Morning Briefing - September 19

Published 19 September 2026, 7:15 pm ET

TL;DR

Jonathan Lekkerimäki stands out at Canucks camp; developing winger warrants monitoring ahead of regular season.
Adrian Kempe experimenting at center in Kings camp; positional flexibility could expand his role and appeal.
Justin Carbonneau entering season with explicit dominance mindset; depth forward to watch for breakout opportunity.
Jared Spurgeon setting competitive tone at Wild camp; veteran leader remains roster anchor.
Arturs Silovs in Penguins camp picture; goalie depth situation developing.

Lekkerimäki Standing Out at Canucks Camp

WATCH · VAN · LW Jonathan Lekkerimäki stands out among the Canucks' camp group, according to observations from yesterday's session. He is a young winger worth monitoring as the preseason develops and the regular season approaches.

Kempe Exploring Center Position in Kings Camp

WATCH · LAK · C/LW Adrian Kempe skated at center yesterday as part of the Kings' positional experimentation during camp. Peter Laviolette's staff is trying different configurations in the process; if Kempe locks into a middle role it could expand his minutes and upside, but treat center placement as a camp variable rather than a lock.

Carbonneau Chases Dominance with Blues

STASH · STL · C Justin Carbonneau is entering the season with explicit ambition to be dominant, not merely play in the NHL. He is a depth forward to monitor for a potential breakout if opportunity opens in the lineup.

Spurgeon Sets the Competitive Tone at Wild Camp

HOLD · MIN · D Jared Spurgeon emphasized focus and competitiveness in yesterday's camp session, signaling the team's mindset heading into the season. The veteran defenseman remains a core roster piece.

Silovs in Penguins Goalie Picture

WATCH · PIT · G Arturs Silovs is part of the Penguins' camp evaluation. Goalie depth situations can shift quickly; tracking him through preseason is worthwhile.

Sasson Building Chemistry at Canucks Camp

WATCH · VAN · LW Max Sasson is developing chemistry with linemates at Canucks camp, where coach Manny Malhotra noted improved connections from day one to day two. The young winger is a minor prospect to track if he climbs the organizational depth chart.

Lindell and Hintz in Stars Camp Mix

HOLD · DAL · D/C Esa Lindell and Roope Hintz both participated in Stars camp yesterday. Both remain established roster players with no change signaled.

Rantanen in Stars Camp Sessions

HOLD · DAL · RW Mikko Rantanen is in Stars camp action. Established roster contributor with no news of change.

Arvidsson Fit Being Tested at Red Wings Camp

WATCH · DET · RW Viktor Arvidsson is part of Red Wings camp observations, with focus on his fit alongside the team's need for more 5-on-5 scoring. Monitor his line placement and role as camp progresses.

Colangelo in Ducks Camp Review

WATCH · ANA · LW Sam Colangelo is included in Ducks training camp coverage. Young forward to track for developmental progress.

Celebrini Captain Question at Sharks

HOLD · SJS · C Macklin Celebrini may be in line for captain consideration with the Sharks this season. The young center remains a foundational piece in any San Jose rebuild.