NHL Player News

Kleven scored an empty-net goal on two shots, added two PIM, doled out four hits, blocked four shots and went plus-2 in Monday's 4-1 win over the Devils.

Kleven has played an elevated role to begin this season due to numerous injuries on the Senators' blue line. He's earned two points, seven shots on net, 12 hits, 18 blocked shots, six PIM and a plus-3 rating over six appearances while averaging 21:12 of ice time, nearly four minutes more per game than last year. Kleven will probably return to the third pairing once the Senators get healthier, but he could take another step on offense after logging 18 points in 70 regular-season outings in 2025-26.

Makar (personal) won't play against Dallas on Tuesday, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports.

Makar will miss at least one game because his wife is due to give birth. It's unclear if the 27-year-old Avalanche defender will be available for Wednesday's rematch against the Stars. Makar has registered three goals, seven points, 13 shots on net and six blocked shots in five games this season.

Morrissey (wrist) is considered day-to-day and will miss Tuesday's home clash against the Wild, per Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press.

Morrissey will miss his second consecutive game Tuesday after he was injured in Wednesday's clash against the Avalanche. The 31-year-old blueliner was a key part of the Jets' offense to open the new season, as he posted three assists, 12 shots on net and five blocked shots across four appearances prior to going down. His next opportunity to return will be Thursday's road game against the Blackhawks.

Lilleberg (undisclosed) is available if needed but will serve as a healthy scratch against the Rangers on Tuesday, Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley reports.

Lilleberg last featured for the Lightning on Oct. 3 versus Washington, recording one shot, three hits and five PIM. Even with Tampa continuing to utilize seven blueliners, the 25-year-old Lilleberg will face an uphill battle to secure minutes. As such, Lilleberg won't offer much in terms of fantasy value.

Grzelcyk (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve by the Sabres on Tuesday, per Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550.

Grzelcyk's placement on IR was done in a corresponding move to Dennis Gilbert being called up from AHL Rochester. The 32-year-old Grzelcyk appeared in just one game in the new season prior to going down, where he posted a minus-1 rating and a blocked shot across 14:27 of ice time. Further information will need to be provided regarding the specifics of his injury before a timetable for his return is available, but he'll miss at least the next seven days given his movement to injured reserve.

Gilbert was promoted from the minors ahead of Tuesday's clash with Montreal, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

Gilbert should be expected to immediately jump into the lineup Tuesday thanks to injuries to Rasmus Dahlin (upper body) and Matt Grzelcyk (undisclosed). In eight regular-season games for the Senators last year, the 29-year-old Gilbert notched one assist, two shots and 10 hits while averaging 12:41 of ice time.

Matheson is dealing with a lower-body injury that will sideline him versus Buffalo on Tuesday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Matheson has yet to find the back of the net through five games this season while registering just one helper despite averaging 24:09 of ice time. With the 32-year-old blueliner on the shelf, the Habs will get back to utilizing just six defensemen, which means Owen Beck will get into the lineup Tuesday. With the team heading into a back-to-back, Matheson may be hard-pressed to get into the lineup against the Caps on Wednesday.

Zub (knee) is slated to remain sidelined against the Blues on Tuesday, per Mike Morreale of NHL.com.

While Zub more than likely won't play in Tuesday's game, he appears to be nearing a return to game action. The right-shot blueliner has been skating, and head coach Travis Green relayed after Monday's 4-1 win over New Jersey that he hopes to see Zub in the lineup soon. The 31-year-old Zub will eventually fill an important top-four role for the Senators, who are cruising to begin the season with a 5-1-0 record.

Sanderson (lower body) is not expected to be an option for Tuesday's home matchup against the Blues, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports.

Head coach Travis Green said after Monday's 4-1 win over New Jersey that he doesn't think Sanderson or Artem Zub (knee) will be available Tuesday, but he hopes to see the defensemen in the lineup soon. Sanderson will almost certainly slot in on the top pairing and on the No. 1 power-play unit once he moves past his injury.

Krug (ankle) was placed on long-term injured reserve by the Blues on Monday, per PuckPedia.

Krug's move to long-term injured reserve was partially a financial decision, as it allows the Blues to exceed the salary cap by $4 million. The 35-year-old blueliner hasn't played since the 2023-24 campaign, but he hasn't officially ruled out a return. Regardless of when he decides to hang up his skates, the 13-year NHL veteran will be remembered as an excellent two-way player, as he currently sits at 483 points, 621 hits and 832 blocked shots across 778 regular-season outings.