NHL Player News

Pospisil scored an empty-net goal on two shots and added an assist in Monday's 5-2 win over the Maple Leafs. He also recorded four hits.

Pospisil is not known for his scoring ability as a bottom-six forward who sees time on the penalty-killing unit, but he made the most of the opportunity to score into the open goal in the third period of Monday's win. His combination of physical play and playmaking ability makes him particularly appealing in fantasy formats that reward hits, although his scoring opportunities could remain inconsistent in a supporting bottom-six role.

Backlund (upper body) will play against the Maple Leafs on Monday, per Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM.

Backlund will return to the Flames' lineup Monday after missing each of the last two games with an upper-body injury. The 37-year-old veteran's return will provide a boost for Calgary's top line, as he's posted two points, 24 shots on net and seven hits across eight outings this season. Backlund is a risky player to start in fantasy Monday, especially against a Maple Leafs' squad that has won four straight games.

Brind'Amour was loaned to AHL Chicago on Monday.

In a corresponding move, the Hurricanes activated Taylor Hall (upper body) from injured reserve. Brind'Amour didn't post a point in Carolina's last two games, but he had five shots on net and three hits. He has two goals and one assist in six AHL outings this campaign.

Kulich has been placed in concussion protocol, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News on Monday.

Kulich missed Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to Washington and won't join his teammates for the California portion of Buffalo's road trip. The Sabres visit San Jose on Tuesday, Anaheim on Thursday and Los Angeles on Saturday. It's unclear when Kulich will be available to return to the lineup. He has one goal, two assists, nine shots on net, three blocked shots and seven hits in eight appearances this season.

MacLean has played in three straight games, though he was held without a point in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Stars.

MacLean started the season as an extra forward for the Islanders. That changed after the team lost Calum Ritchie and Matias Maccelli to lower-body injuries Oct. 17 versus the Maple Leafs, and MacLean has been in the lineup ever since. He's notched just one shot on goal and added 10 hits over three appearances. Mathew Barzal (knee) is also out, so MacLean should have a clear path to playing time through at least half of November.

Horvat logged two assists, two shots on goal and two blocked shots in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Stars.

Horvat has gotten on the scoresheet in nine out of 11 games so far, and three have been multi-point performances. The 31-year-old center is up to five goals, seven helpers, 36 shots on net, 20 hits and a plus-2 rating. He's leading the way from the Islanders' top line and continues to be a steady fantasy option.

Palmieri scored a goal on three shots in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Stars.

Palmieri ended a four-game goal drought with the tally. The 35-year-old winger is playing in the top six and has a power-play role, but it's no surprise he's off to a slower start after missing most of last season due to a torn ACL. He's at three goals, one assist, 21 shots on net, seven blocked shots, six PIM and a minus-1 rating over 11 appearances.

Schenn scored a goal on two shots, added five hits and went minus-2 in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Stars.

Schenn has a goal and two assists over his last three games. He started the season on the wing, but he's playing down the middle while the Islanders are missing Calum Ritchie (lower body) and Mathew Barzal (knee). Schenn has produced offense at a good pace so far with three goals, five assists, 23 shots on net, 23 hits, 11 PIM and a minus-4 rating over 11 appearances. He should continue to see time on the second line and first power-play unit.

Hintz logged two assists, two shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Sunday's 6-3 win over the Islanders.

Hintz has consecutive multi-point games, and he's racked up three goals and three helpers during a four-game streak. The 29-year-old center is doing his part in a top-six role, though he carries a bit of injury risk and has already had a couple of scares early in the season. He's at 10 points, 23 shots on net, 18 hits, nine PIM and a plus-8 rating across 11 appearances.

Hryckowian scored a power-play goal on two shots in Sunday's 6-3 win over the Islanders.

Hryckowian has had a slow start to the season on offense despite maintaining a middle-six role with power-play time. The goal was his first point in 11 games to go with 13 shots on net, 22 hits and two PIM. The 25-year-old provides some skills as an agitator, but expectations were higher for him after his 30-point rookie season in 2025-26.