NHL Hockey Player News

With Alex Lyon (upper body) still out this season, the Sabres have leaned heavily on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, but they will turn to Ellis for back-to-back starts on Thursday. The 26-year-old Ellis earned another start after a tremendous performance in Buffalo's previous game, stopping all 23 shots in a 2-0 shutout win over the San Jose Sharks. The Sabres enter Thursday's action as -131 road favourites against a struggling Anaheim Ducks team that has lost six of their last seven games (1-5-1).

Knight was excellent in his previous game, saving 25 of 26 shots (.962 SV%) in a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. The 25-year-old American goalie has had an up-and-down season, posting a subpar 3.23 GAA and .897 SV% in 10 games (4-6-0), but he's been more reliable lately, allowing three or fewer goals in five of his last six (3-3-0) and saving 163 of 180 shots (.906 SV%). The Blackhawks enter Thursday's contest as +136 road underdogs against a Detroit Red Wings team with points in six straight games (5-0-1).

Hurricanes Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour has rotated goalies almost evenly in recent seasons, but Pyotr Kochetkov's outstanding early-season performances have led him to deviate from the plan. The 27-year-old goalie returns to the crease on Thursday for his ninth start in Carolina's last 12 games and, deservedly, after posting a tremendous undefeated 8-0-0 record with an absurd 1.62 GAA and .918 SV%. In his previous outing, he saved 15 of 16 shots (.938 SV%) in a 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins. The Hurricanes enter Thursday's contest as significant -253 home favourites against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that has scored two or fewer goals in four of their last five games (3-2-0).

With Nick Jensen drawing back into the lineup vs. Buffalo, Drew Helleson will be the odd man out and a healthy scratch on Thursday. Helleson has yet to pick up a point in six games this season while averaging 18:27 TOI/GP.

With Frank Vatrano returning to the lineup vs. Buffalo on Thursday, Nikita Nesterenko will be a healthy scratch. The 25-year-old has appeared in 11 games for the Ducks this season, picking up two goals, three points and 13 SOG.

Jensen last appeared for the Ducks a week ago in New Jersey, but will draw back into the lineup for Drew Helleson on Thursday vs. Buffalo. The veteran defenseman has only appeared in two games with Anaheim this season, but has a goal on one SOG while averaging 15:36 TOI.

Vatrano was a healthy scratch for Anaheim's last game but will draw back into the lineup vs. Buffalo on Thursday as he takes the spot of Nikita Nesterenko. The 32-year-old has two goals and three points in seven games this season while mostly playing a bottom-six role and averaging 11:50 TOI.

Hart was injured during Tuesday's morning skate but now has a chance to return on Friday vs. New Jersey from a lower-body injury. The 28-year-old has had an up-and-down start to his 2026-27 campaign, with his 4-3-1 record, 2.76 GAA and .889 SV%.

Hours after Larkin and his agent announced the 30-year-old would no longer play for Detroit, the Red Wings have suspended the 12-year veteran without pay. Every day Larkin does not play, he forfeits $41,237.11. He had two goals and six points in 10 games to begin the 2026-27 season.

Wallstedt has been busy with Filip Gustavsson (hip) sidelined and will return to the crease for the 13th time in Minnesota's first 15 games. The 23-year-old Swedish goalie has given Head Coach John Hynes no reason to deviate, posting an impressive 1.99 GAA and .922 SV% in 12 outings (8-2-2). He saved 26 of 27 shots (.963 SV%) in his most recent game, a 3-1 win over the Utah Mammoth. Minnesota enters Thursday's contest as -171 home favourites over the New York Islanders.