NHL Hockey Player News

The Blue Jackets have repeatedly shown their lack of trust towards Elvis Merzlikins in recent weeks, and will do so again on Monday, turning to Greaves on back-to-back nights. The 24-year-old Greaves was solid in yesterday's 4-2 win over the New York Islanders, saving 24 of 26 shots (.923 SV%). He has a 2.66 GAA and .907 SV% in 24 games this season (10-9-5).

Miller did not play in Carolina's most recent game, but he could be an option on Monday against his former team, the New York Rangers. The 25-year-old Miller is averaging 22:31 time-on-ice and has 13 points (2G / 11A) in 29 games this season.

Kochetkov showed no signs of an ailment at practice on Sunday, but has surfaced on Injured Reserve. Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour later revealed that Kochetkov is undergoing surgery to address a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old Kochetkov has already missed two significant stints this season due to a lower-body injury, likely indicating this ongoing issue is what the goaltender is targeting through surgery. Expect Brandon Bussi to see an increased workload while Kochetkov is sidelined.

With the surprising news that Pyotr Kochetkov (lower body) will undergo surgery that will keep him out long-term, Bussi should see a significant increase in playing time, beginning with Monday's contest against the New York Rangers. The 27-year-old Bussi has been outstanding in his first NHL season, posting a 2.10 GAA and .912 SV% in 14 games (12-1-1). The Hurricanes enter the action on Monday as -171 home favorites against the Rangers.

Askarov was unable to maintain the otherworldly 1.88 GAA and .944 SV% he had in 10 November games (8-2-0), falling drastically to a 4.29 GAA and .870 SV% in eight December outings (4-4-0). Still, the 23-year-old goalie has a winning 13-10-1 record this season, helping the Sharks stay in playoff contention in a competitive Western Conference. The Sharks enter Monday's contest as +151 road underdogs against an Anaheim Ducks team that has been outscored 9-2 in their last two games (0-2-0).

Chinakhov was drafted 21st overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, but had trouble establishing himself with the Blue Jackets and will hope a change of scenery in Pittsburgh can get him going. The 24-year-old forward has 77 points (37G / 40A) in 204 career NHL games.

With healthy bodies returning to Pittsburgh's lineup, Heinen was placed on waivers with the intention of being assigned to the AHL, but has instead been sent to the Columbia Blue Jackets via trade. The 30-year-old Heinen has spent most of the season in the AHL, where he scored an impressive 17 points (6G / 11A) in 12 games with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins (AHL).

Toninato was a healthy scratch when Nick Foligno (wrist) returned to the lineup on Sunday and has subsequently reassigned to the Rockford IceHogs (AHL). The 31-year-old forward has 17 points (5G / 12A) in 24 games with the IceHogs this season.

Clattenburg has not played in over three weeks and will report to the Bakersfield Condors (AHL) after being activated from LTIR. The 20-year-old forward played his first five NHL games this season and scored one goal.

Bayreuther has not played an NHL game since the 2022-23 season, but could get a shot after being recalled on Monday from the Chicago Wolves (AHL). The 31-year-old defenseman has 28 points (5G / 23A) in 122 career NHL games.

Kochetkov showed no signs of an ailment at practice on Sunday, but has surfaced on Injured Reserve due to an undisclosed injury. The 26-year-old Kochetkov has already missed two significant stints this season while tending to a lower-body injury, but it's unclear if his current injury is related. Expect Brandon Bussi to see an increased workload while Kochetkov is sidelined.

Askarov was unable to maintain the otherworldly 1.88 GAA and .944 SV% he had in 10 November games (8-2-0), falling drastically to a 4.29 GAA and .870 SV% in eight December outings (4-4-0). Still, the 23-year-old goalie has a winning 13-10-1 record this season, helping the Sharks stay in playoff contention in a competitive Western Conference. The Sharks enter Monday's contest as +151 road underdogs against an Anaheim Ducks team that has been outscored 9-2 in their last two games (0-2-0).

With Darcy Kuemper (upper body) still on Injured Reserve, the Kings will turn to Forsberg for the fifth time in their last six games. The 33-year-old goalie has been solid filling in as the team's de facto starting netminder, posting a 2.05 GAA and .932 SV% in four games (2-2-0). However, the Kings enter Monday's contest as significant +198 road underdogs against a powerhouse Avalanche team that has scored four or more goals in five of its last seven games (7-0-0).

Minnesota remains one of the hottest teams, 8-1-1 in its last 10 games, and will turn to Gustavsson on Monday against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 27-year-old Gustavsson has a 2.49 GAA and .912 SV% in 24 games this season (12-8-4) and has been even more impressive in recent weeks, posting a 1.82 GAA and .934 SV% in his last 11 games (8-1-2). Minnesota enters the action on Monday with even -105 odds on the road against the Golden Knights.

Bear has not played yet this season due to a wrist injury and will get his start in the AHL with the Bridgeport Islanders after clearing waivers. The 28-year-old defenseman spent the entirety of the 2025-26 season in the AHL, scoring 46 points (10G / 36A) in 62 games with the Hershey Bears.

Once a 34-point defenseman (4G / 30A) in the 2022-23 season, Valimaki has fallen out of rotation with Utah and will report to the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL) after clearing waivers. The 27-year-old defenseman has five points (2G / 3A) in 34 games with Utah last season.

The Bruins hope to snap a five-game losing streak on Monday, turning to Swayman to tend the twine against the Calgary Flames. The 27-year-old Swayman had a forgettable performance in his most recent outing, allowing six goals on 29 shots (.793 SV%) in a 6-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. He has a 2.91 GAA and .901 SV% in 26 games this season (14-10-1). The Bruins enter Monday's contest as +115 road underdogs against a Flames team that is 7-3-0 in their last 10 games.

With healthy bodies return to Pittsburgh's lineup, Heinen was placed on waivers and will be reassigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL). Before being called up in November, Heinen was having a tremendous run at the AHL level, with 17 points (6G / 11A) in 12 games.

The Golden Knights face off against the Minnesota Wild on Monday and will turn to Hart to tend the twine for a fourth consecutive game. Hart allowed five goals on 38 shots (.868 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 6-5 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche. The Golden Knights seem committed to giving Hart the opportunity to prove himself between the pipes, but his start to the season has been inconsistent at times. The 27-year-old goalie has a 2.76 GAA and .898 SV% in eight games this season (4-1-3).