NHL News

Alex Newhook • C • Canadiens

Alex Newhook Expected to Return Thursday

Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook (ankle) will return to action on Thursday against the New York Islanders. A fractured ankle has kept Newhook sidelined for several months, with the 25-year-old missing 40 games. Before the injury, Newhook was off to a strong start to the season, notching 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 17 games. To accommodate Newhook's return, the Canadiens are expected to scratch Zachary Bolduc. Newhook will be eased back into action on the fourth line, but he's also penciled in for a role on the second power-play unit.

Feb 26

Robert Thomas • C • Blues

Robert Thomas Takes Leave of Absence

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (leg, personal) won't be in the lineup on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. He has been granted a leave of absence to attend to a personal matter. Thomas is also currently on Injured Reserve after undergoing a minor leg procedure in late January. He is expected to return to the team on Friday, but it's unclear whether he will be an option for this weekend's back-to-back set. Thomas is among St. Louis' top scorers, with 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 42 games. Brayden Schenn (illness) may also be out on Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice. As a result, Dalibor Dvorsky could handle the first-line center duties.

Feb 26

Mikael Granlund • C • Ducks

Leo Carlsson In, Mikael Granlund Out for Ducks Wednesday

Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (thigh) will rejoin the lineup on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers, while forward Mikael Granlund (upper body) has been ruled out. Carlsson was one of the biggest stars to miss the Olympic tournament after undergoing a thigh procedure on Jan. 16. He's made a huge impact this season, posting 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games. Granlund, who centered the first line during Carlsson's absence, was hurt while playing for Finland in Milan, but he could return to the lineup later this week. Alex Killorn and Beckett Sennecke will join Carlsson on the first line against Edmonton.

Feb 25

Connor McDavid • C • Oilers

Connor McDavid Ready to Play Wednesday

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid will suit up Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. While it was initially reported that McDavid could sit out a couple of games after the Olympics, the Oilers captain participated in Wednesday's morning skate and told reporters he will play in Wednesday's contest. Edmonton dropped three games in a row before the Olympic break, and McDavid appears determined to get his squad back on track. The NHL's leading scorer needs just four more points to record his sixth consecutive 100-point campaign. He has logged 34 goals and 62 assists in 58 outings.

Feb 25

John Carlson • D • Capitals

John Carlson Out Wednesday

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (lower body) will sit out Wednesday's contest against the Philadelphia Flyers. The veteran blue-liner sustained a lower-body injury before the Olympic break and needs more time to fully recover. It's bad news for the Capitals, as Carlson has played great hockey in 2025-26. Across 55 outings, Carlson has contributed 10 goals, 36 assists, and 84 blocks. Declan Chisholm is expected to take Carlson's spot in the lineup on Wednesday, but he is an unappealing option for fantasy managers.

Feb 25

Roope Hintz • C • Stars

Roope Hintz Misses Wednesday's Action Due to Illness

Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (illness) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup with the Seattle Kraken. He's been battling an illness after the Olympics and won't be available for at least one game. Dallas will also restart the action without Radek Faksa (upper body) and Mikko Rantanen (lower body), putting the spotlight on players like Mavrik Bourque and Sam Steel. The two will be part of the top six on Wednesday night and will skate on the second power-play unit. Meanwhile, injuries in the attacking department have opened the door for Arttu Hyry to make his NHL debut.

Feb 25

Shea Theodore • D • Golden Knights

Shea Theodore Unavailable Wednesday

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore won't play against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. Vegas had several representatives in Sunday's Olympic final, including Theodore, and the team has decided to give them a bit of extra rest after the tournament. According to Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, all players are likely to return to the lineup for Friday's tilt against the Washington Capitals. With Theodore and Noah Hanifin missing from the defense, Dylan Coghlan and Brayden McNabb (upper body) will be inserted into the lineup. McNabb will return to action after missing 19 games with an upper-body injury.

Feb 25

Mark Stone • RW • Golden Knights

Mark Stone, Mitch Marner Won't Play Wednesday

Vegas Golden Knights forwards Mark Stone and Mitch Marner won't be in the lineup on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Jack Eichel wouldn't participate in the contest, and now it's clear that Vegas' frontline will be without a couple more Olympic finalists. As such, Tomas Hertl is set to serve as the top-line center on Wednesday, while the likes of Tanner Laczynski and Keegan Kolesar will also be part of the top-six group. The Golden Knights should be back to full strength on Friday against the Washington Capitals.

Feb 25

Logan Cooley • C • Mammoth

Logan Cooley on Track to Return Wednesday

Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (lower body) could return to the lineup on Wednesday versus the Colorado Avalanche, Brogan Houston of the Deseret News reports. Cooley was on the second line during the morning skate and has been activated from Injured Reserve. The talented centerman has been on the shelf since Dec. 5 with a lower-body injury. Cooley performed well before his injury, recording 14 goals and 23 points in 29 games. After missing 28 games, Cooley may need some time to regain his rhythm, but he is expected to play a key role in Utah's playoff push.

Feb 25

Sidney Crosby • C • Penguins

Sidney Crosby Set to Miss Four Weeks

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) is expected to be out for at least four weeks. The Penguins captain suffered a lower-body injury while playing for Team Canada at the Olympics and was placed on Injured Reserve. Losing Crosby is a tough blow for the Penguins, as the veteran star has scored by far the most points on the team this season. In 56 outings, Crosby has managed 27 goals and 32 assists. With Crosby out, Rickard Rakell is expected to move from the wing to center on the first line. Rakell and Bryan Rust will be joined on the line by Avery Hayes on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.

