Player news from trusted outlets

NHL News

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

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Johansson Suffers Lower-Body Injury Against Bruins

AutoDraft Pro AI

Marcus Johansson departed Sunday's 6-2 victory over the Boston Bruins during the second period after suffering a lower-body injury. No immediate update on his status was available postgame, as reported by Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News. Johansson, who recorded a power-play assist earlier in the game, is currently considered day-to-day. The 35-year-old winger has accumulated 11 goals and 26 points through 33 appearances in the 2025-26 season and is questionable for Tuesday's home game against the Capitals.

Kings' Brandt Clarke Nears Contract Expiration, Future Deal Uncertain

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke is a pending Restricted Free Agent, entering the final year of his entry-level contract and requiring a new deal. The talented blueliner, known for his offensive upside and right-handed shot, has seen limited minutes under coach Jim Hiller. This season, Clarke has recorded 5 goals and 14 points in 31 contests, following a 33-point season in 78 games last year. Comparisons are being drawn to Brock Faber and Sean Durzi for potential contract structures, with a bridge deal being a strong possibility given his current playing time and role.

Norris Returns Sunday After Illness, Eyes Third Line Role

AutoDraft Pro AI

Josh Norris (illness) will suit up for Sunday's road matchup versus the Kraken, ending a two-game absence. The 26-year-old center, who recently returned from a 24-game upper-body injury, posted two goals and seven points in four contests prior to his illness. He is expected to center the third line between Noah Ostlund and Alex Tuch against Seattle.

Tuch Back in Action Sunday vs. Kraken After Illness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Alex Tuch (illness) is slated to play in Sunday's game against the Kraken, as reported by Rachel Lenzi. After missing Thursday's game against the Canucks, Tuch participated in pregame warmups, confirming his return from a one-game absence. He has been productive recently, logging three goals, two assists, seven blocked shots, four PIM, and three hits across his last six appearances, averaging 18:45 of ice time.

Lyon Starts Sunday in Seattle After Back-to-Back Wins

AutoDraft Pro AI

Alex Lyon will start in goal for the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday in Seattle, per Joe Pohoryles. The 33-year-old netminder is coming off consecutive victories against Edmonton and Vancouver, following a seven-game winless streak. During his two-game winning streak, Lyon has maintained a 2.96 GAA and a .911 save percentage. This matchup against the Kraken, who average 2.52 goals per game, presents a favorable opportunity.

Marchment Ruled Out Sunday vs. Buffalo Due to Illness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mason Marchment has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Buffalo due to an illness. This comes after his two-goal performance Friday against Utah. He will be a late scratch for the matchup, and his availability for Tuesday's game against the Avalanche is currently unclear. Jacob Melanson is expected to enter the lineup for the Kraken against the Sabres.

Patrick Kane Nears 500 Goals, Eyes U.S.-Born NHL Points Record

AutoDraft Pro AI

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane is on the verge of NHL history. He is now just two goals away from reaching 500 career goals, a milestone only 49 other players have achieved, and would make him the fifth U.S.-born player to do so. Additionally, Kane is only nine points shy of surpassing Mike Modano (1,374) for the most career points by an American-born NHL player, currently sitting at 1,366 points after scoring his 498th goal in Saturday's 4-0 win against the Blackhawks. He has a chance to achieve these feats in the Red Wings' upcoming homestand.

Dobes Starts Sunday vs. Oilers, Seeks Rebound After 7 Goals Allowed in Last Two

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jakub Dobes will start in goal for the Montreal Canadiens Sunday against the Oilers. The 24-year-old netminder has struggled recently, conceding seven goals on 32 shots in his last two losses to St. Louis and Tampa Bay. This season, Dobes holds a 10-5-2 record with a 3.15 GAA and an .887 save percentage through 17 appearances. With Jacob Fowler now with the big club and drawing starts, Dobes faces increased pressure to improve his performance to maintain playing time.

Pettersson Placed on IR with Upper-Body Injury; Trade Rumors Swirl

AutoDraft Pro AI

Elias Pettersson (upper body) was placed on injured reserve by the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, causing him to miss his fourth consecutive game against New Jersey. His return timeline remains uncertain. Through 28 appearances this season, he has accumulated 8 goals, 14 assists, 22 points, 54 shots, 51 blocked shots, and 28 hits. Despite his injury, the 27-year-old star center, who holds a full no-trade clause, is being discussed as a potential trade target for teams like the Buffalo Sabres amidst Vancouver's rebuild.

Pickard Tends Twine Sunday for Oilers Amid Reduced Role Post-Jarry Trade

AutoDraft Pro AI

Calvin Pickard will start in goal for the Edmonton Oilers Sunday on the road against Montreal. Pickard has not appeared in the Oilers' last four games and is expected to see limited playing time following the team's trade for Tristan Jarry on Friday. This start comes in the second half of a back-to-back set. In his previous start against Montreal on Oct. 23, he allowed five goals on 27 shots for an .815 save percentage in a 6-5 victory.

