NHL Hockey Player News

Jagr expects to play tomorrow against the Isles. He's already missed two games in a row due to a sore groin.

Look for Zolnierczyk to replace Jody Shelley on the fourth line. The Brown University alumni scored a goal and an assist through eight games.

With Kevin Marshall back in Adirondack, it seems highly likely that Coburn draws back in. The 6'5" defender gives the team's blue line a physical edge but won't jump out as a fantasy hockey stud.

Marshall holds no fantasy hockey value as a depth, minor-league defender. He may be the first callup should another blue liner get hurt.

Pronger will not play tomorrow against the Islanders so make sure to keep him on your bench. The team's captain is off to a great start with a goal and 11 points through 12 games. He's not expected to miss to much longer.

Schenn will rehab with the Adirondack Flyers and likely plays a few games before returning to the big club. The former fifth overall pick had no points through four games before getting hurt.

No surprise that Mueller remains out of the lineup. When he gets back in, we will be sure to update you.

Varlamov lost his only career start against the Canucks, stopping 31 of 34 shots.

Miller is 'progressing' but has yet to get back onto the ice following his collision with Milan Lucic. Consider him out indefinitely as Jhonas Enroth will continue to backstop the Sabres.

Plante figures to take Taylor Chorney's spot on the third defensive pairing. He only posted five assists in the AHL so don't expect a huge offensive upside from the big defender.

Dubnyk holda a 1-1-1 record with a 1.67 GAA, .945 SV% and one shutout over four appearances against the Preds.

In 11 career appearances against the Preds, Backstrom holds a 7-4-0 record with a 3.03 GAA and .903 SV%.

Montoya practicing is a welcome sign as he could get back into games shortly. With Evgeni Nabokov already out due to injury and Rick DiPietro unable to start consecutive games he should get first crack at the starting job.

Good sign for the Wild, who get back one of their better offensive defenders. The Montreal native scored two goals in 16 games prior to the injury.

Hecht would be making his season debut after struggling with concussion-like symptoms since last year's playoffs. The German forward has scored at least 10 goals every season of his career but may be hard pressed to do so playing on a checking line.

Neil skating with the team is a strong indication he could return within the next few weeks. The pugilist previously registered three goals and seven points through 16 games and is itching to get back onto the ice.

Carkner's return adds grit and another heavyweight to the lineup. However, it creates a logjam on the blue line with David Rundblad and Brian Lee already vying for playing time. Carkner's ability to post double-digits in points while racking up 150 PIM made him unique in fantasy leagues and should garner some interest once healthy.

Brown scored a goal and three points through 18 games before getting hurt. This will be his third straight game missed. If you need an enforcer feel free to drop Brown for an alternate solution.

In four career starts against the Lightning, Gustavsson holds a 1-0-3 record with a 2.92 GAA and .910 SV%.

Westgarth draws back into the lineup and could drop the gloves with the Blues' Ryan Reaves.