AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NHL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, January 30

Matt Luff Recalled to Blues Roster on Emergency Basis Amid Injury Concerns

AutoDraft Pro AI

St. Louis Blues winger Matt Luff has been recalled from the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds on an emergency basis for the second consecutive day. This move provides insurance as the Blues await the status of several players, including Jake Neighbours, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Pius Suter, who are game-time decisions for Saturday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Luff, 28, has scored one goal in five NHL games this season and has 13 goals and 33 points in 33 AHL games. He is likely to be sent back down if no lineup spots open.

Jimmy Snuggerud Expected to Play for Blues After Maintenance Day

AutoDraft Pro AI

St. Louis Blues forward Jimmy Snuggerud, who took a maintenance day from Friday's practice, is considered a game-time decision but is expected to play on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. His status, along with Jake Neighbours and Pius Suter, prompted the emergency recall of Matt Luff from the AHL as a precautionary measure.

Jake Neighbours Expected to Play for Blues Despite Maintenance Day

AutoDraft Pro AI

St. Louis Blues forward Jake Neighbours, who was absent from Friday's practice for a maintenance day, is considered a game-time decision but is expected to play on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. His availability, along with Jimmy Snuggerud and Pius Suter, led to the emergency recall of Matt Luff from the AHL as an insurance measure. Neighbours had been questionable for a previous game but ultimately played.

Maple Leafs' Nylander Skates, Targets Saturday Return from Groin Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

William Nylander (groin) skated on the second line during Friday's practice session and also participated on the first power-play unit. This suggests he could return to the lineup for Saturday's game against Vancouver. Nylander had hoped to return during the Maple Leafs' four-game road trip, and despite missing Thursday's game against Seattle, his encouraging participation in Friday's practice session indicates a potential return two days later.

Robert Thomas (Lower Body) Day-to-Day, Possible Return Before Olympic Break

AutoDraft Pro AI

St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas (lower body) remains day-to-day and could potentially return before the Olympic break, having been sidelined since January 10th. While his return for upcoming games against Columbus, Nashville, or Dallas isn't guaranteed, the possibility exists. The 26-year-old has 11 goals and 33 points in 42 games this season and is expected to resume a top-six role and first power-play unit upon his healthy return. Thomas is also identified as a high-profile trade target for teams like the Detroit Red Wings, who seek a young, impact center.

Chychrun Delivers Three Assists, Reaches 41 Points in 53 Games

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jakob Chychrun was instrumental in the Washington Capitals' 4-3 shootout win over the Red Wings, recording three assists and a plus-3 rating. This performance extended his recent hot streak, giving him five helpers over his last three contests. The 27-year-old defenseman continues to be a high-level offensive contributor, now boasting 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) in 53 games this season. He has also accumulated 167 shots on net, 73 blocked shots, 47 PIM, 45 hits, and a plus-23 rating, maintaining steady top-four minutes and power-play time.

Brad Marchand Exits Blues Game with Undisclosed Injury, Awaiting Re-evaluation

AutoDraft Pro AI

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand was forced to leave Thursday's game against the St. Louis Blues with an undisclosed injury after skating just 11:19 of ice time. Coach Paul Maurice stated Marchand would be re-evaluated to determine the severity. This comes after Marchand recently returned from missing six games due to a collision, scoring two goals and four points in four games since his return. The 37-year-old has 25 goals and 50 points in 45 games this season. A long-term absence could significantly impact the Panthers' playoff chances and his Olympic participation.

Kyrou Explodes for Three Points, Extends Hot Streak

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jordan Kyrou recorded a goal and two assists, including a power-play helper, in Thursday's 5-4 victory over the Panthers. This marked his second multi-point effort in three games, bouncing back after being held scoreless in Tuesday's loss to Dallas. Kyrou has been on a prolific stretch, tallying 10 points (four goals, six assists), 24 shots on goal, and a plus-5 rating over his last nine games, cracking the scoresheet in seven of those contests. The St. Louis Blues forward is demonstrating strong offensive form.

John Gibson Confirmed Starter for Saturday vs. High-Scoring Avalanche

AutoDraft Pro AI

John Gibson is confirmed to patrol the home crease for the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche, as reported by Michael Whitaker of The Hockey News. This will mark Gibson's fourth consecutive start and his 12th in the last 14 games. So far this 2025-26 season, Gibson holds a record of 21-10-2 with three shutouts, a 2.61 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage across 34 appearances. He faces a tough challenge against the Avalanche, who currently lead the NHL in scoring, averaging 3.88 goals per game.

Elvis Merzlikins Secures Second Straight Win, Stops 22 Shots Against Blackhawks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will make his second consecutive start on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks, following a 24-save performance in a 5-3 victory over Philadelphia. He stopped 22 shots in the 4-2 win over the Blackhawks, earning his third straight full start victory with a .922 save percentage in that span. Merzlikins holds a 9-8-1 record this season with a 3.76 GAA and an .882 save percentage across 19 appearances. With Columbus allowing the second-most shots per game, Merzlikins is expected to remain busy.

