NHL Player News

Matthews scored a power-play goal on three shots and added two assists, including one on the power play, in Monday's 3-1 win over the Sharks.

Matthews delivered his fourth multi-point performance of the season Monday and was a one-man wrecking crew, getting involved in each of the Maple Leafs' three goals while bringing his totals to seven goals and nine assists through 10 games. The Toronto captain has been particularly productive on the man advantage, already posting six power-play points (three goals, three assists). His established scoring ability, prominent power-play deployment and consistent production make him an elite fantasy option regardless of matchup in the early stages of the season.

Backlund (undisclosed) exited Sunday's 3-2 win over the Hurricanes in the third period, but the forward told Swedish media he "won't be out long if at all," Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM reports Monday.

Backlund managed just 13:32 of ice time Sunday, so he clearly got nicked up at some point during the game. If Calgary's captain doesn't suit up Thursday versus Minnesota, Morgan Frost will most likely slide into the top-line center role, while Maxim Tsyplakov could draw back into the lineup. Backlund can be considered day-to-day until more information becomes available.

Wennberg departed Monday's 3-1 loss to the Maple Leafs because of an upper-body injury and is questionable for Tuesday's game in Montreal, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Wennberg wasn't available for the final few minutes of the third period due to the injury. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky said after the game that it's too soon to say if Wennberg will be an option for Tuesday's matchup. Ty Dellandrea and Adam Gaudette will be candidates to draw into the lineup Tuesday in the event that Wennberg sits out.

Couturier (undisclosed) is available for Monday's home matchup versus the Avalanche, per Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Couturier will avoid missing his first game of the season after missing Sunday's practice for an undisclosed reason. The 33-year-old is set to skate between Michael Bunting and Jacob Gaucher on the third line Monday.

Ritchie (lower body) will be out of action for 4-6 weeks, the team announced Monday.

Ritchie is currently mired in a five-game pointless streak during which he has generated four blocks, two shots and two PIM while averaging 10:38 of ice time. With the 21-year-old forward sidelined long-term, he likely will be placed on injured reserve in the coming days to free up a roster spot. For now, Mitchell Chaffee could get an extended run at the NHL level with both Ritchie and Matias Maccelli (lower body) dealing with injuries.

Zacha (upper body) is considered a game-time decision for Tuesday's matchup against Dallas, Adam Pellerin of NESN reports.

Zacha missed Saturday's game against the Kings due to an upper-body injury he sustained against Anaheim on Friday. It's not yet clear whether he'll be able to suit up Tuesday, but a better idea of his status could come into focus based on his participation in morning skate, though the medical staff will likely also see how he feels afterward before determining his availability. Across his first eight appearances of the regular season, Zacha has recorded two goals, three assists, five blocked shots, four hits and four PIM while averaging 18:05 of ice time.

Granlund (upper body) is expected to play against the Rangers on Monday, per Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune.

Granlund is ready to return to action after missing Friday's 4-2 loss to Boston because of an upper-body injury. He has contributed two goals, eight points and six blocked shots in six appearances this season.

Hintz (hand) participated in Monday's practice session and should be good to go for Tuesday's game against the Bruins, Mike Heika of the Stars' official site reports.

Hintz suffered a hand injury in the third period of Saturday's win over the Blackhawks, but the issue shouldn't impact his status for Tuesday's matchup. Across his eight appearances to begin the regular season, the 29-year-old has recorded three goals, two assists, 13 hits, seven PIM and four blocked shots while averaging 16:57 of ice time.

Head coach Pete DeBoer said Monday that Ritchie (lower body) won't play this week, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

Ritchie sustained a lower-body injury during Saturday's matchup against Toronto, and he's facing a multi-game absence. Matias Maccelli (lower body) has also been ruled out this week, so Kyle MacLean and Mitchell Chaffee will likely have opportunities to step up for the Islanders over the next few games.

Sourdif (illness) won't be in the lineup against the Kings on Tuesday, per Sammi Silber of The Hockey News.

Sourdif remains day-to-day with an illness and will miss his second straight game. He has contributed one goal, six shots on net and 13 hits in seven appearances this season.