Swayman Gets Start vs. Minnesota After Two Consecutive Wins

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jeremy Swayman will be the starting netminder for the Boston Bruins in Sunday's road game against Minnesota, as reported by Belle Fraser of the Bruins' official site. Swayman enters the contest on a strong run, having secured wins in his last two starts with an impressive 1.50 GAA and a .946 save percentage during that span. He faces a Minnesota Wild team that ranks among the league's lowest-scoring offenses, averaging 2.81 goals per game this season, placing them eighth-worst in the NHL.

Oilers Acquire Jarry, Bringing New Goaltending Dynamic to Edmonton

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Edmonton Oilers recently acquired goaltender Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins, a significant move that has reportedly brought a sense of ease to the Oilers' locker room regarding their goaltending situation. While the Oilers had also "poked around" Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon, they ultimately secured Jarry. He is noted for having less Stanley Cup Playoff experience than his predecessor, Stuart Skinner, but the Oilers are hoping his fresh start will bring new results and help the team move forward with a clearer path.

Buium Scores, Assists in Canucks Debut After Blockbuster Trade

AutoDraft Pro AI

Newly acquired Vancouver Canuck Zeev Buium made a significant debut on Sunday, scoring a goal and adding an assist in the team's 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Buium was part of the blockbuster package deal that sent Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild on December 14, 2025. He confirmed he does not feel misled by the Wild regarding his status before the trade. Buium joined the Canucks along with Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren as part of the return.

Blackhawks' Nick Lardis Impresses in NHL Debut Despite Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis made his NHL debut on Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings, showcasing his potential despite the team's 4-0 loss. Lardis, who previously scored 71 goals and 117 points in the OHL and had 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in 24 AHL games this season, logged 15:32 of ice time. In his debut, he registered 5 hits, 2 shots on goal, and led the team with 8 shot attempts, earning praise from head coach Jeff Blashill for looking like he "belonged" and bringing energy to the third line.

Vladar to Start Sunday vs. Hurricanes; Holds 11-5-2 Record

AutoDraft Pro AI

Vladar will get the start Sunday against the Hurricanes, the team announced. This will be his second start in a back-to-back, providing a different look from Samuel Ersson. The 28-year-old Flyers goaltender has an 11-5-2 record this season, complemented by a 2.52 GAA and a .906 save percentage. The Hurricanes, who scored four goals against Philadelphia on Saturday, are averaging 3.29 goals per game overall, ranking fifth-best in the league.

Demko Stops 25 Shots, Secures Canucks' 2-1 Victory Over Devils

AutoDraft Pro AI

Thatcher Demko started in goal for the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils, stopping 25 of 26 shots to secure a 2-1 road victory. This strong performance follows his recent 12-save outing in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Buffalo. So far this season, Demko now holds a 6-5-0 record with a 2.76 GAA and a .900 save percentage across 12 appearances, continuing to be a key player for the Canucks.

Bussi Returns to Net Sunday vs. Flyers, Extends 8-Game Win Streak

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bussi will get the start Sunday against the Flyers, as reported by Chip Alexander. The 27-year-old Hurricanes goaltender is increasingly taking on a number one workload, having started six of the last nine games. He is currently on a personal eight-game winning streak dating back to Oct. 30. This season, Bussi boasts an impressive 10-1-0 record, a 2.07 GAA, and a .910 save percentage in his small sample size of games.

Karel Vejmelka Confirmed to Start Sunday's Game vs. Penguins

AutoDraft Pro AI

Karel Vejmelka will make his fourth consecutive start for the Utah Mammoth on Sunday against the Penguins, having led the team out for warmups. The 29-year-old netminder has allowed three or more goals in each of his last three outings, totaling 10 goals against. For the season, Vejmelka holds a 13-9-2 record with a 2.73 GAA and an .895 save percentage. He faces a Penguins team that has lost four straight but is still averaging three goals per game during that span.

Blues' Holloway suffers lower-body injury in practice, status for Monday unclear

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dylan Holloway (lower body) sustained an injury during Sunday's practice and was helped off the ice, with his availability for Monday's game against Nashville currently unclear pending evaluation. This season, Holloway has recorded 8 goals, 17 points, 76 shots on net, 26 blocked shots, and 91 hits across 33 appearances. Alexei Toropchenko (leg) expects to play versus the Predators on Monday and could potentially replace Holloway in the lineup.

McDavid's Mood Shifts Positively Amidst Oilers' Goaltending Change

AutoDraft Pro AI

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has observed a noticeable positive shift in Connor McDavid's on-ice demeanor, with the superstar visibly relaxing, smiling, and laughing more frequently. This recent change coincides with the Edmonton Oilers' improved play and the recent acquisition of goaltender Tristan Jarry, which has reportedly brought a sense of ease to the team's locker room regarding their goaltending situation. McDavid has been performing exceptionally, recording 15 points in his last five games, suggesting a potential relief from previous team tensions.