguars defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. recorded 2.5 sacks, while Michael Wortham returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. The Bucs' offense struggled significantly, with QB Jalon Daniels throwing two interceptions and the offensive line allowing multiple sacks. Roster decisions are imminent for both teams.
The Cleveland Browns defeated the New England Patriots 37-13 in the final preseason game at Huntington Bank Field on August 27. Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw three first-half touchdowns, while rookie Taylen Green added a late score. The Patriots’ offense struggled, with backup quarterbacks Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton failing to sustain drives. The game served as a final evaluation for both teams ahead of the 53-man roster deadline, with the Patriots testing depth at running back, tight end, and offensive line positions.
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 18-12 in their final preseason game, using the contest to evaluate depth ahead of the regular season. While the offense struggled with passing, the running game and special teams performed well, and the team confirmed plans to rest most starters.
The Pittsburgh Steelers face critical roster decisions in their final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Key auditions include first-round pick Max Iheanachor battling veteran Dylan Cook for the starting right tackle role, and quarterback Will Howard needing to outperform rookie Drew Allar to secure a roster spot. Other players, including running backs and special teams contributors, must deliver standout performances to avoid cuts or practice squad demotions.
The San Francisco 49ers will likely rest most starters in their final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 27, as head coach Kyle Shanahan prioritizes preparation for the regular season opener in Melbourne, Australia. While the team is finalizing its 53-man roster, several players including rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling and defensive end Alfred Collins may see limited action to evaluate readiness. The 49ers recently acquired linebacker Deion Jones in a trade with the New Orleans Saints, adding depth to a defense that will feature rookie Jaden Dugger. The game serves as a final evaluation opportunity before the team shifts focus to the international regular season kickoff.