NHL News

Thatcher Demko • G • Canucks

Thatcher Demko Questionable to Play This Weekend

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (undisclosed) may be absent for this weekend's back-to-back against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche. According to Canucks head coach Adam Foote, Demko might miss the action "because of preventative maintenance." The American netminder has faced several health issues in recent years, and it's understandable that the Canucks want to manage his workload. This season, things have gone well for Demko, as he sits on a 5-4-0 record and has a 2.57 goals-against average with a .911 save percentage. If Demko has to take some time off, Kevin Lankinen and Jiri Patera will share the Canucks crease.

Nov 7

Rasmus Dahlin • D • Sabres

Rasmus Dahlin Takes Leave of Absence

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (personal) has taken a leave of absence, and it's unclear when he will be ready to rejoin the lineup. Buffalo's star blue-liner has returned to his native Sweden to support his fianc e, who is recovering from a heart transplant. In Thursday's 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues, Dahlin had a rough outing, finishing with a minus-three rating. Overall, he's now minus-11 this year, which is one of the lowest in the NHL. Dahlin shares the team lead with eight assists and has managed nine points in 14 games, but five of his points have come on the power play. Bowen Byram is expected to take over Dahlin's spot on the first power-play unit, increasing his fantasy value.

Nov 7

Filip Hallander • C • Penguins

Filip Hallander to Miss at Least Three Months With Blood Clot

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Filip Hallander has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg and will miss a minimum of three months. Hallander exited the Penguins lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Washington Capitals. It's now clear that the Swedish forward must wait several months for his comeback. Hallander has skated in 13 games with the Penguins this season, notching one goal and four points. Joona Koppanen replaced him in the lineup on Thursday. The Penguins might make another change in the lineup soon, as Kevin Hayes (upper body) is on the cusp of returning to action.

Nov 7

Kevin Bahl • D • Flames

Kevin Bahl a Game-Time Call Friday

Calgary Flames defenseman Kevin Bahl (undisclosed) is a game-time decision for Friday's tilt against the Chicago Blackhawks. He missed the morning skate and could now be out of action for the first time this season. Bahl leads the struggling Flames with a plus-six rating, but his offensive contributions have been limited to one goal and two assists in 15 games. On the defensive end, he has recorded 23 blocks and 13 hits. Zayne Parekh, who has been a regular healthy scratch recently, will likely come into the lineup if Bahl can't play. Although Parekh is a highly rated youngster, he has been experiencing growing pains this season and is currently not a good fantasy option.

Nov 7

Patrick Kane • RW • Red Wings

Patrick Kane Returns to Action Friday

Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (upper body) has been cleared to return to action on Friday against the New York Rangers. The veteran star has been out for nine games due to an upper-body injury. Kane is closing in on 500 regular-season goals and has started the campaign well. Before getting sidelined, Kane produced five points (two goals, three assists) in as many games. Detroit will use Kane on the second line and the first power-play unit. Kane has been kind to his former team since leaving New York in 2023, finishing three of four games against the Rangers without a single point.

Nov 7

Chris Kreider • LW • Ducks

Chris Kreider Extends Goal Streak to Four Games

Anaheim Ducks left wing Chris Kreider scored in a fourth consecutive game on Thursday night, when the team defeated the Dallas Stars 7-5 on the road. Kreider potted two of the goals, sparking Anaheim's comeback from a 2-0 deficit with a power-play marker. Kreider hasn't had a longer goal streak since January 2022. Overall, he has lit the lamp nine times this season, adding one assist in nine appearances. The Ducks have produced some very impressive stuff so far, and Kreider appears poised for a successful debut season with his new team.

Nov 7

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Lifts Lightning Past Golden Knights

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov played a pivotal role in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, recording three third-period points. The teams entered the final frame tied at two before Kucherov racked up two goals and one assist. He posted at least three points in a single period for the 27th time in his career, ranking only below Connor McDavid (28) among active players. This season, Kucherov has struggled for consistency, but his scoring rate has still been high. With 12 games played, the Russian superstar has produced seven goals and 14 points. He's had multiple points in almost half of his outings (5).

