NHL Player News

Gaudreau scored a goal on two shots and went plus-2 in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Gaudreau scored for the second game in a row, and he also earned a plus rating for just the second time in six contests. The center's first-period tally put the Wild ahead 2-0 as they controlled play early Sunday. Gaudreau has 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) over 50 appearances this season, returning to that threshold after missing out with a 15-point campaign in 2023-24. Still, his limited non-scoring production from a third-line role means Gaudreau isn't a particularly strong option for fantasy managers.

Eriksson Ek scored a power-play goal on four shots in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Eriksson Ek has scored in back-to-back games and looks to be turning things around on offense. The 27-year-old center has also played on the top line over the last two contests, which should help his production while seeing time alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello. Eriksson Ek has nine goals, 22 points (seven on the power play), 98 shots on net, 59 hits and a plus-8 rating over 36 outings.

Drury scored the opening goal in Sunday's 5-4 victory against the Rangers.

Just two games into his tenure with Colorado, Drury found the back of the net, scoring just under six minutes into the contest. With Sunday's tally, he is up to four goals, 10 points and 61 shots on net in 41 games this season. The 24-year-old has slotted into Colorado's third-line center role but could jump up to the second line with more performances similar to Sunday's effort. While he'll need to demonstrate more consistency on offense to be rostered in standard fantasy leagues, Drury's a name to throw on a watch list.

MacKinnon dished out two assists in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Rangers.

MacKinnon saw success alongside new linemate Martin Necas as they linked up to assist on both of Cale Makar's first-period goals. The 29-year-old center is up to 58 assists and 77 points in just 51 games. The reigning Hart Trophy winner continues to pace the league in points and has a lead of three points over Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl. If he stays healthy, MacKinnon is a shoo-in for the century mark in points and a favorite to be a nominee for the Hart Trophy again at the end of the season.

Necas provided two assists and took three shots on goal in Sunday's 5-4 win against the Rangers.

Necas' first win with Colorado was a high-scoring battle, and the former Hurricane played a large role in the offensive zone. Both of his assists came on first-period goals by Cale Makar. The 26-year-old forward is up to 41 assists and 57 points across 51 games this season. While he is just getting started in Colorado, one thing is for certain: the skating speed of Necas and Nathan MacKinnon on the top line will be difficult for opposing defenses to handle. MacKinnon got the other assist on both of Makar's goals, showing Necas is already developing chemistry with Colorado's superstars. Necas is on pace to shatter his career best of 71 points.

Sharangovich recorded a power-play assist and three shots on goal in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Jets.

Sharangovich also led Calgary forwards with 20:01 of ice time. The 26-year-old has started to recapture his 2023-24 form with three goals and four assists over his last seven contests, a span in which he has a plus-7 rating. For the season, the versatile forward is at 18 points (five on the power play), 86 shots on net and a minus-4 rating across 41 appearances. He's primarily played on the third line and is filling in at center during the absence of Connor Zary (lower body).

Huberdeau notched a power-play assist, two shots on goal and two hits in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Jets.

Huberdeau helped out on a MacKenzie Weegar tally in the second period. Consistency has started to slip for Huberdeau again, as he's earned three goals and four assists over 11 contests in January -- it's decent production but not befitting a top-line player. The 31-year-old winger is at 19 goals, 17 helpers, 87 shots on net and a minus-4 rating over 48 outings this season.

Kadri scored a goal in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Jets.

Kadri has five points over his last three contests, which comes after a four-game slump. He scored in the third period to get the Flames within two goals, but the Jets provided a quick response. Kadri is up to 17 goals, 34 points, 157 shots on net, 50 PIM and a minus-12 rating over 48 appearances. His top-six role and power-play time have allowed him to produce at a fairly steady rate.

Gustafsson logged an assist in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Flames.

Gustafsson has earned a point in three straight games after opening the season scoreless over 16 appearances. The 24-year-old center helped out on a Kyle Connor tally in the first period of this contest. Gustafsson has one goal, two helpers, 17 shots on net, 14 hits, 10 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating through 19 outings. Don't expect his success on offense to last much longer.

Appleton scored a goal, added two PIM and doled out three hits in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Flames.

Appleton ended a nine-game goal drought, which also included a stretch of 11 missed contests due to a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old has slotted back into a third-line role since returning to action Wednesday versus the Avalanche, but the absence of Adam Lowry (upper body) is likely to have a negative impact on Appleton's production. For the season, Appleton has seven goals, 16 points, 64 shots on net, 40 hits and a plus-8 rating across 40 appearances.