Johnsson played his first game of the season in the Devils' previous game vs. Dallas but will head to the press box as a healthy scratch Thursday. Johnsson had 35 points (13G/22A) in 71 games in 2021-22, but has failed to catch his footing with the Devils this season and will hope to be back in the lineup sooner rather than later.
Smith was a healthy scratch for the first time in the Devils' previous game but will draw back into the lineup Thursday as they take on Philadelphia. The veteran defenseman has one assist, 26 SOG and 27 PIMs through 28 games in New Jersey's bottom defensive pair this season.
Holtz was a healthy scratch for the Devils' previous game but will draw back into the lineup after collecting two goals, 10 SOG and eight PIMs while averaging only 10:04 ATOI in his rookie season. He will return to the lineup Thursday vs. the Flyers.
Vanecek allowed four goals on 23 shots (.826 SV%) as he picked up his second overtime loss in three starts with a 5-4 defeat to the New York Rangers. Vanecek has been nearly unbeatable this season, shown by his 12-2-2 record, .912 SV% and 2.39 GAA. He faces the struggling Philadelphia Flyers, who have won only one of their last seven contests.
Kotchetkov stopped all 27 shots for his second straight shutout in a win over Detroit in his previous start. The 23-year-old has been incredible in replacing the injured Frederick Andersen, with his 7-1-4 record, 2.01 GAA, two shutouts and a .926 SV%. He will look to keep his shutout streak alive as he takes on Seattle, who have lost four of their last five games after a 6-2 loss to Tampa Bay in their last game.
Martin allowed three goals on 33 shots (.909 SV%) as he picked up a hard-fought loss vs. Minessota in his last start. The 27-year-old does not have great numbers despite his 8-3-1 record, with a .891 SV% and 3.45 GAA. He takes on the Calgary Flames, who have been stumbling as of late with three straight losses after a 2-1 shootout loss to Montreal Monday.
Talbot stopped all 32 shots he faced to pick up his first shutout as a member of the Senators with a win over Anaheim in his last start. The 35-year-old has been enjoying a solid opening season in Ottawa, with his 6-7-0 record, .917 SV% and 2.55 GAA. He will take on the Montreal Canadiens, who rank 25th in goals per game (2.86) and 30th in shots (29.3).
Hellberg will make his Red Wings' debut after being claimed off waivers last week for the third time this season. In his one NHL game this season with the Ottawa Senators, he was excellent, stopping 29 of 31 shots (.935 SV%) in a win over Dallas. He will face Minnesota, who has won their last two games and has the eighth-best powerplay at 25.0%.
Eriksson Ek immediately enters a goalie tandem with Lukas Dostal as both John Gibson and Anthony Stolarz are currently dealing with injuries themselves as he was recalled from San Diego (AHL) Wednesday. It has not been a good season for Eriksson Ek in the minors, where he has yet to win a game with an 0-5-0 record, .844 SV% and 4.94 GAA.
Bowers has been injured for the last little bit but will head back to the Colorado Eagles (AHL) where he had two goals, six points, six PIMs and a +5 plus/minus through 10 games prior to his promotion.
Gudas has not played since Dec. 3rd due to a concussion and has been placed on the injured reserve retroactively to that date to make room for Grigori Denisenko. The 32-year-old bruiser, has two goals, six points, 49 SOG and 39 PIMs in 25 games prior to the injury.
Lyon will head back to Charlotte (AHL) after not seeing any action with the Florida Panthers. He heads back to the AHL where he had been having a mediocre season in Charlotte prior to the promotion with a 6-5-2 record, .903 SV% and 2.80 GAA.
Martin allowed three goals on 33 shots (.909 SV%) as he picked up a hard-fought loss vs. Minessota in his last start. The 27-year-old does not have great numbers despite his 8-3-1 record, with a .891 SV% and 3.45 GAA. He takes on the Calgary Flames, who have been stumbling as of late with three straight losses after a 2-1 shootout loss to Montreal Monday.
Hollowell had a successful first career spell with the Maple Leafs, picking up two assists, four SOG and a +3 plus/minus while averaging just 12:56 TOI through six games. He will head back to the Marlies (AHL) where he had nine assists in 11 games prior to his promotion and demotion.
Murray allowed four goals on 26 shots (.846 SV%) and still picked up his seventh straight win as he defeated Calgary in his previous start. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a resurgent first season in Toronto, with his 7-1-2 record, .926 SV% and 2.50 GAA. He will face the New York Rangers, who will be looking to extend a four-game winning streak.
Zucker was having a great bounce season with six goals, 20 points, 67 SOG and a +6 plus/minus through 27 games but will now be out week-to-week due to an undisclosed injury. This will now mark the fifth straight season where Zucker misses significant time due to injury.
Knight missed the Panthers' previous game due to illness as Alex Lyon replaced him on Florida's bench. He will return to the team Thursday after practising Wednesday. The 21-year-old has been sensational when healthy, with his 8-4-3 record, 2.64 GAA, and .919 SV%.
Verhaeghe missed Tuesday's contest due to an undisclosed injury and will be a game-time decision Thursday after feeling better during practice. The 27-year-old will be a welcome addition back as he leads the Panthers in goals (15) and has 24 points in 29 games played.
