NHL News

Martin Pospisil • C • Flames

Martin Pospisil Makes Season Debut Wednesday

Calgary Flames forward Martin Pospisil (undisclosed) will make his first appearance of the season in Wednesday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Slovakian forward suffered an undisclosed injury in a preseason game. On Tuesday, Calgary activated Pospisil from long-term Injured Reserve, and he practiced on a line with Adam Klapka and Ryan Lomberg. Last season, Pospisil was tied for third in the league with 301 hits and posted 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 81 appearances. He will struggle to make a fantasy impact on the fourth line, but managers should monitor him in case Pospisil moves up the lineup.

Jan 22

Teddy Blueger • C • Canucks

Teddy Blueger Available Wednesday Night

Vancouver Canucks center Teddy Blueger (lower body) has been cleared to play on Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals. He will be available after sitting out 43 games due to a lower-body injury. Blueger was hurt in a game against the Capitals on Oct. 19. Wednesday's contest will mark only his third appearance of the season. Blueger is expected to fill the third-line center role, flanked by Liam Ohgren and Conor Garland. Both wingers have scoring talent, boosting Blueger's fantasy value. However, managers shouldn't expect much from the Canucks, who just posted a new franchise record with 11 consecutive losses.

Jan 22

Tom Wilson • RW • Capitals

Tom Wilson Comes Off Injured Reserve

Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve, paving the way for him to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. The power forward has been out for eight games due to a lower-body injury. Wilson has had a wonderful 2025-26 campaign, posting a team-high 22 goals and sharing the overall scoring lead on the squad with 42 points in 41 games. He also has an outstanding plus-20 rating. Wilson returns in a great spot, taking on a team that has lost a franchise-worst 11 games in a row. Ivan Miroshnichenko is projected to make way for Wilson in the lineup.

Jan 22

Luke Hughes • D • Devils

Devils Place Luke Hughes on Long-Term Injured Reserve

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (shoulder) is facing a lengthy absence after the team placed him on long-term Injured Reserve on Wednesday. The move is retroactive to Monday, when Hughes injured his shoulder in a matchup against the Calgary Flames. A player on long-term Injured Reserve is required to miss at least 10 games and 24 days. Hughes' absence began on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. Brett Pesce and Jonas Siegenthaler led the blue line in ice time against Edmonton, while Dougie Hamilton logged the most power-play time. Johnathan Kovacevic took Hughes' spot in the lineup.

Jan 22

Valeri Nichushkin • RW • Avalanche

Valeri Nichushkin Returns to Action Wednesday

Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (upper body) will rejoin the lineup on Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. The Russian forward didn't play in Monday's win over the Washington Capitals after sustaining an upper-body injury in a car accident. Fortunately, Nichushkin has made a quick recovery and should fill his normal duties against Anaheim. Colorado uses Nichushkin on the second line and the second power-play unit. He has tallied 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 38 games this season. In January, Nichushkin has been slumping, finishing scoreless in six of seven appearances.

Jan 22

Kris Letang • D • Penguins

Kris Letang a Game-Time Call Wednesday

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (upper body) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's contest against the Calgary Flames. He missed practice on Tuesday and could also sit out at least one game. Pittsburgh will remain without Erik Karlsson (lower body) on Wednesday, so having Letang available on defense would be crucial. Due to Karlsson's absence, Letang has recently seen more power-play time. In 10 January outings, Letang has produced one goal and five assists. Overall, he has managed 25 points (three goals, 22 assists) in 48 games. If Letang doesn't play on Wednesday, the Penguins could use Brett Kulak on the top power-play unit.

Jan 22

Josh Morrissey • D • Jets

Josh Morrissey Has Three-Point Night Against Blues

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey left his fingerprints all over Tuesday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues, scoring a goal and delivering two assists in a 3-1 victory. The talented blue-liner earned two points on the power play, including his goal. Morrissey became the second defenseman in franchise history to light the lamp at least 90 times, joining Dustin Byfuglien (122). He's had 10 goals and 42 points in 48 games this season, providing good fantasy value despite playing on a struggling team. Morrissey currently shares sixth place in scoring among defensemen.

