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 9

Mark Scheifele Scores Twice, Ends Drought in Jets' 5-1 Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mark Scheifele scored two goals, including a power-play marker, in the Winnipeg Jets' 5-1 victory over the Kings on Friday. Both goals came in the second period, ending a three-game drought for the center. Scheifele has been productive in January, tallying four goals and three assists across five outings, all coming in multi-point efforts. Overall, he now has 22 goals, 52 points (10 on the power play), 94 shots on net, and a plus-7 rating through 43 games this season.

Arvid Soderblom Out Friday Due to Illness; Blackhawks Face Goalie Shortage

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arvid Soderblom (illness) is not expected to play Friday against the Capitals, as reported by Charlie Roumeliotis. The Blackhawks are experiencing significant illness issues, sidelining both Soderblom and Spencer Knight. Drew Commesso has been called up from AHL Rockford to start, and may be needed for Saturday's game in Nashville if Soderblom or Knight remain unhealthy.

Spencer Knight Sidelined by Illness, Misses Friday Start for Blackhawks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Spencer Knight (illness) will not start Friday's home game against the Capitals, despite being initially scheduled. Drew Commesso will start in his place. Knight's availability for Saturday's game in Nashville is uncertain due to the quick turnaround. The Blackhawks are facing significant illness issues, with both Knight and Arvid Soderblom sidelined. Prior to this, Knight was on a three-game winning streak, holding a 13-11-6 record with a 2.61 GAA and a .910 save percentage over 30 appearances this season.

Drew Commesso to Start Friday for Blackhawks Amidst Goalie Illnesses

AutoDraft Pro AI

Drew Commesso will start Friday's home game against the Capitals, stepping in for the ill Spencer Knight, as reported by Charlie Roumeliotis. This marks Commesso's third NHL appearance and his first of the 2025-26 season, as the Blackhawks contend with an illness affecting their locker room. For AHL Rockford this season, Commesso holds a 6-11-3 record with a 2.72 GAA and a .909 save percentage.

Bedard Returns to Blackhawks Lineup After Shoulder Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Blackhawks' Connor Bedard (shoulder) is confirmed to return for Friday's game against Washington after missing 12 games due to a right shoulder injury. He participated in morning skate and is expected to reclaim his top line and No. 1 power-play unit role. Prior to his Dec. 12 injury, Bedard was on an offensive tear, recording 28 points in his last 18 outings (19 goals, 25 assists in 31 games). He feels good and is excited to play, providing a significant boost.

Red Wings Recall Forward Sheldon Dries from AHL Grand Rapids

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Detroit Red Wings have recalled forward Sheldon Dries from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. Dries, 31, has been exceptional for the Griffins this season with 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in 26 games, earning AHL Player of the Week honors in December. He will take John Leonard's roster spot and rotate in the lineup. Dries brings NHL experience, having played 122 games with Vancouver and Colorado, totaling 16 goals and 10 assists.

Jamie Benn to Miss Saturday's Game with Upper Body Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Stars' Jamie Benn (upper body) did not participate in Friday's practice and is slated to miss Saturday's game against San Jose, marking his third consecutive absence. He hopes to rejoin the team in Los Angeles for upcoming games against the Kings and Ducks. In his eight appearances leading up to his injury, Benn recorded three goals, two assists, 10 hits, four PIM, and two blocked shots while averaging 11:49 of ice time.

Jets Reportedly Inquire About Oilers Winger Andrew Mangiapane

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Winnipeg Jets are reportedly exploring trade options for Edmonton Oilers winger Andrew Mangiapane, with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirming the inquiry. Mangiapane, a former 55-point winger with a $3.6 million cap hit, has fallen out of favor in Edmonton, moving to the bottom six and being a healthy scratch in recent games. A trade appears imminent, with Winnipeg a leading contender seeking scoring depth, potentially offering him top-six minutes.

Patrick Kane Reaches 500 Career Goals in Red Wings Victory

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Red Wings' Patrick Kane scored two goals, including his 500th career goal, in Thursday's 5-1 win over the Canucks, becoming the fifth US-born player to reach the milestone. This was his first multi-goal game of the season, bringing his totals to eight goals and 26 points through 30 games. At 37, Kane continues to play at an elite level, ranking high in shot metrics and power-play contributions. He expressed gratitude for the Red Wings fans' welcome.

Flyers Place Key Defenseman Jamie Drysdale on Injured Reserve

AutoDraft Pro AI

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale has been placed on injured reserve (IR) after sustaining an injury from a hit by Anaheim Ducks forward Ross Johnston on Jan. 6. Drysdale, 23, missed the Jan. 8 game against Toronto, and the earliest he can return is Jan. 14 against the Buffalo Sabres. He has recorded three goals, 15 assists, 18 points, and a plus-1 rating in 41 games this season, making him one of the Flyers' most important defensemen.

