NHL Player News

Makar scored two goals, including an empty-netter, put three shots on net and recorded two blocked shots in Saturday's 3-1 win over Chicago.

Makar found the back of the net with just nine seconds remaining in the second period to tie the game at 1-1 before sealing the victory with his empty-net goal in the third. He's up to 17 goals, 60 points, 155 shots on goal and 95 blocked shots across 58 games this season. The reigning Norris Trophy winner is crafting another solid case for the award, and he could be fueled even further to post a strong season following Canada's silver-medal finish at the Olympics. Look for Makar to challenge the 90-point mark for the third consecutive season.

Werenski supplied two assists, fired five shots on net and dished out two hits in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders.

Werenski extended his point streak to nine games, setting a new Blue Jackets franchise record for the longest point streak by a defenseman. His pair of helpers Saturday brought the superstar blueliner up to 45 assists, 65 points, 195 shots on goal and 68 blocked shots across 54 games this season. Since Dec. 11, the 28-year-old defenseman has been held off the scoresheet just two times during his 35-point, 24-game stretch of play. Werenski is making a compelling case for the Norris Trophy, which could be bolstered if the Blue Jackets make a push for a playoff spot following their sluggish start to the season.

Ginning was recalled by the Flyers from AHL Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Ginning played five NHL games in October, but he hasn't played in one since. The 26-year-old has four points (one goal, three assists) in 31 games with AHL Lehigh Valley. He's set to rejoin the Flyers roster now, but he's unlikely to draw into the lineup this time around either.

Kulikov (upper body) was removed from long-term injured reserve Sunday, per the NHL media site.

Following a 57-game absence, Kulikov appears to be good to go for Sunday's matchup against the Islanders. The Panthers moved Cole Schwindt (lower body) to injured reserve in a corresponding move. Kulikov had four goals, 13 points, 64 shots on net, 71 blocked shots and 114 hits in 70 appearances during the 2024-25 regular season.

Hamilton scored the game-winning goal on the power play in Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Blues.

The veteran blueliner gave the Devils a 2-0 lead with 16 seconds left in the second period as he ripped a shot from the high slot past Jordan Binnington. Hamilton has put a sluggish start to the campaign well behind him, and over the last 15 games, he's collected three goals and 13 points, including six points (two goals, four assists) with the man advantage.

Mayfield tallied a goal, recorded an assist and fired four shots on net in Saturday's 4-3 overtime win over Columbus.

Mayfield recorded his first multi-point game of the season Saturday with a goal six minutes after sliding the primary assist on Anders Lee's tally in the second period. With the pair of points, Mayfield now has two goals, eight assists, 74 shots on net, 55 hits and 66 blocked shots across 58 appearances this season. While he has the category-coverage stats needed for deep leagues, his limited contributions on offense make him tough to trust in fantasy.

Bouchard scored a goal and added two assists, one on the power play, in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Sharks.

The 26-year-old blueliner has remained red hot since the Olympics, racking up two goals and six points in three games since the NHL schedule resumed. Over the last 10 games, Bouchard has erupted for six goals and 21 points. With 69 points (17 goals, 52 assists) through 61 contests, he has already surpassed the 67 points he amassed over 82 regular-season games in 2024-25. That surge has also seen Bouchard blow past Cale Makar and Zach Werenski to take over the NHL scoring lead among defensemen.

Drysdale scored the game-winning goal and added an assist in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Boston.

After Drysdale had a hand in a Travis Konecny tally early in the third period that opened the scoring, Konecny returned the favor and set Drysdale up in the slot for a wicked snapshot past Jeremy Swayman. It was Drysdale's first multi-point effort since Jan. 21, and the 23-year-old blueliner has six goals and 25 points through 56 games on the season.

Balinskis (undisclosed) is day-to-day and not expected to play Sunday against the Islanders, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

Balinskis is officially day-to-day after leaving the Panthers' last game, Friday against the Sabres, with injury. It's likely to cost the 29-year-old at least Sunday's contest, and if he sits out as expected, it would be the first time Balinskis has missed time since late November. He's in the midst of a good season on the back end, registering 14 points (five goals, nine assists), 63 hits and 37 blocked shots in 50 games on the year.

Kulikov (upper body) will be a game-time decision against the Islanders on Sunday, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

Kulikov has missed 57 straight contests after getting hurt in Florida's second game of the 2025-26 season. He will need to be activated from long-term injured reserve to be eligible to return to action. If Kulikov receives the green light to play, he will probably replace Uvis Balinskis (undisclosed) in Sunday's lineup against the Islanders.