NHL Player News

Tomasino lit the lamp in the first period for Saturday's game-winning goal in a 3-0 victory over Nashville.

Tomasino executed a classic revenge goal in the first period with a slap shot from long range against his former team. Since the trade to Pittsburgh on Nov. 25, the 23-year-old has 11 points in 24 appearances. Tomasino has season totals of 12 points, 59 shots on goal and 34 hits in 35 contests. While he sees limited five-on-five opportunities from his third-line role, he continues to see decent power-play time on the Penguins' second unit. His lack of total offensive output makes other options more appealing in fantasy, but his quality of play has taken a leap with Pittsburgh.

Kotkaniemi scored a goal in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Kings.

Kotkaniemi bounced back after seeing his five-game point streak end Thursday in Chicago. The 24-year-old forward opened the scoring Saturday, though the Hurricanes' lead was short-lived, as Phillip Danault tied the game 2:35 later in the first period. Kotkaniemi is up to 11 goals and 26 points through 53 outings this season, one point shy of matching his total from 79 regular-season contests in 2023-24. He's added 81 shots on net, 48 hits, 37 PIM and a plus-7 rating in 2024-25.

Byfield notched two assists, two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Hurricanes.

Byfield set up both of Kevin Fiala's goals in the contest. This was Byfield's first multi-point effort since Dec. 28 versus the Oilers. The 22-year-old center had a poor January, earning just four points over 13 appearances in the month, so he's already off to a positive start in February. Byfield is at 25 points (11 goals, 14 helpers), 93 shots on net, 45 hits, 24 PIM and an even plus-minus rating over 50 outings this season while playing in a middle-six role.

Danault scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Hurricanes.

Danault tied the game late in the first period and set up Trevor Moore for a go-ahead tally early in the second. January wasn't great for Danault -- he was limited to four points over 13 outings. The 31-year-old center has had trouble finding twine this season, earning five goals and 20 helpers with 71 shots on net, 54 hits, 45 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over 49 appearances. His 7.0 shooting percentage is his lowest in four seasons with the Kings.

Geekie left Saturday's game versus the Islanders holding his arm, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

Geekie was hurt in the third period, but the severity of the issue isn't known -- there was no update on his status after the game. If Geekie is unavailable Tuesday versus the Senators, Michael Eyssimont will likely get back into the lineup.

Norris (undisclosed) was injured in Saturday's game versus the Wild, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports.

Norris left the contest in the third period. He had a shorthanded goal on two shots in the 6-0 win. The 25-year-old has 19 goals, 31 points and 92 shots on net through 50 appearances this season. Norris should be considered day-to-day ahead of Monday's road game in Nashville.

Cousins underwent knee surgery and is expected to miss at least a couple of months, Julian McKenzie of The Athletic reports.

Cousins likely won't be back until April at the earliest based on this update. Head coach Travis Green didn't commit to Cousins being out for the season, and with the Senators surging in the standings, it's possible the 31-year-old could be available for a playoff run. Zack Ostapchuk and Matthew Highmore continue to hold down fourth-line spots.

Namestnikov tallied two assists and four shots during Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Capitals.

Namestnikov is clicking with speedy wingers Nikolaj Ehlers and Cole Perfetti, generating four points in his last two games. The 32-year-old Namestnikov should continue to log top-six minutes during the absence of Adam Lowry (upper body), giving him solid short-term fantasy value on the high-flying Jets.

Barzal (undisclosed) was injured on a blocked shot in the third period of Saturday's game versus the Lightning, and there was no update on his status after the contest, Ethan Sears of the New York Post reports.

The injury occurred late in the third period, which hasn't given the Islanders much time to evaluate him. If Barzal can't play Sunday versus the Panthers, Matt Martin or Anthony Duclair (illness) could be options to replace him in the lineup. Additionally, Simon Holmstrom and Jean-Gabriel Pageau could receive expanded roles.

Perfetti tallied a goal, an assist and two shots during Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Capitals.

Perfetti has been on fire alongside Nikolaj Ehlers and Vladislav Namestnikov on the second line, having posted four goals and seven points in his last five games. The 23-year-old Perfetti has surpassed the 30-point mark in two straight regular seasons and is on track to set a new career high in points if he continues to produce.