RADIO
Aleksander Barkov Back on the Ice
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (knee) resumed skating on Wednesday, George Richards of NHL.com reports. The Panthers captain has been sidelined since injuring his left knee against San Jose on Oct. 1. He remains around four weeks away from returning to action, but it's a great sign for the Panthers that Barkov is back on the ice. Brad Marchand (leg) also resumed skating this week and is nearing his return. He's expected back in approximately three weeks. Until the Panthers get their big guns back, Lars Eller and Sandis Vilmanis will continue in larger roles.
Source: George Richards
Source: George Richards
More Recent News
Drew Doughty Good to Go Against Senators
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (undisclosed) will get back to work on Thursday against Ottawa. The Kings captain recorded a season-high three points in Monday's win over the Rangers, but he sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday against Chicago with an undisclosed injury. While Doughty had a standout performance on Monday night, fantasy managers shouldn't expect a repeat against the Senators. He had just one point in nine games before running amok at Madison Square Garden. With Doughty back, Cody Ceci will move to the press box as a healthy scratch.
Source: Eric Stephens
Source: Eric Stephens
Thomas Chabot Returns From Four-Game Absence
Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (upper body) will rejoin the action on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Kings. He has been cleared to play after missing four games with an upper-body injury. Chabot's return means the Senators will have all their regular blue-liners in the lineup for the first time this season. Chabot will join Jordan Spence on the second defensive pairing, bumping Tyler Kleven to the third. The Senators captain will also log time with the second power-play unit. Aside from his injury, Chabot has had a strong start to the season, recording four points (one goal, three assists), 19 SOG, 24 blocks, and a plus-five rating in nine games.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Jared Spurgeon Listed as Week-to-Week
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (undisclosed) is week-to-week, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports. The Wild lost their captain in Tuesday's win over Utah and must be without him for multiple games, starting with Thursday's clash against the Islanders. Spurgeon has made a big impact early in the season, posting five points (one goal, four assists) and 19 blocks in 10 games. Minnesota also remains without Brock Faber (skull), putting pressure on Quinn Hughes to maintain high standards. David Spacek is expected to fill Spurgeon's spot in the lineup on Thursday, but fantasy managers should ignore him.
Source: Michael Russo
Source: Michael Russo
Evgeni Malkin, Benjamin Kindel Back in Action Thursday
Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Evgeni Malkin (illness) and Benjamin Kindel (vasovagal episode) will play on Thursday against Utah. Egor Chinakhov (lower body) is also available, giving the Penguins' offense a big boost. Both Malkin and Chinakhov missed Saturday's win over Nashville. Kindel has been unavailable for two games after suffering a vasovagal episode. It's great to see the teenage forward back in action so soon after his scary incident at the start of last week. The returning trio will form the Penguins' second line and will be part of the second power-play unit.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Victor Hedman Returns to Action Thursday
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (lower body) will return to the lineup on Thursday against Winnipeg. The Lightning captain sustained a lower-body injury last week and didn't play in Saturday's loss to Utah. Hedman's workload has dropped significantly this season, hurting his numbers. In 10 appearances, he has recorded four points (two goals, two assists), nine SOG, and 13 blocks. However, Hedman's most recent outings haven't been too bad, as he's scored all four points in his last six games. The Jets have started to struggle, losing six straight, making this a good fantasy matchup for Hedman and the Lightning.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Brandon Hagel Cleared to Play Thursday
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (undisclosed) will be in action on Thursday against Winnipeg. He was initially uncertain for the contest after being labeled a game-time decision on Wednesday. Hagel saw a four-game point streak come to an end last time out against Utah, but overall he has been sharp in 2026-27. Across 11 games, Hagel has contributed seven goals and six assists. Hagel averages almost five SOG per game and is in a good spot to start another point streak Thursday, facing a team that has a 3.00 goals-against average.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Red Wings Suspend Dylan Larkin Without Pay
The Detroit Red Wings have suspended center Dylan Larkin. The team announced that Larkin said he won't play for them anymore. As a result, the Red Wings suspended Larkin without pay. Detroit's statement followed a report from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman that the team won't play Larkin until it trades him. He will exit the lineup on Thursday against Chicago. Detroit has struggled to move Larkin after he requested a trade in the offseason. The American star, who has a no-trade clause, recently expanded his trade list to 10 teams. Larkin closed his Detroit chapter in style, scoring a late game-tying goal in Monday's 4-3 shootout win over Edmonton. He has only two goals and four assists in 10 games this season, but it's reasonable to assume Larkin's production will increase once his future is sorted.
Source: Detroit Red Wings
Source: Detroit Red Wings
Tristan Jarry Shuts Out Flames
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry played a big role in Wednesday's clash against Calgary, recording a 24-save shutout in a 4-0 win. The Flames entered the first Battle of Alberta of the season on a four-game winning streak, but Jarry's outstanding play stopped their momentum. The former Penguin has taken on the No. 1 role in the Oilers' crease with Devon Levi (undisclosed) and Frederik Andersen (knee) out. While his first outing as the team's de facto starter against Toronto didn't go well, Jarry's numbers aren't bad this season. He has a 3-1-2 record, a 2.95 goals-against average, and a .889 save percentage.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Gavin McKenna Delivers in First-Line Role
Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Gavin McKenna had the best game of his rookie campaign on Wednesday night against Seattle, finishing a 5-4 loss with three points. He scored two power-play goals and recorded an even-strength assist. This was an important night for McKenna, as he was promoted to the first line and saw increased power-play usage. Toronto's first line, which also includes Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, combined for eight points. While McKenna's offensive production has been inconsistent so far, he's now in a good position to boost his scoring tally. The 18-year-old has five goals and 11 points through his first 15 NHL outings.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Albert Johansson to Miss Thursday's Action
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Albert Johansson (undisclosed) won't play on Thursday against Chicago, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports. This will be his second consecutive absence after Johansson was a late scratch for Monday's contest against Edmonton. Johansson averages a block per game, but offers very little offensively. In 11 outings this season, he has no goals and one assist. Forward Carter Mazur filled the void in the lineup on Monday, logging 5:10 on the fourth line. The likes of Andreas Englund and William Wallinder could see more ice time during Johansson's absence, but they don't have any fantasy appeal.