Zacha Out Sunday with Upper-Body Injury, Status for Wednesday Uncertain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pavel Zacha (upper body) will not travel with the Boston Bruins to Florida and is confirmed to miss Sunday's game in Tampa Bay. Zacha sustained the injury during Thursday's game against Philadelphia in the second period and did not return. The center, who has recorded 15 goals and 37 points this season (including 15 power-play points), has an uncertain status for Wednesday's upcoming game in Florida. This update comes from Conor Ryan of The Boston Globe on Friday.

Spencer Knight Starts for Blackhawks, Makes 22 Saves in Loss to Blue Jackets

AutoDraft Pro AI

Spencer Knight started in goal for the Chicago Blackhawks at home against Columbus on Friday, making 22 saves in the 4-2 loss. The 24-year-old netminder holds a 1-1-1 record in his last three outings, having allowed 10 goals on 78 shots. For the season, Knight boasts a 15-14-7 record, three shutouts, a 2.59 GAA, and a .910 save percentage across 36 contests. He is expected to be busy, as the Blue Jackets generate the third-most shots per game (30.3), while the Blackhawks allow the seventh-most (29.7).

Ilya Solovyov Makes Immediate Impact with Penguins, Records First Point

AutoDraft Pro AI

Former Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ilya Solovyov recorded his first point with the Pittsburgh Penguins in his debut, assisting on Ryan Shea's goal during a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. Solovyov, acquired nearly two weeks ago in a trade for Valtteri Puustinen and a 2026 seventh-round pick, logged nearly 17 minutes of ice time, close to his season-high. The trade offers Solovyov increased ice time and development opportunities on a rebuilding Penguins team, after appearing in 16 games for Colorado this season with one goal and two assists.

Hellebuyck Confirmed to Start Saturday's Road Game Against Panthers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Connor Hellebuyck is slated to start Saturday's road game for the Winnipeg Jets against the Panthers, as confirmed by his starting routine on Friday, according to Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press. Hellebuyck has faced recent struggles, posting a 1-3-2 record with a 2.64 GAA and a .909 save percentage over his last six starts. This run includes a Jan. 22 home game against the Panthers where he made 19 saves on 20 shots in a shootout loss.

Quinn Records Three Assists in Sabres' Win, Extends Point Streak

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jack Quinn delivered a strong performance for the Buffalo Sabres in Thursday's 4-1 victory over the Kings, collecting three assists, including one on the power play. This marks the 24-year-old's second three-point game of the season. Quinn has now registered points in four consecutive games and has been on a breakout stretch over his last 11 contests, tallying five goals and 12 points. He is currently just three goals and five points shy of setting new career bests in both categories.

Kings Advised to Avoid Acquiring Evander Kane Amid Canucks Rebuild

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly interested in acquiring Vancouver Canucks veteran forward Evander Kane, but analysis suggests it may not be a smart move. The Canucks are in a rebuild, and Kane is expected to be traded. The 34-year-old winger has nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 53 games this season, numbers that would rank him 7th on the struggling Kings. With a $5.125M cap hit and pending unrestricted free agency, acquiring Kane as a rental is seen as a high-cost, low-impact move that would not significantly boost the Kings' playoff push.

Minten Shines with Three Points, Poised for Top-Line Role

AutoDraft Pro AI

Fraser Minten delivered a strong performance for the Boston Bruins on Thursday, recording a goal and two assists in their 6-3 win against the Flyers. This marks the 21-year-old center's second three-point game this season. With Elias Lindholm (upper body) and Pavel Zacha (upper body) sidelined, Minten is now in line for a potential top-line assignment. He has been productive recently, tallying eight goals and 16 points over his last 15 games.

Patrick Kane Becomes Highest-Scoring U.S.-Born NHL Player

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane made NHL history on Thursday, becoming the highest-scoring U.S.-born player with his 1,375th career point. He surpassed Mike Modano with an assist on Ben Chiarot's second-period goal. Kane's teammates celebrated the milestone, and a pre-recorded video message from Modano was played on the scoreboard, which Kane appreciated as a "classy gesture." Kane, who looked up to Modano, now holds the record, further solidifying his legacy as one of the best American players of all time.

Shayne Gostisbehere Returns with Two Goals, Assist in Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Shayne Gostisbehere delivered a strong performance in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Mammoth, recording two goals and an assist with three shots on net. The 32-year-old blueliner scored a power-play goal late in the second period and played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes' comeback, assisting on Andrei Svechnikov's goal before scoring an even-strength goal 30 seconds later to tie the game. He now has eight goals and 27 assists (35 points) along with 76 shots and 42 blocked shots in 35 games this season, marking his fourth three-point outing and eighth multi-point effort.

Andrei Svechnikov Ignites Comeback with Two Goals, One Assist

AutoDraft Pro AI

Andrei Svechnikov delivered a stellar performance in Thursday's 5-4 win over Utah, tallying two goals and an assist. The 25-year-old winger fired four shots, served two PIM, and dished out two hits. He scored an unassisted goal in the first period and added a power-play helper in the second. His power-play goal late in the game sparked a crucial three-goal outbreak, leading to Carolina's comeback victory. Svechnikov now has 20 goals and 26 assists (46 points) in 53 games this season, putting him on track for a career-high 70 points.