NHL Hockey Player News

Peeke split the 2020 campaign between the NHL and AHL, totalling three points (1G / 2A) in 22 games with the Blue Jackets. Peeke is expected to replace Dean Kukan.

Merzlikins has missed the last three games but has been activated ahead of Thursday's game in Chicago. It's unclear whether or not he will start tonight after Korpisalo posted a 22-save win on Monday.

Doughty was forced to leave Tuesday's game vs. the Sharks after being hit in the chest by a Brent Burns shot. Doughty missed Wednesday's practice and the Kings called him day-to-day. They added that they hope he'll be back on the ice on Thursday, so there seems like a chance that he'll play in the rematch vs. the Sharks.

Trocheck was scratched in Columbus on Monday due to a lower-body injury but head coach Rod Brind'Amour is hopeful that he'll be available on Thursday. Trocheck, who has had a hot start to the season, travelled to Dallas and comes in with six goals and three assists (nine points) in nine games.

Ekholm was hurt Tuesday vs. the Lightning and did not return for the third period. Head coach John Hynes told a local radio station that Ekholm is week-to-week, so expect him to miss at least a couple of weeks.

Wallmark is eligible to play on Thursday but there's no word if he will be immediately reinserted into the lineup. Wallmark has three assists in five games this season.

Aston-Reese missed the 11 games of the season while rehabbing offseason shoulder surgery but appears set to join the Penguins' lineup on Thursday. With Jared McCann out week-to-week, Aston-Reese will replace him and skate with familiar linemates in Teddy Blueger and Brandon Tanev.

Rask stopped 23 of 24 shots in the Bruins win in Philadelphia last Friday. Despite posting a 2.71 GAA and .891 SV% in his last five starts, the Bruins have gone 4-0-1 and enter Tuesday's game having picked up points in eight straight games (7-0-1). Meanwhile, the Rangers have lost six of their last nine (3-4-2) while averaging 2.67 goals for and 2.89 goals against.

McCann was hurt in a practice session earlier in the week and will miss at least a week with a lower-body issue. With McCann out week-to-week, it creates a hole on the Penguins' third-line, which could be filled by Zach Aston-Reese (shoulder) on Thursday.

Rask stopped 23 of 24 shots in the Bruins win in Philadelphia last Friday. Despite posting a 2.71 GAA and .891 SV% in his last five starts, the Bruins have gone 4-0-1 and enter Tuesday's game having picked up points in eight straight games (7-0-1). Meanwhile the Rangers have lost six of their last nine (3-4-2) while averaging 2.67 goals for and 2.89 goals against.

Armia was on the ice for the Canadiens morning skate and left with the rest of the regulars. which is a good sign that he'll be available tonight vs. the Maple Leafs. The Canadiens would not commit to him playing, so consider him a game-time decision. The way Montreal has been rolling, it's difficult to project who he would replace.