Jan 21

Miro Heiskanen • D • Stars

Miro Heiskanen Records Three Helpers Tuesday

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen had a hat trick of assists in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins. He began his night at the office with a power-play assist and set up two goals during even-strength play. This was Heiskanen's ninth career three-assist game with the Stars, and only three defensemen have managed more. Last week, Heiskanen missed a pair of games for personal reasons and recorded a minus-three rating when he returned to action in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He produced an impressive bounce-back effort on Tuesday, tying Ottawa's Jake Sanderson for eighth among defensemen in scoring. Heiskanen has posted 39 points (seven goals, 32 assists) in 48 games.

Jan 21

Brandon Hagel • LW • Lightning

Brandon Hagel Stays Hot Tuesday Night

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel contributed two goals and one assist during Tuesday's 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. He tied the game at one late in the first period and wrapped up the scoring with an empty-net goal. In between his two strikes, Hagel helped Anthony Cirelli record the game-winning tally. Hagel has been among the hottest forwards in the league as of late, producing 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) over a 10-game stretch. The run includes four multi-point efforts. With upcoming games against the defensively weak Chicago and Columbus, Hagel is well-positioned to continue his hot spell this week. The 27-year-old leads Tampa Bay with 25 goals and has tallied 46 points across 43 appearances.

Jan 21

Ryan O'Reilly • C • Predators

Ryan O'Reilly Extends Scoring Streak With Three-Point Effort

Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly finished Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres with two goals and one assist. Nashville fell four goals behind before attempting a comeback, with O'Reilly leading the charge. This was O'Reilly's fifth consecutive appearance with at least one point. He has had only one longer point streak this season. Following a rough start, it has turned out to be a good campaign for O'Reilly, who is on pace for a career-high 79 points. After 49 outings, the 17-year-old veteran sits on 18 goals and 29 assists.

Jan 21

Konsta Helenius • C • Sabres

Konsta Helenius Bags Three Points In Tuesday's Win

Buffalo Sabres forward Konsta Helenius had a memorable night against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, finishing a 5-3 victory with a goal and two assists. Playing in his second career game, Helenius notched his first points, becoming the seventh Finnish teenager in NHL history to record a three-point game. Buffalo recently recalled Helenius from the minors after placing Josh Norris (upper body) on Injured Reserve. Norris is considered week-to-week, so Helenius might stick with the big club for a while. The 19-year-old filled a third-line role on Tuesday, skating with Noah Ostlund and Josh Doan.

Jan 21

Anthony Cirelli • C • Lightning

Anthony Cirelli Injured Versus Sharks

Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) took only one third-period shift in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. He appeared injured after teammate Brandon Hagel's shot hit him. "I don't know. I don't want to say anything," Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said postgame about Cirelli's status. "He's a tough kid, so I'm hoping he'll be OK ... We'll see tomorrow." Before exiting, Cirelli had a goal and an assist in Tuesday's game. He has notched 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 44 games this season, earning him a spot on Team Canada for the Olympics. A serious injury would ruin Cirelli's Olympic dream and also be a blow to the Lightning.

Jan 21

Darcy Kuemper • G • Kings

Darcy Kuemper Hurt on Tuesday Night

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (upper body) exited Tuesday's 4-3 win over the New York Rangers in the first period. He was injured when Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski made contact with Kuemper's head late in the period. Kuemper allowed two goals on eight shots in the opening frame. He was replaced in the crease by Anton Forberg, who put in an outstanding performance. The Swedish veteran finished with 27 saves and a .964 save percentage. Kuemper, who holds a 12-9-9 record, has already missed time this season due to an upper-body injury. Another multi-week absence for him would also be a blow for Team Canada, which has named him to its Olympic roster.

