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NHL News

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

Thursday, January 8

Jordan Eberle Ruled Out for Thursday's Game with Upper-Body Injury

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Seattle Kraken winger Jordan Eberle (upper-body injury) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Wild. Initially a game-time decision due to an undisclosed issue, it was later confirmed he is dealing with an upper-body injury. Eberle, who has recorded 15 goals and 28 points in 41 appearances this season, logged 16:59 of ice time in Tuesday's game against Boston. His absence will see Eeli Tolvanen take his power-play time, and Jared McCann may see an increased role.

Travis Konecny Exits Game with Upper-Body Injury, Status Undetermined

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Flyers forward Travis Konecny did not return for the third period of Thursday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs due to an upper-body injury. Konecny, who scored Philadelphia's only goal, reportedly felt 'something bugging him' early on, possibly after a fall. His availability for Saturday's game against the Lightning is undetermined. Konecny has 14 goals and 38 points in 42 appearances this season, and his absence further impacts a Flyers team already missing Bobby Brink and Jamie Drysdale to upper-body injuries.

Senators' Merilainen Set for Challenging Start Against High-Scoring Colorado

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Ottawa Senators goaltender Leevi Merilainen is slated to start on the road against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. Merilainen holds a 6-8-0 record this campaign, with a 3.46 GAA and an .868 save percentage through 15 appearances. He has struggled recently, allowing at least three goals in four of his last five outings. This presents a significant challenge as Colorado currently leads the league in goals per game with 3.95, highlighting a tough matchup for the young netminder.

Saros Slated to Start Thursday Against Islanders

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Juuse Saros is slated to start at home against the Islanders on Thursday, according to Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site. Saros holds a 16-14-3 record with a 3.03 GAA and .894 save percentage across 33 appearances in 2025-26. He has struggled recently, allowing at least three goals in each of his past five outings. The Islanders currently rank 22nd in goals per game.

Hildeby to Start Thursday vs. Philadelphia, First Start Since Dec. 28

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Dennis Hildeby is slated to start in goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday against Philadelphia. This will be his first start since December 28th, though he did make a relief appearance on January 1st, earning a win against the Jets by stopping 22 of 23 shots. So far in 2025-26, Hildeby holds a 3-5-4 record with a 2.90 GAA and a .912 save percentage across 15 outings. Philadelphia ranks 19th in goals per game (3.02).

Husso to Start for Ducks vs. Hurricanes; Mrazek on IR

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Ville Husso will start in goal for the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday against the Hurricanes. This marks his first start during his current stint with the big club, prompted by Petr Mrazek's placement on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. Husso could potentially earn more playing time given Lukas Dostal's recent struggles. The Hurricanes have been offensively active, scoring 21 goals in their last six games, during which they hold a 3-3-0 record.

Quick to Start for Rangers vs. Buffalo, Seeks First Win in Eight Appearances

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Jonathan Quick is projected to start in goal for the New York Rangers at home against Buffalo on Thursday. Quick has struggled recently, failing to secure a win in his last seven appearances, posting an 0-5-2 record with a 2.80 GAA and a .903 save percentage during that span. For the 2025-26 season, he holds a 3-6-2 record, a 2.23 GAA, and a .919 save percentage across 11 outings. Buffalo is tied for 15th in goals per game, averaging 3.10.

Wolf to Start Second Half of Back-to-Back vs. Bruins Amidst Cooley's Illness

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Dustin Wolf will start in goal for the Calgary Flames on Thursday against the Bruins, marking his second consecutive start in a back-to-back scenario. This comes as Devin Cooley continues to recover from a recent illness. The 24-year-old Wolf allowed four goals on 36 shots in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Canadiens, making it his third straight game surrendering four goals. The Bruins have shown strong offensive form, scoring 13 goals over their last three games.

Andersen to Start Thursday vs. Ducks Amidst Winless Streak

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Frederik Andersen is confirmed to start Thursday's home game against the Ducks. Despite limited playing time this season, he remains winless over his last nine starts since early November, posting an 0-7-2 record with a 3.85 GAA and .840 save percentage. This start comes as the Ducks rank eighth in the NHL for goals per game.

