NHL Player News

Makar scored a goal on two shots and added two assists, all on the power play, in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Red Wings.

Makar has earned 10 points, including five on the power play, over his last five contests. The 28-year-old defenseman had endured a 10-game goal drought earlier in the season, but his scoring touch looks to be back. He's at five goals, 16 assists, 46 shots on net, 20 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over 17 appearances this season.

Rinzel notched two assists, two hits and two blocked shots in Saturday's 9-2 loss to the Hurricanes.

Vlasic has a pair of two-assist games this season, but he's been held scoreless in his 16 other outings. The 25-year-old defenseman has started to see a little residual power-play time, but he's not expected to be a major factor in that situation. For the year, he's at four helpers, 19 shots on net, 30 blocked shots, 10 PIM and a minus-3 rating over 18 appearances.

Nikishin scored a goal, dished an assist, blocked two shots and went plus-3 in Saturday's 9-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Nikishin ended his holdout by signing a one-year, $3 million contract Oct. 25. Just under two weeks later, he's back in the lineup in a third-pairing role, though he should also be a candidate for power-play time. He produced 33 points in 81 regular-season contests as a rookie last year. The 25-year-old requested a trade prior to signing, so it's possible he'll be treating his playing time as an audition for any team interested in acquiring him.

Gostisbehere scored a goal on three shots, dished an assist and went plus-3 in Saturday's 9-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Gostisbehere has a goal and five helpers through his first four contests in November. The 33-year-old defenseman continues to be a strong source of offense -- Saturday's performance was his fifth multi-point effort of the year. He's up to 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) with 35 shots on net, 13 blocked shots and a plus-14 rating across 19 outings overall.

Josi pocketed two assists, one on the power play, in Saturday's 3-1 win over St. Louis.

The veteran blueliner also added two shots on net, two blocked shots and a hit to his ledger. Josi has been locked in to begin the season, producing six multi-point efforts in 17 games en route to two goals and 18 assists. Eleven of those helpers have come with the man advantage, and he's also contributed 47 shots on net, 27 blocked shots, 12 PIM, 10 hits and a plus-4 rating.

Willander is expected to miss Saturday's game against Edmonton, per Canucks play-by-play announcer Brendan Batchelor.

Willander also missed Vancouver's previous two games. He has three assists in 16 outings in 2026-27. His next chance to return will come Monday versus Philadelphia.

Rielly (lower body) won't return to Saturday's game versus the Canadiens.

Rielly's injury could affect his availability for Sunday's game versus the Devils. The defenseman was injured early in the second period and ruled out before the intermission. If he misses time, Dakota Mermis will likely take Rielly's place in the lineup.

Thrun was recalled from AHL Manitoba under emergency conditions Saturday.

Thrun's recall comes as the Jets have a number of moving parts on defense. He'll replace Elias Salomonsson (personal) on the Jets' active roster. Thrun could be in the lineup if both Josh Morrissey (wrist) and Haydn Fleury (hand) can't play Sunday versus the Lightning.

Schmidt (upper body) will miss Saturday's game in Ottawa.

Schmidt has a goal, four points, 20 hits and 14 blocks in 17 appearances with Utah this season. He's regarded as being day-to-day, so Schmidt might still be an option for Wednesday's clash in Vegas. In the meantime, Artyom Duda is projected to draw into the lineup Saturday due to Schmidt's absence.

Smits (upper body) won't play against Seattle on Saturday, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports.

Smits was a late scratch for Saturday's contest due to an upper-body injury. He hasn't posted a point in 17 games this season, but he has eight shots on goal, 10 blocked shots and 16 hits. Matthew Robertson will replace Smits in Saturday's lineup against the Kraken.