NHL Hockey Player News

Kostitsyn not playing is a big blow to the team. Through 13 games, the Bellarussian winger scored five goals and nine points playing mostly on the second and third lines.

The rugged fourth liner has not played a game this season. There is no reason to roster him in any fantasy hockey league at this point.

Wellwood moves down to the third line after playing mostly on the top two lines. He scored five goals and nine points over his first 14 tilts with the Jets.

Look for Antropov to return tonight against the Sabres. The hulking forward has played well with three goals and 11 points over his first 12 games.

Wheeler moves back up to the top line after some tough love. After seven goals and 17 points over 23 games, the former 5th overall pick only has five assists.

Jones has an accidental goal through seven games. If you own him, your team has much bigger problems than his injury.

Stuart drew back in against the Rangers and is likely to play tonight. More importantly than his production -- 1 G, 3A, -1 -- Stuart helps lead the young blue line.

In three career starts against the Sabres, Pavelec holds a 0-2-1 record with a 3.79 GAA and .890 SV%.

Look for Barker to play substantial minutes at even strength and on the power play. He can certainly improve on his one goal through 10 games.

Paajarvi was certainly slumping with only one assist through his first 13 games this season. Look for this demotion to be a wake-up call.

Jones had been serviceable on the second line, producing two goals and five points. Make no mistake, Hemsky on the second line is an upgrade.

Hemsky returns to the lineup following his 11 game absence. Expect the highly skilled RW to play with Ryan Smyth and Shawn Horcoff.

Cole gets a crack at the lineup in Ken Hitchcock's first game. He registered three assists over his first 12 games in the AHL.

McBain gets scratched for the second straight game and fifth time this season. The offensive defenseman has three assists and a minus-5 rating over 10 games.

Certainly good news for the Canes, who have struggled without Jokinen in the lineup. He has three goals and nine points through his first 12 games.

Dalpe draws back into the lineup on the fourth line. He has no points through his first five games this season.

Over 18 career starts against the Devils, Ward holds a 6-10-2 record with a 2.78 GAA and .900 SV%.

Look for the rookie to stay in and provide some much needed offense from the blue line. He has an assist with a plus-6 rating over five games.

Keep an eye on the situation but it seems like Pronger gets back into the lineup tomorrow. The team's captain scored a goal and seven points through eight games before missing the past six games.

Over 27 career appearances against the Leafs, Theodore holds a 7-11-3-3 record with a 2.69 GAA, .905 SV% and one shutout.