NHL Player News

Point notched a power-play assist and four shots on goal in Friday's 4-3 overtime win over the Blackhawks.

Point has two goals and two helpers over his last five outings, but this was his first power-play contribution since Jan. 9. The center continues to play a key role in the Lightning's top six, even if he doesn't scored at quite the same rate as superstar linemate Nikita Kucherov. Point has 27 tallies, 24 helpers, 21 power-play points, 101 shots on net and a plus-5 rating over 42 outings this season.

Paul scored a goal on three shots in Friday's 4-3 overtime win over the Blackhawks.

Paul tallied late in the second period to bring the Lightning within a goal. The 29-year-old has enjoyed a strong January with five goals and three assists over 13 contests in a middle-six role. He's up to 14 tallies, 28 points, 76 shots on net, 37 hits, 20 PIM and a plus-1 rating over 41 appearances. He's playing less of a physical game than in years past, but he's also found a little more offense.

Guentzel scored a goal on five shots, added an assist and went minus-2 in Friday's 4-3 overtime win over the Blackhawks.

Guentzel tied the game in the final minute of the third period and helped out on Nikita Kucherov's game-winner in overtime. Both of Guentzel's points came on the power play. The winger has four goals and five assists over his last seven outings, with five of those nine points coming on the power play. He's up to 25 goals, 24 helpers, 17 power-play points, 122 shots on net, 35 blocked shots and a plus-6 rating over 46 appearances.

Drury was traded to the Avalanche from the Hurricanes on Friday as part of a three-team deal, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports.

The trade also features Martin Necas, a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick heading to Colorado, while Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall move to Carolina and Chicago retains 50 percent of Rantanen's salary and receives a 2025 third-round pick. Drury is a player that may be more of a play for the future rather than the present for the Avalanche. He has just nine points over 39 outings with the Hurricanes this season but missed time due to a hand injury. Drury could challenge Casey Mittelstadt for the second-line center job after filling in there at times with the Hurricanes, and he improves his new team's depth at a position that is largely a weakness outside of Nathan MacKinnon. Drury's worth considering in deeper fantasy formats if he is able to see more ice time in a middle-six role following the trade.

Necas was traded to the Avalanche from the Hurricanes as part of a three-team deal Friday, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports.

Necas will be part of the return to Colorado, as well as Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick, with Mikko Rantanen going to Carolina in return. The Blackhawks are also involved, retaining 50 percent of Rantanen's salary and sending Taylor Hall to Carolina in exchange for a third-round pick in 2025. Necas goes from being part of a strong top six with the Hurricanes to potentially playing alongside the NHL's point leader, Nathan MacKinnon, in the spot vacated by Rantanen. Necas has already racked up 55 points over 49 games, and his offense could reach the next level in an offense that's more top-heavy rather than balanced.

Dickinson (illness) is set to play Friday versus the Lightning, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Dickinson was ill and missed practice Wednesday, but it looks like he'll avoid missing any game action. He's projected to play in his usual second-line role as a defensive center. He has 14 points through 47 outings this season.

Howden (illness) will play Friday versus the Stars, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports.

Howden missed one game but appears to be ready to return. His placement on the fourth line suggests he'll be eased back into action. Howden had been limited to one goal over his previous seven outings prior to his absence. Alexander Holtz will come out of the lineup with Howden returning.

Laughton (personal) won't play Friday versus the Islanders after head coach John Tortorella said the Flyers would use the same lineup from their previous game, Jackie Spiegel of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Laughton is set to miss his third straight contest while attending to a personal matter. His next chance to play is Monday at home versus the Devils.

White signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Sharks on Friday, per PuckPedia.

White's contract will be registered Saturday, and it's likely he'll be joining the NHL roster after Ty Dellandrea (upper body) landed on injured reserve. If he draws into games with the Sharks, he'll fill a bottom-six role.

McLeod (upper body) will be in the lineup versus Edmonton on Saturday, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

McLeod will make his return to the ice following a three-game stint on the shelf due to his upper-body injury. It's not immediately clear where the 25-year-old center will line up, as he was filling in on defense at practice Friday for Rasmus Dahlin, who was taking a maintenance day. Regardless, McLeod is unlikely to take on a top-six role, more likely slotting in as the third or fourth-line center, which will limit his offensive upside.