NHL Hockey Player News

If you own Caron, make sure he stays on your bench tonight.

Boulton got into one fight over four games before getting hurt. There are likely better options when looking for an enforcer.

As a top prospect in New Jersey, the Swedish prospect needs to play. Thus far he only registered three assists through 16 games.

Zharkov registered no points over four games playing on the fourth line. Mattias Tedenby will fill his role.

Braun has found his way into eight consecutive games but sits tonight. He has only posted an assist despite playing a healthy amount of minutes which limits his fantasy hockey value.

Demers has played in only seven of the Sharks 15 games after playing in 75 tilts last year. In those seven he registered only two assists which is unproductive for an offensive d-man.

Niemi holds a 6-1-1 record with a 1.98 GAA, .933 SV% and one shutout over eight career appearances against the Red Wings.

Holmstrom moves from the first to the fourth line which should severely affect his fantasy hockey value. Through 14 games, Holmstrom has registered a goal and five points.

In seven career starts against the Sharks, Howard holds a 3-3-1 record with a 2.84 GAA and .912 SV%.

Cleary has struggled in the early going despite playing mainly with Pavel Datsyuk. The Newfoundland native has two goals and five points through his fist 16 games this season and should not be aversely effected by moving to the Henrik Zetterberg line.

In two career starts against the Blue Jackets, Rask holds a 1-1-0 record with a 2.41 GAA and .918 SV%.

Abdelkader gets a chance to prove himself on a scoring line. Playing mostly on the third line he has a goal and four points over 16 games.

Franzen moves up to the top line just one game after losing a four-game point streak. He looks to improve on his team leading nine goals and 16 points.

Brunnstrom is scheduled to play in his fourth game with the Red Wings. He registered an assist over his previous three.

Smith will suit up with Niklas Kronwall in a top-four role. His assignment puts him in good position to put up some counting stats.

Brennan scored two goals and six points through 16 games with the Rochester Americans. He figures to serve as a 6/7th defender with Mike Weber sidelined.

Hagman would likely draw in on the second or third line. Considering rosters will already be frozen before we likely find out his status you should probably bench him tonight.

In nine career appearances against the Kings, Ellis holds a 7-1-0 record with a 2.24 GAA and .930 SV%.

Wellman is expected to draw in for either Cal Clutterbuck or Brad Staubitz. He scored 10 goals and five points thus far for the Houston Aeros.

In 23 career starts against the Avs, Backstrom holds a 17-4-2 record with a 2.28 GAA, .924 SV% and two shutouts.