Feb 25

Nino Niederreiter • RW • Jets

Nino Niederreiter Out Week-to-Week

Winnipeg Jets winger Nino Niederreiter (undisclosed) is considered week-to-week. According to Jets head coach Scott Arniel, Niederreiter was already dealing with an injury before joining Team Switzerland for the 2026 Olympics. He had a tough time in Milan, going minus-three over five games and finishing with one goal. The 33-year-old has contributed eight goals and 11 assists in 55 NHL outings this season. Tanner Pearson is set to fill the void in the lineup, but he shouldn't generate any fantasy interest as a bottom-six skater.

Feb 24

Neal Pionk • D • Jets

Neal Pionk Out Week-to-Week With New Injury

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk (undisclosed) was labeled week-to-week by head coach Scott Arniel on Tuesday. The 30-year-old was on track to return to the lineup after missing 11 games with a lower-body injury, but a new health issue will keep him sidelined longer. Pionk has had a difficult 2025-26 campaign, posting only eight points (two goals, six assists) in 40 outings. He has also logged 76 shots, 64 blocks, and 84 hits. With Josh Morrissey (upper body) sidelined as well, the rest of Winnipeg's defense faces increased pressure to step up their play.

Feb 24

Noah Hanifin • D • Golden Knights

Noah Hanifin Unavailable Wednesday

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin will miss Wednesday's matchup with the Los Angeles Kings. Only a couple of days ago, Hanifin was part of Team USA's Olympic triumph in Milan and will get some time off before returning to NHL action. Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters on Tuesday that he anticipates Hanifin and Jack Eichel will return to the lineup on Friday against the Washington Capitals. Hanifin has totaled 20 points (two goals, 18 assists), 96 shots, and 77 blocks in 47 outings in 2025-26. Vegas has recalled Dylan Coghlan from the minors to fill in for Hanifin on Wednesday night.

Feb 24

Jack Eichel • C • Golden Knights

Jack Eichel to Miss Wednesday's Action

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel won't be in the lineup on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings. Eichel just won gold with Team USA at the Olympics, and the Golden Knights will give him some time off after the successful tournament. The star forward is expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday versus the Washington Capitals. Eichel is having a big year in Vegas, ranking ninth in the NHL with 69 points (21 goals, 47 assists) in 50 games. Tomas Hertl and Mitch Marner could have larger roles on Wednesday, though the latter is questionable to play after also featuring in Sunday's Olympic final.

Feb 24

John Tavares • C • Maple Leafs

John Tavares Expected to Play Wednesday

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (illness) didn't practice on Tuesday but is set to play in Wednesday's contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Although Tavares is battling the flu, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube expects him to be available on Wednesday night. Tavares has tallied 20 goals and 47 points in 57 outings this season. He is poised to center the second line against Tampa Bay, with newly crowned Olympic champion Auston Matthews also available for the Maple Leafs. According to Berube, Matthews will play despite missing Tuesday's practice.

Feb 24

Samuel Girard • D • Penguins

Penguins Acquire Samuel Girard From Avalanche

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Samuel Girard from the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. The team also picked up a second-round draft pick in exchange for defenseman Brett Kulak, who was traded for the second time this season. Kulak began the campaign with the Edmonton Oilers before he landed in Pittsburgh as part of the deal that saw the Oilers acquire goaltender Tristan Jarry. Girard has slightly more fantasy upside as a former 30-point scorer. Kulak has never posted more than 25 points in a single campaign. Both blue-liners have managed nine points in 2025-26. Girard could become more productive on offense in Pittsburgh if he claims a spot on the second power-play unit.

Feb 24

Victor Hedman • D • Lightning

Victor Hedman Good to Go for Wednesday

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (lower body) is set to play on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. Last week, Hedman sustained a lower-body injury at the Olympics, missing Sweden's quarterfinal loss to Team USA. Tampa Bay will be delighted that Hedman won't have to sit out any more action. The team has already been without Hedman for much of the season after he underwent elbow surgery. In 21 appearances, Hedman has recorded 13 assists, 33 shots, and 30 blocks with a plus-two rating. The Lightning defense will also have Emil Lilleberg (undisclosed) and Charle-Edouard D'Astous (lower body) available Wednesday night.

Feb 24

Brayden Point • C • Lightning

Brayden Point Available for Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (lower body) will return to action on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. Point sustained a lower-body injury on Jan. 12, which forced him to miss the Olympics. Fortunately for the Lightning, the four-time 40-goal scorer will be available when the NHL season resumes. After a tricky start to the campaign, Point showed off red-hot form prior to his injury. He has totaled 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) across his last 15 appearances. Overall, he is sitting on 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) with 37 games played.

Feb 24

Mikko Rantanen • RW • Stars

Mikko Rantanen to Miss at Least Two Weeks

Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen (lower body) will be unavailable for at least two weeks. The star forward sustained a lower-body injury while playing for Finland at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. After meeting with team doctors on Monday, Rantanen was placed on Injured Reserve. Rantanen ranks eighth in scoring in the NHL, recording 69 points (20 goals, 49 assists) in 54 outings. Players like Mavrik Bourque and Justin Hryckowian could see more top-six usage during Rantanen's absence.

Feb 24

Linus Ullmark • G • Senators

Linus Ullmark Available for Senators

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (illness) should be available as the NHL season continues this week, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen reports. The Swedish netminder dealt with flu-like symptoms before the Olympic break and was unavailable for one game. Additionally, Ullmark has missed time this season due to personal reasons. He has posted a 16-8-5 record in 30 starts, allowing 2.86 goals with a .884 save percentage. Ottawa needs Ullmark to be at the top of his game to make the playoffs. The team resumes play on Thursday against Detroit, currently six points behind the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

Feb 23

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