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NHL News

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

Monday, January 5

Panthers' Seth Jones Week-to-Week with Upper-Body Injury, Expected Back Pre-Olympics

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Panthers defenseman Seth Jones is deemed week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained from a deflected shot to the shoulder/collarbone area in Friday's Winter Classic loss. Coach Maurice expects him to be out "a couple weeks" but hopes for his return before the NHL's Olympic break next month. Jones has 6 goals and 24 points in 40 appearances this season. Tobias Bjornfot was called up, and Donovan Sebrango is now in the lineup to cover his absence.

Dustin Wolf to Start in Goal for Flames Against Seattle Monday

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Dustin Wolf is confirmed to start in goal for the Calgary Flames' home game against Seattle on Monday. He recently made 32 saves in a 4-3 loss to Nashville. This season, Wolf holds a 14-15-2 record with two shutouts, a 2.86 GAA, and a .900 save percentage over 32 appearances. He faces a Seattle team that ranks 30th in the league with an average of 2.62 goals per game.

Matthew Tkachuk (Groin) to Travel with Panthers on Road Trip

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Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (groin) is slated to travel with the team on their upcoming six-game road trip, which begins Tuesday in Toronto and concludes January 17 against Washington. Tkachuk has yet to play this season but recently participated in practice wearing a non-contact jersey. He will need to progress to full-time practice before being cleared for game action.

John Gibson Confirmed Starter for Red Wings Against Senators Monday

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John Gibson will be in goal for the Detroit Red Wings' road game against the Senators on Monday. Since the start of December, Gibson has been a key player, appearing in 11 of the team's 18 games. During this period, the veteran netminder has been exceptional, recording a 9-2-0 record with a 2.20 GAA and one shutout. His strong performance ensures he will continue to feature prominently in Detroit's goalie rotation.

Karel Vejmelka Expected to Start for Utah Mammoth Against Rangers

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Karel Vejmelka was the first goalie off the ice during Monday's morning skate, signaling he will draw the road start against the Rangers. He has alternated wins and losses in his last five starts, posting a 3-2-0 record with a 2.42 GAA and a .906 save percentage. Vejmelka previously faced the Rangers on November 22, stopping 20 of 22 shots in a 3-2 victory.

Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Game-Time Decision (Illness); Praised by Tom Brady

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Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer is a game-time decision for Tuesday's game against the Devils due to an illness, having missed Monday's practice. The No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 NHL Draft has recorded 12 goals and 28 points in 42 games this season and is the current Calder Memorial Trophy betting odds leader. Tom Brady recently named Schaefer his dream NHL athlete to sign for NOBULL, citing his "eye of the tiger."

Ilya Sorokin to Start Tuesday for Islanders After Lower-Body Injury

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Ilya Sorokin is set to start Tuesday's home game against the Devils, marking his return to the crease. He was activated off injured reserve Friday after recovering from a lower-body injury and served as David Rittich's backup on Saturday. This season, Sorokin holds a 12-10-2 record with a 2.55 GAA and a .910 save percentage through 24 appearances.

Panthers' Cole Schwindt Cleared for Full Contact, Return Imminent

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Panthers forward Cole Schwindt has ditched his non-contact jersey and is now skating in full contact, indicating his return to the lineup is imminent. He could soon slide back into the team's fourth-line center role. Schwindt will accompany the Panthers on their upcoming six-game road trip, signaling he is one of the injured players closest to returning to action.

Panthers' Jonah Gadjovich Returns to Practice in Non-Contact Jersey

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Panthers forward Jonah Gadjovich returned to practice in a non-contact jersey for the first time since undergoing surgery for an upper-body injury sustained on Oct. 25. Coach Paul Maurice expects Gadjovich to return after the Olympic break. He will accompany the team on their upcoming six-game road trip, marking an essential landmark in his recovery process.

DeSmith Returns to Roster After Personal Absence; Porier Sent Down

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Casey DeSmith (personal) was removed from the non-roster list Monday, rejoining the Dallas Stars. In a corresponding move, Remi Porier was returned to AHL Texas. Despite giving up three or more goals in five of his last six outings, DeSmith maintains a 3-1-2 record over that period. His strong performances have led to an increased workload, aiming to keep starter Jake Oettinger rested. DeSmith's return provides depth for the Stars.

Wilson Sidelined Monday with Lower-Body Injury; Day-to-Day Status

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Tom Wilson (lower body) will miss Monday's game against Anaheim, as reported by Sammi Silber. He is considered day-to-day after sustaining an injury in Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to Chicago, and will miss at least one game. This season, Wilson has been a significant contributor for the Capitals, accumulating 22 goals, 42 points, 97 shots on net, 110 hits, and 59 PIM across 41 appearances. His absence will be felt in the lineup.