Nov 7

Jalen Chatfield • D • Hurricanes

Jalen Chatfield Injured in Thursday's WIn

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (upper body) saw his day at the office end after only a handful of minutes in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. He was on the receiving end of a high hit by Wild forward Tyler Pitlick, who was assessed a match penalty for an illegal check to the head on the play. Chatfield exited the action after logging only 3:49 of ice time. It's another injury for Carolina's blue line, which hasn't been fully healthy since the first couple of games of the season. If Chatfield has to miss time, the team would be without a steady rearguard who has registered three assists, 20 shots, 14 blocks, and 10 hits in 13 outings this season.

Nov 7

Dougie Hamilton • D • Devils

Dougie Hamilton Exits Early Thursday

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (undisclosed) made an early exit against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. His final shift in the game was five minutes into the second period. The team plans to evaluate Hamilton on Friday. While the Devils are crushing it, the 2025-26 campaign hasn't been too kind for Hamilton. He's averaging big minutes on the back end, including over two minutes of power-play time, but Hamilton has been limited to seven points (four goals, three assists) in 14 appearances. Six of the points came during a four-game hot spell at the end of last month. The Devils are carrying Colton White as an extra defenseman, and he will enter the lineup if Hamilton has to miss some time. Luke Hughes is set to step into his role on the top power-play unit.

Nov 7

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli Expected to Be Fine for Saturday

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (upper body) is expected to play in Saturday's matchup against the Washington Capitals, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. Cirelli suffered an upper-body injury in Thursday's win over the Vegas Golden Knights, but Lightning assistant coach Rob Zettler said postgame that the team is hopeful of having Cirelli available during the weekend. Cirelli is tied for the top spot on the Lightning roster with seven goals and has totaled 11 points in 14 outings. If Cirelli can't play on Saturday night, the Lightning will move either Yanni Gourde or Dominic James into the top six.

Nov 7

Michael Misa • C • Sharks

Sharks Place Michael Misa on Injured Reserve

San Jose Sharks center Michael Misa (lower body) has been placed on Injured Reserve. The No. 2 pick of this year's draft suffered a lower-body injury in Wednesday's practice. His placement on Injured Reserve will force Misa to miss at least a week of action. Even when he's been healthy, Misa hasn't played in every game this season. He has recorded three points (one goal, two assists) in seven appearances. If Misa plays 10 games, he will burn the first year of his entry-level contract. On Thursday, San Jose recalled Zack Ostapchuk from the minors to fill Misa's spot on the roster and provide additional forward depth.

Nov 7

Filip Hallander • C • Penguins

Filip Hallander Out Against Capitals

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Filip Hallander (undisclosed) won't play in Thursday's contest against the Washington Capitals. He suffered an undisclosed injury during Wednesday's practice, which leaves Pittsburgh without yet another forward. Rickard Rakell (hand), Rutger McGroarty (upper body), Justin Brazeau (upper body), Noel Acciari (upper body), and Kevin Hayes (upper body) are all out as well on Thursday night. As a result of all the injuries, Ben Kindel and Thomas Novak have stepped into top-six roles. Hallander, who has notched four points (one goal, three assists) in 13 games this season, is considered day-to-day and will have his first opportunity to return on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils.

Nov 6

Tyson Kozak • C • Sabres

Tyson Kozak Available Versus Blues

Buffalo Sabres center Tyson Kozak (lower body) has been cleared to return to the lineup for Thursday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues. He's been sidelined for five games due to a lower-body issue. Kozak's return adds depth to a Sabres frontline that remains without Josh Norris (upper body) and Zach Benson (lower body), but he isn't an impactful player in fantasy hockey. Across seven appearances this season, Kozak has recorded two goals with five shots and 19 hits. Mason Geertsen will come out of the lineup on Thursday as a healthy scratch.

