NHL Player News

Williams was called up from AHL Cleveland on Thursday.

Williams has opened the season with five points over seven games for Cleveland. The undrafted forward initially signed with the Blue Jackets in March of 2025, and he made his debut near the end of the 2024-25 campaign. This is his first return to the big club's roster since then, and it's unclear how much playing time he'll see.

Lorentz was called up from AHL Cleveland on Thursday.

The Blue Jackets shuffled up their depth forwards this week, with Danton Heinen getting waived and Lorentz and Jack Williams getting promoted. Lorentz has produced nine points over nine games to begin the season with Cleveland.

Mercer had a goal and an assist in a 6-2 win over the Canucks on Thursday.

Mercer's first-period goal put the Jets up 3-1 in the first period; it stood as the winner. It was his first goal as a member of the Jets since being acquired from the Devils on Oct. 23 as part of the Connor Hellebuyck trade. The goal was also Mercer's first of the season (one goal, seven assists; 17 games). The assist was his first power-play point of the season. Mercer is on the Jets second line and with a role on the power play, he could eventually evolve back into the kind of player he was in his sophomore season. He had 56 points, including 10 PPP, in 82 games that year.

Fleury (hand) didn't finish Thursday's game versus the Canucks, Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press reports.

Head coach Scott Arniel said the team would wait and see how Fleury's injury responds to some time off. The Jets won't practice Friday, and their next game is Sunday versus the Lightning. Prior to his exit, Fleury logged a power-play assist for his second point in 12 outings this season.

Hagens (lower back) was injured in the third period of Thursday's game versus the Penguins and didn't return, Scott McLaughlin of WEEI reports.

Hagens was checked in the back by Samuel Girard in the third period and came out of the interaction worse for wear. The Bruins are off for a couple of days before hosting the Panthers on Sunday, which may give Hagens enough time to recover. If he and Matthew Poitras (nose) are both out, the Bruins may need to recall a forward from AHL Providence.

Marchessault (lower body) won't play versus the Avalanche on Thursday, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Marchessault is set to miss a second straight game. He remains day-to-day due to the injury. Vitali Pinchuk is staying in the lineup on the third line to cover Marchessault's absence. It's unclear if Marchessault will be able to play Saturday versus the Blues.

Annunen is expected to start on the road against Colorado on Thursday.

Annunen has a 2-1-0 record, 3.89 GAA and .846 save percentage in three outings this season. He stopped 22 of 26 shots en route to a 5-4 shootout win against Tampa Bay in his last start Saturday. The Avalanche are tied for first in goals per game with 4.13 this season.

Schmidt (upper body) won't return to Thursday's game versus the Canadiens.

Schmidt was injured in the first period and will not be able to continue. He can be considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's contest in Ottawa. If Schmidt can't suit up for that game, Artyom Duda will likely get into the lineup in his place.

Jarry (illness) will miss Thursday's home game against Anaheim.

Brett Epp will serve as the emergency backup, while Matt Tomkins is set to play between the pipes Thursday. The Oilers previously reported that Jarry was dealing with an illness, but it was initially still possible that he would serve as the backup versus the Ducks despite the issue. It remains to be seen if Jarry will be an option at home against Vancouver on Saturday.

Howard (knee) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

Howard's placement on injured reserve was necessary for the Oilers to activate their emergency backup for Thursday's game versus the Ducks. Tristan Jarry (illness) is unavailable Thursday. Howard is already expected to miss multiple weeks, so his placement on IR doesn't change his timeline to return.