Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Alex Lyon was the first goalie off during Thursday's morning skate, indicating he will draw the road start against Vancouver. He briefly left the ice with an apparent injury during the skate but returned shortly after, confirming his availability as the starting netminder. The Canucks are currently tied for the eighth-worst scoring mark in the league with 2.77 goals per game this season.
Josh Norris (illness) will miss Thursday's game against Vancouver, as reported by Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News. This marks his second consecutive absence, having also missed Buffalo's 4-3 overtime victory over Edmonton. Norris has recorded two goals and seven points in five appearances this season. The team hopes he will be able to return to the lineup for Sunday's game in Seattle.
Beckett Sennecke has emerged as the NHL's rookie scoring leader, tallying 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 30 games for the Anaheim Ducks. He holds a lead over Ivan Demidov (23 points) and Matthew Schaefer (22 points), catapulting him into the Calder Trophy conversation with +375 odds. Notably, 22 of his points are at even strength, and 12 of his 16 assists are primary. After a challenging preseason, Sennecke scored 4 points (2-2=4) in his first three NHL games and is now a key offensive weapon.
Thatcher Demko (lower body) is confirmed to start in goal for the Vancouver Canucks against Buffalo on Thursday, as reported by Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650. Demko returns after missing the last 12 games. He holds a 5-4-0 record with a 2.80 GAA and a .903 save percentage across 10 appearances this season. The Sabres are currently tied for 15th in NHL scoring, averaging 3.00 goals per game.
Jake Oettinger is slated to start Thursday's road game for the Dallas Stars against Minnesota, according to Mike Heika of the Stars' official site. Oettinger is currently on an impressive six-game winning streak, during which he has posted a 1.82 GAA and a .934 save percentage. He previously faced the Wild on Oct. 14, turning aside 39 of 41 shots for a .951 save percentage in a 5-2 victory.
Colorado Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is confirmed to start between the home pipes against Florida on Thursday. He has been sensational since returning from a lower-body injury that sidelined him for the first 10 games of the season. In 10 appearances, Blackwood holds an impressive 8-1-1 record with a 2.21 GAA and a .920 save percentage. The Panthers are tied for 10th in NHL scoring, averaging 3.14 goals per game.
Carolina Hurricanes rookie Brandon Bussi, 27, is set to make his 11th career start tonight against the Capitals, aiming to become only the second goalie in NHL history to achieve 10 wins in his first 11 starts. He currently boasts a 9-1-0 record, a .909 SV%, and one shutout. Bussi leads the Hurricanes in goals saved above expected (7.5) and the entire league in high-danger save percentage (.888). Coach Rod Brind'Amour notes Bussi has 'earned' his role, while Bussi remains focused on stopping the puck.
Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark will tend the twine on the road against Columbus on Thursday. He has lost three of his last four contests, posting a 3.58 GAA and an .860 save percentage during that span. Despite the recent slump, Ullmark continues to handle the majority of the workload ahead of Leevi Merilainen. With 10 wins in 22 outings this season, the veteran goalie is currently on pace to reach the 20-win threshold for the fifth consecutive year.
San Jose Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov (illness) will serve as the backup to Alex Nedeljkovic in Toronto on Thursday. Askarov has been stellar since November 1st, posting a 9-4-0 record with a 2.36 GAA and a .928 save percentage. Overall this season, he holds a 10-8-1 record with a 3.14 GAA and a .901 save percentage across 19 appearances. He is expected to make a start on Saturday in Pittsburgh.
San Jose Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to start in Toronto on Thursday, with Yaroslav Askarov (illness) serving as his backup. The article primarily focuses on Askarov's recent performance and upcoming schedule, indicating Nedeljkovic will take the net for Thursday's game.
The Detroit Red Wings have recalled veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins as an insurance option following Simon Edvinsson's lower body injury. Gustafsson has already played one NHL game this season, logging 17.5 minutes. There are growing trade rumors linking him to the New York Rangers, who are seeking a power play quarterback. He has been productive in Grand Rapids with 12 assists in 13 games. Gustafsson played 76 games for the Rangers in 2023-24, recording 31 points.
St. Louis Blues 2023 first-round pick Theo Lindstein has struggled offensively with two goals and five points in 22 games, but Assistant GM Tim Taylor is highly impressed with his overall development. Taylor noted Lindstein has "taken a big jump since the start of the year" and "handled the AHL grind very well," calling him a "real pleasant surprise." Taylor also enthusiastically compared Lindstein's game to that of Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin, with the Blues expecting his offense to come.
St. Louis Blues 2023 first-round pick Otto Stenberg has caught the eye of coach Jim Montgomery with his skill and physicality in training camp. Despite being one of the final cuts, his AHL season has seen him record just two goals and seven points through 20 games. However, Assistant GM Tim Taylor expressed satisfaction with Stenberg's development, calling him a "very smart player" and stating he "could see him playing some NHL games this year" for the Blues.
Carter Hart returns to Philadelphia as a visiting player for the first time in nearly two years but will serve as the Vegas Golden Knights' backup goaltender against the Flyers on Thursday, with Akira Schmid starting. Coach Bruce Cassidy stated the decision was made for Schmid to play after a shutout, despite Hart's competitive desire to play every game. Hart, who was found not guilty in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial in July, became a UFA after the Flyers cut ties in June 2024.
Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo will defend the road crease against Winnipeg on Thursday, returning after missing the last two games. Over his last three outings, he has posted a 1-1-0 record with a 3.18 GAA and a .917 save percentage.
Tampa Bay Lightning captain and No. 1 defenseman Victor Hedman has been placed on injured reserve. This move means Hedman will miss a minimum of the next three games for the team.
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Colten Ellis (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Thursday. He landed in the concussion protocol after exiting Tuesday's game against the Oilers and will be sidelined for at least a week while he recovers. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon are expected to see time in the crease while Ellis is unavailable.
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner will defend the home goal versus the Red Wings on Thursday. This season, Skinner holds a 10-8-4 record with two shutouts, a 2.91 GAA, and an .887 save percentage across 22 games. He previously gave up three goals on 24 shots in a 4-2 loss to the Red Wings on Oct. 19.
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Akira Schmid will start Thursday's road game against Philadelphia. This marks his second start in the team's last six games. Since the beginning of November, Schmid has made 10 starts, posting a 5-1-4 record with a 2.15 GAA and a .909 save percentage.
Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson will start Thursday's home game against the Dallas Stars, marking his second consecutive start after previously alternating with Jesper Wallstedt. In his last six outings, Gustavsson has picked up wins in four, going 4-1-1 with a 1.79 GAA and a .935 save percentage. He allowed three goals on 23 shots in a 5-2 loss in Dallas on Oct. 14.