Nov 6

Cody Glass • C • Devils

Cody Glass Returns to Action Thursday

New Jersey Devils forward Cody Glass (upper body) will return to the lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Montreal Canadiens. The 26-year-old has been unavailable for seven games due to an upper-body injury. Over six appearances this year, Glass has contributed two goals on nine shots. On Thursday, Glass is projected to work as the third-line center, flanked by Ondrej Palat and Arseny Gritsyuk. He will also get an opportunity to skate with the second power-play unit. Brian Halonen will exit the lineup and sit this one out as a healthy scratch.

Nov 6

Connor Brown • RW • Devils

Connor Brown Out on Thursday

New Jersey Devils right wing Connor Brown (undisclosed) will remain out on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens. Initially, he was regarded as questionable for the contest. Brown, who sits on six points (five goals, one assist) through 11 appearances in 2025-26, will be absent for a third consecutive game. Brian Halonen has been filling in for him, but he is expected to sit as a healthy scratch on Thursday night. Brown appears to be close to returning and will have his next chance to rejoin the lineup on Saturday, when the Devils host the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Nov 6

Mats Zuccarello • RW • Wild

Mats Zuccarello Could Be an Option Friday

Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (lower body) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Carolina Hurricanes. However, he could be ready to return to the lineup on Friday night in a meeting with the New York Islanders. "He's not going to go tonight, but we'll see tomorrow," Wild head coach John Hynes said Thursday morning. "It's day to day." Zuccarello, who hasn't yet played this season due to a lower-body injury, took part in Thursday's morning skate. The Norwegian veteran is 15 years into his NHL career but has remained productive, narrowly missing a fourth consecutive 60-point campaign last term.

Nov 6

Matt Duchene • C • Stars

Matt Duchene Remains Out Thursday

Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene (upper body) will miss a ninth straight game on Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks. The veteran has skated in only four contests this season, recording one goal and one assist. It's unclear when Duchene will be ready to return, but the Stars could have Roope Hintz (undisclosed) back in the lineup against the Ducks. His return will probably lead to a reduced role for Sam Steel. Duchene's next chance to return will be during a back-to-back set this weekend against Nashville and Seattle.

Nov 6

Roope Hintz • C • Stars

Roope Hintz a Game-Time Call Thursday

Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (undisclosed) is a game-time decision for Thursday's tilt against the Anaheim Ducks. The Finnish forward has made significant progress in his recovery from an undisclosed injury and may return after missing five games. Hintz has averaged a point per game this season, registering one goal and seven assists in eight outings. If he's healthy enough to play, Hintz will return to a top-six role and link up with the first power-play unit. Five of his points this season have come during power-play situations.

Nov 6

K'Andre Miller • D • Hurricanes

K'Andre Miller Could Return to Action Thursday

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman K'Andre Miller (lower body) may rejoin the action on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild. The Saint Paul, Minnesota native has been unavailable for six games due to a lower-body injury. This is Miller's first season with the Hurricanes, and he's been impactful at both ends of the ice. In six outings, Miller has registered four points (two goals, two assists), 14 shots, eight blocks, and six hits while averaging over 23 minutes of ice time. Upon his return to the lineup, Miller will likely be expected to immediately take on a substantial role, as the team is still missing Jaccob Slavin (lower body) and Shayne Gostisbehere (abdomen).

Nov 6

Sean Monahan • C • Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan Injured in Wednesday's Loss

Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan sustained an undisclosed injury on Wednesday against the Calgary Flames, Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch reports. He exited the action in the second period following a hit by Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. Ahead of the contest, Monahan was enjoying a good scoring spell, amassing one goal and five assists over a seven-game stretch. He had a five-game pointless start to the season. If Monahan misses time, the team will likely shift either Boone Jenner or Cole Sillinger to center. Meanwhile, Yegor Chinakhov, who has been a regular healthy scratch this season, could get an opportunity to join the lineup.

Nov 6

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