NHL News

Brock Nelson • C • Avalanche

Brock Nelson Produces 30th Goal of the Campaign

Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson potted his 30th goal of the season in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Utah Mammoth. With Nathan MacKinnon (not injury-related) out of the lineup, Nelson skated as the first-line center and registered the game-winning goal on Wednesday night. Nelson has been somewhat of a late bloomer, becoming only the second player in NHL history to record each of his first four 30-goal campaigns after turning 30. In 56 outings, he has also had 20 assists during his first full season in Denver. Although MacKinnon could jump back into action on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild, Nelson will continue to play a vital role for Colorado.

13 hours ago

Nikita Kucherov • RW • Lightning

Nikita Kucherov Extends Point Streak to 11 Games

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov finished Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs with three points. He logged the game-winning goal and dished out two assists, extending the NHL's longest active point streak to 11 games. Kucherov has had only three longer scoring streaks in his career, with his career-best at 13 games. He can match it this week as Tampa Bay takes on Carolina on Thursday and Buffalo on Saturday. Kucherov has been incredible in 2026, amassing 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) in 17 games. He has jumped to second on the league's scoring list, tallying 94 points (30 goals, 64 assists) in 52 outings this season.

13 hours ago

Tage Thompson • C • Sabres

Tage Thompson Leads Sabres Past Devils

Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson tallied a goal and an assist in Wednesday's 2-1 road victory over the New Jersey Devils. Thompson had a productive Olympic campaign and continued where he left off, scoring his 31st goal of the season and setting up Peyton Krebs for the game-winner. Thompson leads his team in scoring, with 61 points (31 goals, 30 assists) in 58 outings. He boasts 11 goals and 13 assists across his last 18 appearances. The 28-year-old will head out two more times this week as Buffalo faces a back-to-back set in Florida against the Panthers and Lightning.

13 hours ago

Wyatt Johnston • C • Stars

Wyatt Johnston Pots Two Goals in Wednesday's Win

Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston had two goals on four shots in Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken. He produced Dallas' first and last goal as the hosts jumped to a 4-0 lead. With his second marker, Johnston surpassed Mike Modano for the most power-play goals in a single season in team history. Johnston has struck 19 times with the man advantage and boasts 31 goals overall. He's added 30 assists in 58 appearances. This season, Johnston is on pace to average at least a point per game for the first time in his career.

14 hours ago

Ryan Lindgren • D • Kraken

Ryan Lindgren Exits Early Wednesday

Seattle Kraken defenseman Ryan Lindgren (undisclosed) exited Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars after logging only 01:24 of ice time. He couldn't continue after a collision with Stars forward Colin Blackwell. Lindgren's early exit from Wednesday's loss leaves him questionable for Thursday's tilt against the St. Louis Blues. Cale Fleury and Josh Mahura are the options to come into the lineup as Lindgren's replacement. Neither player should draw fantasy interest, as they have totaled just five points between them this season.

14 hours ago

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.

14 hours ago

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.

14 hours ago

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

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