Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Connor Hellebuyck is confirmed to start in goal for the Winnipeg Jets against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. He enters the game with a recent record of 0-2-3, having allowed 15 goals on 124 shots in his last five outings. This season, Hellebuyck holds a 9-8-3 record with a 2.55 GAA and a .908 save percentage across 20 appearances. He faces a tough challenge against Edmonton, who rank third in the league with 3.38 goals per game.
Leevi Merilainen is set to start in net for the Ottawa Senators at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday. Recently, Merilainen has a 1-5-0 record in his last six appearances, allowing 18 goals on 147 shots. His season stats include a 4-6-0 record with a 3.43 GAA and an .874 save percentage through 10 games. Hunter Shepard will serve as the backup due to Linus Ullmark's absence. Columbus ranks 20th in the league with 2.92 goals per game.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler, called up from the Laval Rocket, has impressed in his NHL debut, drawing comparisons to Carey Price. In his first five games, Fowler has a 3-1-1 record, facing 146 shots and allowing 12 goals, with a 2.40 GAA over 300:33 of play and a .918 save percentage. He notably secured a shutout in his fourth game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite Samuel Montembeault's return, Fowler remains with the Canadiens, having played 26 total games in the AHL (18 regular season, 8 playoffs).
Carey Price's initial NHL performance is being compared to Jacob Fowler's recent debut with the Canadiens. In his first five career games, Price posted a 3-1-1 record, facing 146 shots and allowing 12 goals, resulting in a 2.33 GAA over 308:57 of play and a .918 save percentage. Notably, Price recorded his first NHL shutout in his 23rd game on February 16, 2007, against the Philadelphia Flyers. Prior to his NHL career, Price played 34 games in the AHL (12 regular season, 22 playoffs).
Florida Panthers All-Star forward Matthew Tkachuk participated in his first team practice of the season on Sunday, a significant step in his recovery from offseason surgery for a torn adductor and sports hernia. While he is not expected to play in the upcoming back-to-back games, his presence at practice indicates he is nearing his highly anticipated season debut for the Panthers.
Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is currently leading the team in both goals and points, with 17 goals and 34 points through 37 games. This impressive start puts him on pace to potentially surpass his career-high marks of 33 goals and 65 points set last season. Wilson and the Capitals are set to challenge the Florida Panthers in a crucial matchup.
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin is preparing to face the Florida Panthers. Despite not leading the team in scoring, Ovechkin is closely trailing Tom Wilson, sitting just two goals (15) and one point (33) behind for the team lead in both categories. The Capitals, coming off a 4-3 overtime win, aim to continue their momentum against the Panthers in a challenging back-to-back set.
Eeli Tolvanen scored two empty-net goals on four shots and added an assist, logging four hits and a plus-3 rating in the Seattle Kraken's 4-1 win over the Flyers. This performance extends his point streak to six games, during which he has tallied three goals and seven assists. The 26-year-old winger continues to excel on the second line, now with seven goals and 25 points through 36 appearances this season, alongside 58 shots, 95 hits, and 33 blocked shots.
New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer was tripped by Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment during Sunday's game. This action directly preceded Islanders forward Mathew Barzal taking a two-handed chop to Marchment in retaliation. The incident, which the NHL is expected to review, underscores a heated moment in the game involving the young Islanders player. Schaefer's role in the sequence was a catalyst for the ensuing altercation.
New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal executed a two-handed chop on Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment during Sunday's game. The incident followed Marchment tripping Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer. The NHL is anticipated to investigate the sequence for potential disciplinary action against Barzal, highlighting a moment of frustration in the Islanders' loss. The outcome of the league's review is pending.
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment was the recipient of a two-handed chop from Islanders forward Mathew Barzal during Sunday's game. The incident occurred after Marchment had tripped New York rookie Matthew Schaefer, an action that likely provoked Barzal's response. The NHL is expected to review the sequence for potential disciplinary action against Barzal. Marchment's status following the incident was not immediately detailed.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake is heating up again after a mid-November slowdown, registering three goals, five points, and 10 shots in his last six outings. During this span, he has contributed one power-play goal and two power-play assists. Blake is currently skating on the second line and working with the top power-play unit. His recent production makes him a potentially productive addition for Carolina's busy five-game week.
Anaheim Ducks forward Mikael Granlund is on a five-game point streak, tallying four goals, three assists, 15 shots, and eight hits. The 33-year-old, eligible at all three forward positions, has been effective in a middle-six role but could move to the top line for Anaheim's three-game homestand this week after practicing with Leo Carlsson and Chris Kreider. His productive start and positional flexibility make him a compelling fantasy roster choice, especially if he secures a top-six spot.
Bryan Rust scored two goals, blocked two shots, added two PIM, and went plus-2 in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Blackhawks. This marked his first multi-point effort since Dec. 13. The 33-year-old winger netted both goals in the first period. Through 35 appearances this season, Rust has accumulated 15 goals, 32 points, 90 shots on net, 37 blocked shots, 14 PIM, and a minus-8 rating. He is expected to remain a key offensive contributor for the Penguins, aiming to surpass his career-best 31-goal, 65-point performance from the 2024-25 season.
Justin Brazeau recorded his first career hat trick, scoring three goals in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Blackhawks. His second goal came on the power play, and his third was a tip-in. The 27-year-old forward, primarily playing on the second line, now has 11 goals and 18 points through 23 appearances this season, matching his goal total from last year. Despite a high 28.2% shooting percentage, his scoring is considered legitimate due to his net-front presence, soft hands, and ability to use his 6-foot-6, 232-pound frame. He has been a "revelation" for the Penguins.
Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar, described as a "burgeoning star," has been placed on injured reserve. The move was made prior to Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins and is retroactive to December 20. This roster change coincided with the activation of captain Nick Foligno from injured reserve.
Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno was activated from injured reserve prior to Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Foligno made an immediate impact upon his return, scoring a goal in the home defeat. His activation comes as the team also placed Frank Nazar on injured reserve, effective retroactively to December 20.
Vince Dunn (Seattle Kraken) is confirmed to return to the lineup Sunday against Philadelphia after missing just one game due to an upper body injury. He was a full participant in Saturday's practice and will resume his role on the No. 1 defensive pairing with Adam Larsson and quarterback the top power-play unit. In 34 appearances this season, the defenseman has recorded five goals, 19 points, 81 shots on net, and 38 blocked shots.
Philipp Grubauer (Seattle Kraken) will start in net at home against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. Grubauer recently snapped a three-game losing streak with a stellar 40-save performance in a 3-1 win over the Ducks on Monday, marking his first victory since November 22. The Kraken currently rank 31st in the league with 2.54 goals per game.
Max Sasson (Vancouver Canucks) has signed a two-year, $2 million contract in mid-December, calling it a "big vote of confidence." He has become a key bottom-six forward, setting new career highs with eight goals and 10 points in 34 games this season, averaging 10:56 of ice time. Sasson is tied for fifth on the team in goals and is noted for his speed, hitting 23.15 MPH. He is also no longer waiver eligible, signifying his consistent role with the team.
