Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
New York Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski was involved in a collision with LA Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper during Tuesday's game. The incident resulted in Kuemper suffering an upper body/neck injury, causing him to temporarily lose feeling in his arm. Kuemper has since been cleared to return to play.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin underwent surgery for a lingering lower body injury. This procedure will unfortunately prevent him from playing for Sweden in the upcoming Olympics next month.
Frederik Andersen is expected to start at home against Chicago on Thursday, per Chip Alexander. In his last outing Saturday, Andersen stopped 29 of 30 shots, securing a 4-1 victory over the Devils. For the 2025-26 season, he holds a 7-10-3 record with a 3.26 GAA and an .869 save percentage across 20 appearances. The Blackhawks, who recently ended a three-game losing streak, have struggled offensively, scoring two or fewer goals in their past four games.
Anze Kopitar (lower body) did not skate with the Kings on Thursday but is confirmed to join the team for their upcoming six-game road trip. While he's unlikely to return for Saturday's opener in St. Louis, he could be an option later in the trip. Kopitar has been sidelined since January 5th and has recorded six goals and 21 points in 37 games during the 2025-26 season.
Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi played his 1,000th career NHL game on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators, becoming the first player in franchise history to achieve this milestone entirely with the Predators. He assisted on the tying goal in the Predators' 5-3 comeback victory. A four-time NHL All-Star and 2020 Norris Trophy winner, Josi has tallied 198 goals and 554 assists for 752 points in 999 games. Despite a 2025 POTS diagnosis, he is 100% healthy this season and is preparing for the 2026 Olympics.
Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau (lower body) is slated to return to action Friday against Washington, according to Derek Wills of Sportsnet 960 The Fan. Huberdeau missed just one game due to the injury. The winger has recorded eight goals and 21 points in 44 appearances during the 2025-26 season. His return is expected to make Martin Pospisil a healthy scratch for the game against the Capitals.
Daniil Tarasov is set to start in goal for the Florida Panthers on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets. This will be Tarasov's second start in the last three games, a notable increase after only playing two of the previous 11 contests. So far this season, he holds a 6-6-2 record with a 2.76 GAA and a .905 save percentage across 15 appearances. He faces a Jets team that ranks 20th in the league, averaging 2.98 goals per game.
Connor Hellebuyck started in goal for the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday against the Florida Panthers, stopping 19 shots but ultimately losing 2-1 in a shootout. He did not play Tuesday but returned for his sixth start in the last seven games. Prior to this game, Hellebuyck had a 3-1-1 record with a 2.79 GAA and .905 save percentage in his last five outings, and had hit the Over on 24.5 saves in six of his past seven games, with a .926 SV% and 2.23 GAA in his last three starts.
Rasmus Andersson has been ruled out of Thursday's game in Boston due to ongoing visa issues, which have persisted since his trade to the Vegas Golden Knights. His status for Friday's game in Toronto remains uncertain. Andersson had 10 goals and 20 assists in 48 games with the Flames prior to the trade.
Mikko Rantanen will miss Thursday's game against Columbus due to illness, marking his second consecutive absence. His availability for Friday's game against the Blues is yet to be determined. Rantanen has had a strong season with 19 goals and 44 assists in 48 games, along with 79 penalty minutes.
Tristan Jarry will start in net for the Edmonton Oilers against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. This marks his second game facing his former team since his December 12th trade. Jarry previously defeated the Penguins on December 16th, making 26 saves. He holds a 13-4-2 record with a 2.61 GAA and .908 save percentage this season across both teams.
Casey DeSmith is set to start in goal for the Dallas Stars on Thursday against Columbus. The veteran backup has performed well this season, posting a 10-3-5 record with one shutout, a 2.46 GAA, and a .911 save percentage in 19 appearances. Columbus ranks 21st in the NHL in scoring.
The Seattle Kraken are reportedly open to trading Shane Wright, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, in a package to acquire a top-six forward. The 22-year-old has averaged just 13:44 of ice time this season, recording seven goals and 17 points in 49 games, often stuck as a third-line center. Wright projects as a second-line center with a two-way game, physical frame, skating, and shot.
St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou is being considered a potential trade candidate, with the Seattle Kraken previously showing interest. Despite a down year with nine goals and 21 points in 40 games, his speed and offensive flair could appeal to teams seeking a top-six forward. The Blues are reportedly open to moving veteran forwards, suggesting a change of scenery could benefit Kyrou.
Akira Schmid will start in goal for the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday against the Boston Bruins. Schmid is currently on a four-game winning streak, with a 2.07 GAA and .917 save percentage in that span. Despite Adin Hill's return, Schmid has earned playing time with his strong performances. Boston averages 3.28 goals per game.
Juuse Saros will start in net for the Nashville Predators against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. Saros has a 19-16- record with a 3.01 GAA and .897 save percentage in 38 appearances this season. The Senators are averaging 3.27 goals per game in 2025-26.
Elvis Merzlikins has recovered from illness and will serve as the backup goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, backing up Jet Greaves against Dallas. Merzlikins left Tuesday's game due to illness, allowing two goals on seven shots in a 4-1 defeat. He has an 8-8-1 record with a 3.81 GAA and .882 save percentage in 18 games this season.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson leads all NHL defensemen with 43 assists this season, just two points shy of Cale Makar for the blueliner points lead. He has recorded 26 helpers in his last 21 games, including six in his last three appearances (two against Buffalo). Despite being snubbed twice by Team USA for the Olympics, former Canadiens star P.K. Subban advocates for Hutson as a legitimate Norris Trophy candidate, citing his competitive, two-way impact and leadership.
Joonas Korpisalo is set to start in net for the Boston Bruins against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. Korpisalo has won his last three starts, allowing three goals on 80 shots. He holds a 9-8-0 record with a 3.09 GAA and .896 save percentage in 19 games this season. The Golden Knights are sixth in NHL scoring, averaging 3.33 goals per game.
Marchment (upper body) has been activated off injured reserve by the Columbus Blue Jackets after just over two weeks. He skated on the top line during Wednesday's practice and is expected to suit up in Thursday's game against Dallas. In 36 appearances this season between Seattle and Columbus, Marchment has recorded nine goals, 11 assists, 43 hits, and 36 PIM while averaging 17:13 of ice time.