Lindgren Starts for Capitals Against Ducks; Aims to Continue Strong Play

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Charlie Lindgren is set to start in goal for the Washington Capitals at home against Anaheim on Monday, per Sammi Silber. He enters the game following a solid 22-save performance in Wednesday's 6-3 victory over the Rangers. This season, Lindgren holds a 6-4-2 record with one shutout, a 3.07 GAA, and an .887 save percentage through 13 appearances. He faces an Anaheim team that ranks seventh in goals per game (3.29) but has struggled recently, scoring two or fewer goals in three of their last five losses.

J.T. Miller Cleared for Full Contact, Nearing Return from IR

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Rangers forward J.T. Miller (upper body) has been cleared for full contact practice, signaling an imminent return from injured reserve. He will miss his seventh consecutive game Monday but is expected to reclaim a top-six role and first power-play unit time upon activation. Miller has recorded 10 goals, 22 points, 77 shots, and 74 hits in 35 games this season.

William Nylander Placed on Injured Reserve by Maple Leafs

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Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (lower body) has been officially placed on injured reserve, a move retroactive to December 27. He has already missed four games, and his return timeline remains uncertain. In a corresponding move, Marshall Rifai was recalled from AHL Toronto. Nylander leads the team with 41 points and has scored 14 goals in 33 games this season.

Sunday, January 4

Barrett Hayton on Hot Streak, Recommended for Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire

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Barrett Hayton is currently on a hot streak, making him a strong fantasy hockey waiver wire addition, especially with a four-game week ahead for the Utah Mammoth. The 25-year-old center has collected one goal and six assists in his past nine outings, including two power-play points (one goal, one assist), 13 shots, nine hits, and four blocked shots. He's also on a three-game point streak with four assists and five shots. Hayton ranks second on the team with 216 faceoff wins (50.5% success rate) and has been effective alongside Dylan Guenther.

Tomas Poletin Scores Late Winner, Sends Czechia to World Junior Final

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New York Islanders prospect Tomas Poletin delivered a clutch performance, scoring the game-winning goal with just 1:14 remaining in the game. Poletin's deflection off his skate secured a 6-4 victory for Czechia over Canada on Sunday night. This pivotal goal propels Czechia into the World Junior Championship final, where they will face Sweden. It marks the first all-European final in the tournament since 2016, highlighting a significant achievement for Poletin and his team.

Bertuzzi's OT Hat Trick Secures Blackhawks' 3-2 Victory Over Golden Knights

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Tyler Bertuzzi delivered a hat trick, scoring three goals on five shots, including the overtime winner against the Golden Knights in Sunday's 3-2 victory. He netted goals in the first, third, and overtime periods; Ilya Mikheyev assisted the decisive goal, and Ryan Greene assisted his third-period tally. This stellar performance extends Bertuzzi's strong play, giving him six goals and two assists over his last six outings. The 30-year-old winger now boasts 22 goals, 34 points, 86 shots, 32 hits, and 22 PIM through 39 appearances, positioning him for a career-best season. The OT goal was reviewed for offside.

Tkachuk Joins Panthers on Road Trip, Targets Season Debut After Injury Recovery

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Matthew Tkachuk will travel with the Florida Panthers on their upcoming six-game road trip, marking a significant step towards his return. The All-Star forward, who hasn't played since Game 6 of last year's Stanley Cup Final after undergoing surgery for a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia, is targeting his season debut during this trip, likely towards the end. Tkachuk is currently practicing in a non-contact jersey and needs to be cleared for full physical contact. Coach Paul Maurice requires 1-2 full practices without limitations before Tkachuk can return to the lineup.

Andrew Mangiapane Linked to Anaheim Ducks Amid Oilers Struggles

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Edmonton Oilers forward Andrew Mangiapane is reportedly drawing interest from the Anaheim Ducks, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Mangiapane has been a subject of trade rumors due to his struggles to find a consistent fit with the Oilers and multiple healthy scratches. The Ducks, who are currently struggling and could use a top-nine forward, are reportedly "poking around." Trading Mangiapane to a division rival like Anaheim, who is just one point behind Edmonton, could be seen as risky. In 40 games this season, Mangiapane has recorded five goals, 11 points, and a minus-17 rating.

Landeskog Suffers Upper-Body Injury, Set to Miss Time for Avalanche

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Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog sustained an upper-body injury Sunday against the Panthers after crashing into the goalpost, forcing him out of the game. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Landeskog is still being evaluated but will miss "some time," and is not expected to play in Tuesday's game against Tampa Bay. The 33-year-old, recently named to represent Sweden in the Milan Cortina Olympics, has a pending severity and timeline for return. Artturi Lehkonen and Ross Colton are expected to see increased roles, with Taylor Makar potentially getting a longer look.