Source: Helene St. James
Source: Helene St. James
Justin Brazeau Sent to AHL for Conditioning Stint
Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Justin Brazeau (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve Wednesday and assigned to the AHL for a conditioning stint. Brazeau needs to get his feet back under him after missing the start of the season with a lower-body injury. He should be back with the Penguins soon. Brazeau scored a career-high 34 points (17 goals, 17 assists) in 64 appearances during his first year in Pittsburgh last season. He'll be in contention for a bottom-six role when he returns to the big club.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Sam Steel Likely to Return Thursday
Dallas Stars forward Sam Steel (undisclosed) will likely return to the lineup on Thursday against Montreal. Steel has sat out a pair of games with an undisclosed injury. Despite occasionally seeing time in the top six, Steel has been quiet this season. He has averaged barely one SOG per game and has only three points (one goal, two assists) in 10 games, making him irrelevant in fantasy hockey. Steel will likely replace either Matthew Seminoff or Dylan Hryckowian in the lineup against the Canadiens.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Josh Manson Exits With Lower-Body Injury
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (lower body) exited Wednesday's 5-2 win over New Jersey in the first period, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports. The 35-year-old was limited to 4:06 of ice time due to a lower-body injury. With Manson out, Sam Malinski stepped up on the blue line and delivered two assists. The team could lean on Malinski even more in the upcoming games if Manson misses time. Noah Juulsen is his potential replacement in the lineup.
Source: Aarif Deen
Source: Aarif Deen
Devin Cooley Sustains Lower-Body Injury Versus Oilers
Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley (lower body) couldn't finish Wednesday's Battle of Alberta against the Edmonton Oilers. He sustained a lower-body injury when Oilers forward Colton Dach collided with him near the end of the first period. Cooley stayed in the game to finish the period but didn't return for the second. He allowed one goal on nine SOG. His replacement, Dustin Wolf, gave up three goals on 23 SOG. Cooley has played a key role in Calgary's recent resurgence, winning four straight games before Wednesday night. Everyone on the team will have their fingers crossed that Cooley dodged a bullet and won't have to miss significant time.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Kyle Capobianco to Miss One Week
Dallas Stars defenseman Kyle Capobianco (lower body) will be out for one week. He sustained a lower-body injury in a collision with New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier in Tuesday's 5-1 loss. Recently, Capobianco has seen regular action due to Esa Lindell's (lower body) absence. Yet he hasn't made a significant impact and is still searching for his first points of the year after five appearances. The Stars are expected to call up reinforcements from the minors, as the team has only five healthy defensemen heading into Thursday's game against Montreal.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Brandon Hagel a Game-Time Decision Thursday
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Thursday's clash against Winnipeg, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. Hagel has been highly productive early in the season, with seven goals and six assists in 12 games. If Hagel is unable to suit up against the Jets, Dominic James will likely get a chance to rejoin the lineup. Meanwhile, Ilya Mikheyev will be a candidate for a larger role, though he probably won't have many fans among fantasy managers because of his lack of offensive production this season.
Source: Erik Erlendsson
Source: Erik Erlendsson
Chris Tanev Upgraded to Day-to-Day
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (upper body) was upgraded to day-to-day on Wednesday. He's been out week-to-week since mid-October. However, the veteran rearguard is nearing his return. Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller hasn't ruled out Tanev for Saturday's contest against Vancouver. Tanev brings veteran leadership and a no-nonsense defensive approach, but he offers little fantasy value. In six outings this season, Tanev has registered one assist, one SOG, and 14 blocks. He will miss at least one more game, with Toronto facing Seattle on Wednesday.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Kirill Marchenko Considered Week-to-Week
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Kirill Marchenko (lower body) is week-to-week, the team announced Wednesday. Marchenko suffered a lower-body injury against Calgary on Monday night and will likely miss at least a handful of games. The Russian forward has quickly adapted to his new surroundings, posting 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in as many games with the Maple Leafs. Bo Groulx is expected to fill the gap in the lineup, while Gavin McKenna will have a larger role. The No. 1 pick joined the first line at Wednesday's practice. Easton Cowan moved to the second line.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Oilers Place Zach Hyman On Injured Reserve
Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (neck) was placed on Injured Reserve Wednesday. He's dealing with a stiff neck and must sit out at least three games, starting with Wednesday's tilt against Calgary. Hyman has already missed six games this season due to health issues. He has one goal and no assists in six appearances. Colton Dach, fresh off a two-point performance, will replace Hyman on the second line. Dach bagged his first points of the season in Monday's shootout loss to Detroit. Repeating that success versus Calgary seems unlikely, but Dach's fantasy outlook improves with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kasperi Kapanen on his line.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Mattias Ekholm Cleared to Play Against Flames
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm (concussion) is ready to rejoin the lineup on Wednesday night against Calgary. He has sat out two games after sustaining a concussion last week. Ekholm has appeared in 10 games this season, recording three points (one goal, two assists), nine SOG, eight blocks, and five hits. He's also among the league leaders with a plus-15 rating. The Swedish veteran will skate in his usual spot on the first defensive pairing and join the second power-play unit. His return will push Jake Walman out of the lineup.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
