NHL Hockey Player News

The 42nd overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Drury has performed well in a limited role for the Hurricanes. He tallied eight goals and 19 assists in 74 games last season despite mostly being reduced to a fourth-line role, though his production has tailed off this year with just 12 points (3G/9A) in 39 games. He brings much-needed centre depth to the Avalanche but will inevitably tied to a former franchise icon for years to come.

Necas had an impeccable start to the season, scoring 14 goals with 30 assists (44 points) in his first 30 games. However, he's cooled off considerably in his last 19 games, scoring just twice with nine assists (11 points). Necas should see a significant uptick in minutes in Colorado, where he could land on a line with Nathan MacKinnon.

Hall goes from the basement dwelling Blackhawks to what's now become one of the most exciting teams in the NHL in the Hurricanes. It's a welcomed fresh start for Hall, who ultimately struggled to stay healthy and productive during his tenure in Chicago. The former Hart Trophy winner tallied 11 goals and 17 assists in 56 games across parts of two seasons with the Blackhawks.

Rantanen is in the final year of a six-year, $9.25M AAV deal and is seeking a massive new contract in the summer. Rantanen has tallied 25 goals and 39 assists (64 points) in 49 games this season, putting him on-pace for 42 goals and 65 assists (107 points). It would be the third consecutive 100-plus point season for the 28-year-old, who will likely slide onto the Hurricanes' top-line next to fellow countryman Sebastian Aho.

Maroon will fill in for Taylor Hall, who was a late scratch due to an undisclosed reason. Maroon has two goals and nine assists in 42 games this season.

Ehlers is battling an illness, and his status for Friday's game against the Utah Hockey Club is up in the air. The 28-year-old Ehlers is pacing for a career-best season, with 40 points (14G / 26A) through 40 games. His career high is 64 points (25G / 39A) in 82 games in the 2016-17 season.

The Jets are coming off an impressive 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche when Hellebuyck saved 25 of 27 shots (.926 SV%) and will return to him between the pipes on Friday against the Utah Hockey Club. Hellebuyck allowed four goals on 27 shots (.852 SV%) in a 5-2 loss to Utah HC less than a week ago. That said, he remains the front-runner for the Vezina trophy, boasting a marvelous 2.02 GAA and .927 SV% in 38 games (29-7-2). Winnipeg enters Friday's contest as sizeable -210 home favorites against a Utah team outscoring their opposition 13-4 in their last three games (3-0-0).

Hall was a surprise scratch on Friday with the team not announcing his absence prior to warmups. It's unclear at this point if he is dealing with an undisclosed injury or if he's simply a healthy scratch.

Jones was a surprise scratch on Friday with the team not announcing his absence prior to warmups.

Howden will return to the lineup on Friday after missing one game with an illness. Howden has 16 goals and six assists in 47 games this season. Alexander Holtz will sit in his place.