NHL Player News

Del Bel Belluz notched an assist and a plus-2 rating in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Sabres.

Del Bel Belluz had struggled in a third-line role recently, going three games without a point. However, with Sean Monahan (wrist) and Kirill Marchenko (jaw) facing long-term absences, Del Bel Belluz was promoted to the second line when Cole Sillinger moved into Marchenko's spot on the first line. Overall, Del Bel Belluz has impressed in his first NHL stint with eight points, 15 shots on net, 10 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating across 13 outings.

Thompson skated ahead of Wednesday's practice but will need to clear the NHL's concussion protocol before he can return to action, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

Thompson should benefit from the Sabres' schedule that has the team off until Saturday's matchup with the Predators. Even if the center is unable to play in that contest, he should be back in time to face the Rangers on Feb. 22 following the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Cozens is dealing with a lower-body injury, per Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald on Wednesday.

Cozens has 10 goals and 26 points in 53 appearances in 2024-25. If he can't play Saturday versus Nashville, then Sam Lafferty might draw back into the lineup.

Karlsson was reassigned to AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday, per Jeff Paterson of CanucksArmy.com.

Karlsson has a goal, eight shots and eight hits in nine appearances with Vancouver in 2024-25. The 25-year-old has also played in 17 outings with Abbotsford this season, contributing 12 goals and 18 points.

Crosby is being evaluated for an upper-body injury that kept him out of practice Wednesday, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Crosby missed about 10 minutes of the Penguins' 3-2 loss to the Devils on Tuesday before returning to the game. The 37-year-old center still logged 22:14 of ice time in that contest while extending his point streak to five games with a helper. With Evgeni Malkin (lower body) still on the shelf, the Penguins would be extremely thin at center if Crosby were to miss Friday's matchup with the Rangers. In that scenario, Cody Glass could be deployed as the first-line center with Kevin Hayes also elevated to a top-six role.

Johnson scored a goal on four shots and went plus-2 in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Sabres.

The goal extended Johnson's point streak to eight games (four goals, five assists). The 22-year-old tied the game at 1-1 early in the second period. He's now matched his career high in goals (16), and he's five points away from equaling his personal best from 2022-23. Johnson is at 35 points, 78 shots on net and a minus-2 rating through 40 appearances this season.

Aman was summoned by Vancouver on Wednesday, according to Jeff Paterson of CanucksArmy.com.

Aman has two assists in five appearances with Vancouver in 2024-25. He also has seven goals and 28 points in 32 outings with AHL Abbotsford.

Draisaitl scored the game-tying goal in the third period and registered an assist in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win against St. Louis.

With just over two minutes left in regulation, Draisaitl flicked the puck past Jordan Binnington to send the game to overtime. His assist was a power-play helper to linemate Connor McDavid in the second period. The 29-year-old superstar is up to 37 goals, 42 assists, 79 points and 181 shots on net in 53 games this season. Draisaitl is riding a four-game point streak and 14 points over his last nine games. The 2019-20 Hart Trophy recipient trails the reigning league MVP Nathan MacKinnon by one point for the most in the league. At his current pace, Draisaitl is a shoo-in to hit the 100-point threshold and will likely be in the conversation for his second Hart Trophy at the end of the season.

McDavid scored a power-play goal and dished two helpers in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win against the Blues.

McDavid opened scoring in Tuesday's game on the power play by rifling the puck top shelf past Jordan Binnington. He added two primary helpers, including a pass to Connor Brown for the game-winner after weaving through all three St. Louis defenders on the ice. The Oilers' captain is up to 22 goals, 48 assists and 148 shots on net in 47 appearances this season. The 28-year-old superstar eclipsed the 70-point mark Tuesday which is tied for fourth-most in the NHL. He trails reigning Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon by 10 points for the league lead but has played in eight fewer games. McDavid is crafting a campaign to be in the running for his fourth Hart Trophy.

Smith (back) is set to be activated off injured reserve and play Wednesday against Edmonton, per Scott Powers of The Athletic.

Smith hasn't played since Jan. 8 due to the injury. He has six goals and 11 points in 30 appearances in 2024-25. He'll likely serve in a bottom-six capacity, and Colton Dach might be a healthy scratch after dressing in Chicago's past two games.