Sharks Acquire Goaltender Laurent Brossoit from Blackhawks

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Goaltender Laurent Brossoit was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. The Blackhawks sent Brossoit, defenseman Nolan Allan, and a 2028 7th-round pick to San Jose, receiving Ryan Ellis, Jake Furlong, and a 2028 4th-round pick in return. This move is intended to give Brossoit an opportunity to resume his NHL career following an injury, as he had not played for either the Blackhawks or Sharks in the NHL.

Linus Ullmark Placed on Non-Roster List Due to Personal Reasons

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Linus Ullmark was placed on the non-roster list Thursday due to personal reasons, following a leave of absence granted Sunday. This move facilitates Lars Eller's activation from injured reserve. Ullmark holds a 14-8-5 record with a 2.95 GAA and .881 save percentage in 28 appearances this season. Mads Sogaard was recalled, and Leevi Merilainen is currently serving as the team's primary netminder.

Morgan Rielly Prioritizes Team Success Amidst Performance Scrutiny

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Veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly is maintaining focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs' collective success, despite recent individual scrutiny, including a minus-4 rating in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders. Coach Craig Berube defended Rielly, who acknowledged areas for improvement but feels positive about his overall game. The Maple Leafs have recently collected 12 of 14 points in seven games. Rielly's strong play, including an earlier six-game point streak, often occurred during less successful team stretches, highlighting his consistent effort. Brandon Carlo's return has also provided a defensive boost.

Nolan Allan Traded to San Jose Sharks in Multi-Player Deal

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Defenseman Nolan Allan was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. He was included in a package with goaltender Laurent Brossoit and a 2028 7th-round pick, in exchange for Ryan Ellis, Jake Furlong, and a 2028 4th-round pick. Allan, a minor league defenseman with 43 games played, is part of a swap of prospects and picks.

Jet Greaves Confirmed to Start Against Vegas Amidst Cold Stretch

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Jet Greaves is confirmed to start Thursday's road game against Vegas, marking his eighth consecutive start for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The goaltender has been in a cold stretch, posting a 1-2-1 record with a 3.00 GAA and .916 save percentage over his last four starts. In a previous home matchup against the Golden Knights on December 13, Greaves stopped 23 of 26 shots (.885 SV%) in a 3-2 loss.

J.T. Miller Activated from IR, Expected to Play Thursday

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J.T. Miller (upper body) has been activated from injured reserve by the New York Rangers on Thursday after missing seven games. The 32-year-old center has recorded 10 goals and 22 points in 35 games this season, his lowest offensive output since 2015-16. He is expected to return to the lineup Thursday against Buffalo, playing alongside Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere.

Kevin Lankinen to Start Against Detroit

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Kevin Lankinen will defend the road crease for the Vancouver Canucks against Detroit on Thursday. This marks his fourth start in the last 13 games, with his previous three starts going to overtime, where he posted a 2-0-1 record, a 2.77 goals-against average, and a .913 save percentage. Lankinen has seen limited playing time recently.

Philipp Grubauer Set to Face Wild

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Philipp Grubauer will guard the home net for the Seattle Kraken versus Minnesota on Thursday. The Kraken have been alternating Grubauer and Joey Daccord, with this being Grubauer's start. He holds an 8-3-1 record this season with a 2.21 GAA and .926 save percentage, a significant improvement from last year. The Wild average 3.11 goals per game.

David Rittich Starting in Nashville

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David Rittich is scheduled to patrol the visiting crease for the New York Islanders in Nashville on Thursday. Rittich has had an outstanding season thus far, with an 11-5-2 record, two shutouts, a 2.48 GAA, and a .907 save percentage across 18 appearances. The Predators rank 25th in NHL scoring, averaging 2.81 goals per game.

Calvin Pickard Set to Start vs. Winnipeg

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Calvin Pickard will start in goal for the Edmonton Oilers against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. Pickard has had a mediocre season with a 4-6-2 record, 3.73 GAA, and .873 save percentage over 15 games. Notably, he had an outstanding performance against the Jets 10 days prior, making 41 saves in a 3-1 victory. The Jets are currently struggling, with a 0-6-4 record in their last 10 games and sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings.

Bo Horvat Ruled Out for Road Trip Opener

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Bo Horvat (lower body) will not play in Thursday's game against Nashville and is not with the New York Islanders for the start of their seven-game road trip. General Manager Mathieu Darche stated the team decided to give the 30-year-old more rest, with hopes of his return before the Olympic break. He might join the team later in the road trip.