Jan 21

Mikko Rantanen • RW • Stars

Mikko Rantanen Out Tuesday

Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen (illness) will miss Tuesday's game against the Boston Bruins. He was a late scratch for the contest due to illness. With Rantanen out, the Stars lose their top scorer. The Finnish star has tallied 63 points (19 goals, 44 assists) in 48 appearances, putting him sixth in the league among all scorers. Sam Steel will take Rantanen's spot on the first line against Boston. Rantanen's first chance to return will be a meeting with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.

Jan 21

Andrew Peeke • D • Bruins

Andrew Peeke Returns to Action Tuesday

Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke (lower body) will play on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars, Jim McBride of The Boston Globe reports. He was initially considered a game-time decision. Peeke sustained a lower-body injury in a matchup against the Seattle Kraken last week but recovered quickly, missing only one game. Boston will be happy to have Peeke back after losing Henri Jokiharju (personal) for Tuesday's game. However, the 27-year-old offers very little fantasy value. In 48 outings this season, Peeke has registered nine points (four goals, five assists), 54 shots, 92 blocks, and 58 hits.

Jan 21

Rodrigo Abols • C • Flyers

Rodrigo Abols Expected to Miss Several Months

Philadelphia Flyers center Rodrigo Abols (lower body) will be out for "months," Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet refused to rule Abols out for the rest of the season, but it's clear that he faces a long spell on the sidelines. Across 42 outings this season, Abols has logged 10 points (three goals, seven assists), 43 shots, and 49 hits. On Monday, it was announced that Abols will be replaced on Team Latvia for the Olympics by Rihards Bukarts. In Philadelphia, Lane Pederson replaced Abols in the lineup on Monday night against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Jan 21

Luke Hughes • D • Devils

Luke Hughes Out Tuesday

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (undisclosed) won't play on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. He was injured in Monday's overtime win against the Calgary Flames. Early reports suggest that Hughes will miss some time, although the team doesn't yet know the full extent of his injury. Hughes has been on track for his third consecutive 40-point campaign in 2025-26, recording five goals and 21 assists in 49 contests. Johnathan Kovacevic is expected to replace Hughes in the lineup on Tuesday night. He has a limited offensive arsenal and isn't a viable fantasy option.

Jan 21

Jonas Brodin • D • Wild

Jonas Brodin Will Miss Olympics

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (lower body) will not play for Team Sweden at the 2026 Olympics, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports. He will miss a fourth consecutive game on Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens and won't rejoin the lineup until after the 2026 Olympic Games. It's a bad blow for the Swedes and the Wild. Brodin has made 42 appearances this season, recording 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) and 91 blocks. The Wild defense is currently also without Zach Bogosian (undisclosed), but he could be an option for the team later this week. In the meantime, David Jiricek will eat up minutes on the third defensive pairing with Daemon Hunt.

Jan 20

Alexandre Texier • LW • Canadiens

Alexandre Texier Won't Play Tuesday

Montreal Canadiens winger Alexandre Texier (lower body) will miss Tuesday's clash against the Minnesota Wild. The team has ruled him out due to a lower-body injury. Texier is considered day-to-day. The French forward has made a big impact with the Canadiens this season, amassing 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 27 games. While losing Texier is a blow for Montreal, the team will get Kirby Dach (foot) back into the lineup against Minnesota. He will replace Texier on the first line. Texier's first chance to return will be on Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres.

Jan 20

Kirby Dach • C • Canadiens

Kirby Dach Rejoins Canadiens Lineup

Montreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach (foot) was activated from long-term Injured Reserve and will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild. Dach has missed over two months due to a broken foot. He was initially expected to miss 4-6 weeks. This season, Dach has been limited to 15 games, producing five goals and two assists. He will be in a great spot to make an immediate impact on Tuesday night, joining forces with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the first line. Dach is also expected to be part of the second power-play unit.

Jan 20

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