Merzlikins to Start Saturday vs. Avalanche Amidst Season Struggles

AutoDraft Pro AI

Elvis Merzlikins is slated to start in goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche. This will be his first start since December 20, 2025. Merzlikins has faced significant challenges this season, holding a 6-6-1 record with a 4.03 GAA and an .877 save percentage across 14 appearances. He has allowed at least three goals in each of his last 11 outings. The Avalanche present a formidable opponent, ranking first in the league with 4.05 goals per game.

Konecny a Game-Time Decision for Saturday with Upper-Body Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers is listed as a game-time decision for Saturday's contest against the Lightning due to an upper-body injury. While his availability is uncertain, the issue is not considered serious. Konecny has been a key offensive contributor, tallying points in 15 of his last 20 games. During this span, he has recorded nine goals and 12 assists, including four power-play points. Should Konecny be unable to play, Matvei Michkov is a candidate to fill his spot on the first line.

Darcy Kuemper Confirmed Starter for Kings vs. Winnipeg

AutoDraft Pro AI

Darcy Kuemper was the first goalie off the ice during Friday's morning skate, confirming he will start in net for the Los Angeles Kings on the road against Winnipeg. This marks his fifth consecutive start. In his last four outings, Kuemper holds a 2-1-1 record with a 3.40 GAA and an .877 save percentage. He previously faced Winnipeg twice this season, posting a 1-1-0 record with a 1.53 GAA and a .940 save percentage in those appearances.

Rookie Ben Kindel Centers Evgeni Malkin in Penguins Lineup Shift

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Penguins' 18-year-old rookie Ben Kindel is now centering Evgeni Malkin and Egor Chinakhov on the second line following Malkin's return from injury. Kindel, a mainstay since training camp, has eight goals and 18 points this season, contributing significantly to the team's success and special teams. He is embracing the opportunity to play with an all-time great and is focusing on his development and physical well-being amidst a demanding rookie season.

Evgeni Malkin Returns to Penguins Lineup, Plays Wing

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Penguins' veteran Evgeni Malkin, 39, returned to the lineup on Jan. 8 against the New Jersey Devils after a month-long injury absence. He played on the wing, centered by rookie Ben Kindel, and contributed to a 4-1 victory, the team's sixth straight win. Malkin, who scored a "huge" second-period goal, expressed comfort with the positional change, stating, "I don't care," despite his long history as a center.

Tom Wilson Placed on Injured Reserve; Eligible to Return Sunday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Friday, with the move retroactive to Jan. 3. This means Wilson will miss Friday's game in Chicago but is eligible to return for Sunday's matchup in Nashville. He is still considered day-to-day, suggesting his stint on IR could be brief. The Capitals made this roster move to free up a spot for Aliaksei Protas, who was activated from IR and will play against the Blackhawks.

Aliaksei Protas Activated from IR, Returns to Capitals Lineup

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas (lower body) has been activated from injured reserve and is set to return to action Friday in Chicago after missing three games. Prior to his injury, Protas was on a hot streak, tallying four goals and five assists during a five-game scoring streak. This season, he has recorded 16 goals and 15 assists in 41 appearances, with a plus-21 rating, averaging 39 seconds of power-play time. His activation frees up a roster spot for Tom Wilson's IR move.

Anze Kopitar Out for Friday's Game, Day-to-Day with Lower-Body Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar (lower body) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Jets, marking his second consecutive absence. He is currently considered day-to-day, but his availability for the second half of the back-to-back set Saturday against Edmonton remains uncertain. The veteran center is dealing with a lower-body injury.

Eric Comrie to Start in Goal for Jets Against Kings on Friday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Eric Comrie will patrol the home crease Friday against the Los Angeles Kings. This marks Comrie's second start in 12 games, following Connor Hellebuyck's appearance Thursday. Comrie holds a 6-9-1 record with a 3.49 GAA and an .880 save percentage this season. He faces a Kings team that ranks 28th in NHL scoring, averaging 2.67 goals per game, as the Jets aim to snap an 11-game losing streak.

Penguins Defenseman Caleb Jones Nearing Return from Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones (lower-body injury) skated with the team for the first time on Friday, wearing a no-contact jersey, after being on injured reserve since Oct. 25. Jones, 28, sustained the injury from a hit by Brad Marchand. He has one assist in seven games this season and hopes to return as soon as possible, potentially targeting next weekend against Columbus. The team has an open roster spot for his activation.