NHL Player News

Head coach Glen Gulutzan said Friday that Back broke his finger and will miss 4-6 weeks, Robert Tiffin of NHL.com reports.

Back exited Wednesday's game against the Avalanche and was placed on injured reserve Friday. He's slated to miss at least a month after being diagnosed with a broken finger, and it's possible the Stars move him to long-term injured reserve at some point.

Granlund (upper body) will be with the Ducks for their upcoming four-game road trip, Patrick Present of The Hockey News reports Friday.

While Granlund has already been ruled out versus the Bruins on Friday, the fact that he will be with the team is certainly good news. The 34-year-old center has registered at least a point in all six games to open the year, compiling two goals and six helpers along the way. With Granlund on the shelf, Roger McQueen figures to get some time in the NHL, though he could be returned to the minors when the veteran is cleared to play.

Namestnikov is week-to-week due to his undisclosed injury, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports Friday.

Namestnikov missed Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to Chicago due to the injury, which was his first absence of the 2026-27 campaign. He has an assist in six outings in 2026-27. Brad Lambert drew back into the lineup Thursday and is likely to play regularly during Namestnikov's absence.

Wennberg notched an assist and two blocked shots in Thursday's 3-2 shootout win over the Predators.

Wennberg has two helpers across seven games this season. The veteran center is filling a second-line role and seeing time in all situations, so there is potential for him to do more on offense. He showed that last year with a 55-point effort over 80 regular-season outings. In 2026-27, Wennberg has added 11 shots on net, seven blocked shots and a minus-3 rating.

Smith scored a goal on five shots in Thursday's 3-2 shootout win over the Predators.

Smith has gotten off to an inconsistent start to the year. He had three points in the Sharks' season opener, but he's collected just two more over his last six games. While he remains in a top-line role, his fantasy value is tied to being a regular on the scoresheet since he adds little else. The 21-year-old has 16 shots on net, four blocked shots, three hits, two PIM and a minus-4 rating over seven appearances.

Roy (lower body) won't play in Friday's game against the Penguins, Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports reports.

Roy will be unavailable for a second consecutive game due to his lower-body injury. Head coach Jared Bednar said that Roy remains day-to-day but "could turn to week-to-week." Following Bednar's comments, it's not yet clear whether Roy will be available for Colorado's upcoming two-game road trip that includes games against the Flyers on Monday and against New Jersey on Tuesday.

Greig scored a goal on two shots in Thursday's 2-1 shootout win over the Islanders.

Greig battled a strain in the Senators' game versus the Blues on Tuesday, but he was able to avoid missing a contest. The 24-year-old centered the fourth line and delivered the Senators' lone goal in regulation Thursday. He has two points, nine shots on net, six hits, five blocked shots, six PIM and a plus-2 rating over six appearances. Greig has moved around the lineup a fair amount early in the season, so it remains to be seen where he'll settle in for the long run.

Granlund (upper body) wasn't on the ice for Friday's morning skate, Derek Lee of The Hockey News reports, indicating that he isn't expected to play against the Bruins.

Granlund is considered day-to-day due to his upper-body injury after missing Thursday's practice session, and it appears as though he'll be sidelined for at least one game. Roger McQueen and A.J. Greer are candidates to see increased roles Friday against Boston, while Granlund's next opportunity to return will be Monday against the Rangers.

Head coach Spencer Carbery said Friday that Sourdif (illness) is considered day-to-day, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Sourdif didn't practice Friday due to his illness, and it's unclear whether the issue will impact his availability against New Jersey on Saturday. Pierre-Luc Dubois (illness) has already been ruled out for Saturday's matchup, so Ethen Frank will likely see playing time for the Capitals if Sourdif is sidelined. Regardless of Sourdif's status for Saturday's matchup, it's at least encouraging that the 24-year-old doesn't appear to be facing a long-term absence.

Dubois (illness) won't play in Saturday's game against the Devils, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Dubois will be unavailable for a fourth consecutive game due to his illness, and he hasn't yet returned to practice. Head coach Spencer Carbery said Friday that Dubois' next step in his recovery process will be returning to the team's facility before he's in the mix to return to game action, so it seems as though he can be considered out until he at least rejoins the Capitals for practice.