January 10, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson had two assists in Friday's 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He collected both helpers during the first period, which Washington won 3-0. After he had a five-game slump, someone pushed the right buttons on Carlson, as he has notched five points (one goal, four assists) across the last three games. Carlson has been a 50-point guy in recent seasons, but in 2025-26, he has a chance to reach 60 points for a fifth time in his career. In 41 outings, Carlson has tallied nine goals and 25 assists. He is also a busy man in the defensive zone, recording 59 blocks this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 10, 2026
Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka saved 26 of 28 shots in Friday's 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues, improving to 20-11-2 for the season. Impressively, he became the first goalie this season to reach 20 wins. His recent form has been a major factor in Vejmelka reaching that milestone first, as he has gone 8-2-0 since Dec. 12. In 2026, Vejmelka has allowed only 11 goals across five starts. The 29-year-old has posted a 2.63 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage for the season, picking up one shutout. Vejmelka's fantasy stock is on the rise and could improve further in upcoming games against Eastern Conference strugglers Columbus and Toronto.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 10, 2026
Utah Mammoth winger Clayton Keller recorded three assists during Friday's 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Nick Schmaltz benefited twice from his playmaking, while Lawson Crouse also scored off Keller's feed. This was Keller's second multi-assist game in a row and already his third such performance of the month. He has started 2026 strong, recording eight points (one goal, seven assists) over five games. Compared to last year, Keller has taken a step back, but he could still average a point per game. In 45 outings, Keller has notched 13 goals and 28 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 10, 2026
Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn (face) will miss a third consecutive game on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. He is, however, expected to join the team in Los Angeles on Sunday and looks to be an option for Monday's matchup against the Kings. Benn departed the lineup at the start of the week after being injured against the Montreal Canadiens last Sunday. The Stars captain has made 23 appearances this season, recording 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) and 34 hits. Once he's ready to return, Benn will return to a middle-six role.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 10, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Ilya Mikheyev (illness) will return to the lineup on Saturday against the Nashville Predators, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The Blackhawks have a stomach bug going through the locker room, and Mikheyev didn't play in Friday's loss to the Washington Capitals. Mikheyev has been sharp offensively in his recent appearances, averaging a point per game over four contests. Overall, he has recorded 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 39 games this season. While Mikheyev has made a quick recovery, the Blackhawks may have other absences on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ben Pope
January 10, 2026
Utah Mammoth forward Alexander Kerfoot (upper body) was hurt during Friday's 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth. He sustained an upper-body injury in the first period, logging only 2:11 of ice time. This injury blow is very unfortunate for Kerfoot, as it's been less than a month since his season debut. He missed the start of the campaign due to abdominal surgery, entering the lineup on Dec. 19. Kerfoot has posted one goal in nine games, averaging 10:20 of ice time on the fourth line. If Kerfoot can't play on Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Liam O'Brien or Kailer Yamamoto will take over his place.
--Taavi PailkSource: Utah Mammoth PR
January 9, 2026
San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg (lower body) could be ready to rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights, Max Miller of NHL.com reports. The Swedish veteran won't take the ice for Saturday's matchup against the Dallas Stars, missing his fourth consecutive game. However, Klingberg is closing in on his return and may be an option for the next game. Klingberg has registered 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) and 41 blocks in 31 games this season. He has been inconsistent with his offensive production, as half of Klingberg's points came last month during a five-game hot spell.
--Taavi PailkSource: Max Miller
January 9, 2026
New York Rangers center Noah Laba (upper body) will be a game-time decision on Saturday against the Boston Bruins, Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic reports. Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan called Noah Laba "a possibility" for the game. The 22-year-old practiced fully on Friday after missing three games due to an upper-body injury. Laba's first year in the NHL has gone fairly well. He has contributed five goals and seven assists in 42 outings, averaging 13:13 of ice time. If he's ready to return against Boston, Laba is expected to fill third-line duties.
--Taavi PailkSource: Vince Z. Mercogliano
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (upper body) will be a game-time call on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports. Philadelphia has taken several injury hits this week. But while Bobby Brink (upper body) and Jamie Drysdale (undisclosed) are expected to miss a few games, Konecny may avoid his first absence of the season on Saturday. The 28-year-old sustained an upper-body injury during Thursday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Konency is on pace for his second consecutive 70-point campaign. He has scored 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) across 42 games. If Konecny isn't available on Saturday night, we may see Matvei Michkov in a larger role.
--Taavi PailkSource: Kevin Kurz
January 9, 2026
Utah Mammoth center Kevin Stenlund (illness) will hop back into the lineup for Friday's tilt against the St. Louis Blues. Due to illness, the veteran forward was absent from Wednesday's win over the Ottawa Senators, missing his first game of the season. As a fourth-line center, Stenlund doesn't have any fantasy value. However, he has done solid work in the role for the Mammoth, recording 10 points (three goals, seven assists), 38 shots, 31 blocks, and 25 hits across 43 appearances, while winning 52.9 percent of his faceoffs. Stenlund's return will push Kailer Yamamoto out of the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (lower body) will sit out a second consecutive game on Friday night against the Winnipeg Jets. The Kings captain sustained a lower-body injury in Monday's win over the Minnesota Wild and remains day-to-day. Joel Armia (lower body), Trevor Moore (upper body), and Corey Perry (personal) are also still out, leaving L.A. with a depleted frontline for another contest. With key forwards out, Taylor Ward and Jeff Malott are expected to continue in top-six roles, and the team will also dress an extra defenseman for the game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Washington Capitals winger Aliaksei Protas (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is ready to rejoin the lineup on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Belarusian forward has been out for three games due to a lower-body injury. Before he was knocked out of the lineup, Protas was in sensational form, totaling six goals and five assists in eight games. He has managed 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) in 41 games across the season. Protas will likely rejoin the top-six group on Friday and could see increased power-play time, with Tom Wilson (lower body) still out.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (shoulder) will rejoin the lineup on Friday against the Washington Capitals. Chicago's ascending star has recovered from a shoulder injury, which kept him sidelined for 12 games. Bedard is having a special campaign, scoring 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 31 games. On Friday, Bedard is expected to skate on the first line alongside Ryan Greene and Andre Burakovsky. Additionally, he will reclaim his spot on the first power-play unit. Washington has struggled defensively in recent games and has a 77.2 percent penalty kill, giving Bedard a chance to make a big impact in his return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 9, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny (upper body) exited Thursday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs after the second period. The team announced that Konecny had suffered an upper-body injury. Prior to his exit, Konecny scored Philadelphia's only goal of the game. He was on target for the third time in five games. Konency is the Flyers' second-highest scorer, with 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) in 42 games. The 28-year-old has been part of a very effective line alongside Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak, but that combination may now be broken up if Konecny has to miss time. The Flyers will return to action on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: Philadelphia Flyers
January 9, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (undisclosed) exited Thursday's matchup against the Boston Bruins early for precautionary reasons, head coach Ryan Huska confirmed after the game. Coleman was limited to 9:55 of ice time, finishing scoreless. He has managed 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) in 44 games this season, sitting second on the team with 110 hits. Additionally, Coleman is tied for second on the roster with a plus-10 rating. Huska's words indicate that Coleman isn't dealing with a serious health issue, but it remains to be seen whether he will be available on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
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