NHL Hockey Player News

Blackwood is coming off of just his second regulation loss of the season, a forgetful night for the typically reliable goaltender, allowing five goals on 28 shots (.821 SV%) in a 7-3 loss to the Nashville Predators one week ago. The 29-year-old Blackwood will look to return to the form he was in before the loss, when he was riding a seven-game winning streak while posting a superb 1.64 GAA and .929 SV%. The Avalanche enter Friday's contest as sizable -293 home favorites against a Philadelphia Flyers team that has lost seven of their last eight games (1-5-2).

Horvat has not played since suffering a lower-body injury on January 1st, but was a full participant at practice on Friday, and will likely play on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 30-year-old forward has 33 points (21G / 12A) in 36 games this season.

Bussi has remained the more reliable option between the pipes for the Hurricanes, and will likely return there on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators. The 27-year-old Bussi continues to impress in his first NHL season and is coming off a terrific effort in Monday's 2-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres, saving 17 of 18 shots (.944 SV%). He has a 1.01 GAA and .941 SV% in his last two games (2-0-0).

Pulock has played every game this season, but could be at risk of missing his first, on Saturday afternoon against the Buffalo Sabres. The 31-year-old defenseman has 21 points (2G / 19A) and is averaging 21:09 time-on-ice through 50 games this season.

Stolarz has been sidelined since November 11th and will return to the crease on Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights, just days after being sent on a conditioning stint with the Toronto Marlies (AHL). The 32-year-old Stolarz was set to be a big part of Toronto's crease this season after having a tremendous 2024-25 campaign, posting a 2.14 GAA and .926 SV% in 34 games (21-8-3). That said, he had an awful start to the 2025-26 season, with a 3.51 GAA and .884 SV% in 13 games (6-5-1), and hopes to return to form after his prolonged absence.

Horvat has not played since suffering a lower-body injury on January 1st, but is nearing a return after being a full participant at practice on Friday. The 30-year-old forward has also been travelling with the team on their most recent road trip, so his return is likely imminent. He has 33 points (21G / 12A) in 36 games this season.

Ekman-Larsson suffered a lower-body injury early in the first period of Wednesday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings and did not return. The 34-year-old blue-liner has played every game this season and will keep that streak intact, drawing into the lineup on Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights. He has eight goals and 23 assists in 50 games.

Zhilkin appeared in four games during his call-up but was a healthy scratch for the last five games. He returns to the AHL, where has tallied seven goals and seven assists (14 points) in 30 games this season.

Phillips appeared in two games with the Jets during his call-up. He failed to record a point, while registering three SOG and two PIMS in 8:11 ATOI. He returns to the AHL, where he has 13 points (3G / 10A) in 33 games this season.

Thrun will likely serve as insurance for Thursday's game with both Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Carlo nicked up. Both of them took part in the morning skate, suggesting that they will play and Thrun will enjoy an NHL pay check as a healthy scratch. He has spent most of the season with the Toronto Marlies, where he has 14 points (3G / 11A) in 28 games.

With Minnesota getting healthy bodies back, Ben Jones found himself the odd man out on Friday as he was reassigned to Iowa (AHL). The 26-year-old took 20 games to pick up his first career point this season but has since collected two points in his last six games played. In 26 games this season, he has two points in 26 games played and will be one of the first call ups when Minnesota needs an extra forward.

Haight's most recent call up lasted three games as the 21-year-old centre has been returned to Iowa (AHL) on Friday with Minnesota having a few players return from injury. The 21-year-old Haight made his NHL debut in October but has yet to pick up his first career point. He returns to Iowa, where he had seven goals and 12 points in 26 games prior to his most recent call up.

Melanson returns from the AHL after Ben Meyers landed on IR on Wednesday. Melanson has been an absolute wrecking ball on the Kraken's fourth line, averaging 4.3 hits per game in his 15 games this season. During his time in the AHL, the 22-year-old has picked up 16 points (7G / 9A) in 26 games with Coachella Valley.

Meyers was hurt in the Kraken's win over the Islanders on Tuesday and landed on IR on Wednesday. Jacob Melanson was recalled to take Meyers' spot on the roster, and will likely replace him on the fourth line on Thursday. Meyers is considered week-to-week, so he may be out until after the Olympic break.

Benson took a high hit from Zack Bolduc in the third period and had was down for a little bit before leaving the ice under his own power. Benson stayed on the bench but will likely be evaluated prior to Saturday's game against the Islanders.

Hamonic was a surprise addition on Thursday, slotting in for the injured Simon Edvinsson (lower-body). Hamonic will skate with Axel Sandin-Pellikka on Detroit's third pair.

Edvinsson was a surprise scratch on Thursday, with no announcement being made in regards to his absence prior to being listed as a scratch on the official roster report. Travis Hamonic will draw into the lineup in his place.

Aube-Kubel was reassigned to make room for Joel Eriksson Ek (undisclosed) being activated off injured reserve. Aube-Kubel has zero goals and one assist in four NHL games this season.

Jiricek will slot right back into the lineup after sitting out Tuesday's game in Montreal. David Spacek will sit in his place.

Spacek will be the odd-man out on the Wild blue-line when they host the Red Wings on Thursday. David Jiricek will play in his place.