NHL Player News

Zuccarello (upper body) is expected to return in Tuesday's home clash against the Predators, per Emily Kaplan of ESPN.

After previously being deemed week-to-week, Zuccarello appears to be ready to go on the earlier side of his timeframe to return. The 39-year-old winger has missed nine of the Kings' last 12 games with his upper-body injury. Prior to landing on injured reserve, he posted an assist, a plus-1 rating and four shots on net over six appearances. He's expected to be activated from IR ahead of his return Tuesday, when he'll likely rejoin the team's top six.

Hofer will defend the home goal in Tuesday's clash against the Red Wings, per Lou Korac of NHL.com.

Hofer hasn't received much help from his offense during his current two-game losing skid, where he's posted a .931 save percentage against 58 shots on net. Overall, the 26-year-old backstop has been an effective option for the Blues, as he's compiled a 6-5-1 record, a 2.36 GAA, a shutout and a .919 save percentage over 12 appearances this season. He remains firmly ahead of Jordan Binnington on the depth chart, making Hofer a solid No. 2 goalie option in all fantasy formats moving forward. He'll face a strong bounce-back opportunity Tuesday against the Red Wings.

Thrun was loaned to AHL Manitoba on Tuesday.

In a corresponding move, Winnipeg activated Josh Morrissey (wrist) from injured reserve ahead of Tuesday's game against New Jersey. Thrun was a healthy scratch in Sunday's 4-3 win over Tampa Bay. He has one goal and six assists in 13 AHL appearances this season.

Dach (illness) returned to practice Tuesday and is expected to play in Wednesday's home clash against the Flyers, per Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton.

Dach missed each of the Oilers' last two games due to an illness. Prior to his absence, the 23-year-old center posted three goals, four points, 28 shots on net, 29 hits and eight blocked shots over 13 appearances this season. Barring any setbacks, he will likely make his return to the team's fourth line in Wednesday's game against Philadelphia.

Gibson (lower body) will start Tuesday's road matchup against St. Louis, according to Jonathan Mills of the Red Wings' official site.

Gibson missed the last two games with a lower-body injury. In 11 appearances this season, he has a 4-5-1 record, a 3.46 GAA and an .860 save percentage. St. Louis (7-8-2) is tied for 21st in the league in the 2026-27 campaign with 2.94 goals per game.

Lyon (shoulder) will travel with the Sabres during the team's upcoming road trip, per Heather Engel of NHL.com.

After suffering an injury setback in mid-October, Lyon appears to be trending towards a return in the near future. He's expected to travel with the Sabres' during their upcoming six-game road trip, and given the amount of time away from home, he could make his return by the end of it. Lyon has a strong campaign during the 2025-26 regular season, where he compiled a 20-10-4 record, a 2.77 GAA, three shutouts and a .906 save percentage across 36 outings. For the time being, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Colten Ellis will continue to defend the Sabres' net.

Chmelar scored a shorthanded goal on two shots in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Oilers.

Chmelar has scored in consecutive games, adding five hits and three shots on net in that span. He's also played in the Rangers' last four contests. With a little bump in productivity, he should be able to fend off Matt Rempe for playing time on the fourth line. Chmelar has two goals, eight shots, 20 hits and two PIM across 11 appearances this season.

Othmann (upper body) will return to the lineup against the Rangers on Wednesday, Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM reports.

After missing the last six games with an upper-body injury, Othmann will return to a fourth-line role. He hasn't earned a point in six appearances this season, but he has registered five shots on net, two blocked shots, 15 hits and seven PIM.

Appleton (undisclosed) was activated from injured reserve on Tuesday and is available to play in Tuesday's road clash against the Blues.

Following his appearance in Detroit's first two games of the regular season, Appleton has been sidelined ever since with an undisclosed injury. He's expected to return to the team's fourth line in Tuesday's game against the Blues. The 30-year-old winger has posted a shot on goal and six hits over two games this season.

Kasper (upper body) was removed from the injured reserve list Tuesday.

Following a 17-game absence with an upper-body injury, Kasper is poised to return to the lineup against St. Louis on Tuesday. He hasn't played since Opening Night against the Rangers on Oct. 2, when he posted four shots on net and one hit in 10:50 of ice time.