NHL Player News

McDavid was suspended for three games by the NHL Department of Player Safety on Monday for cross-checking Vancouver's Conor Garland on Saturday.

McDavid was ejected and received a five-minute major late in the third period of Saturday's loss to the Canucks. This is the 28-year-old superstar's second career suspension -- he won't be able to return until Jan. 27 in a home matchup against the Kraken. Leon Draisaitl will move up to the top line in the short term, while Kasperi Kapanen should draw back into the lineup in place of McDavid.

MacKinnon logged a goal on six shots while also recording a blocked shot in 25:57 of ice time during Monday's 3-1 loss to Minnesota.

The Avalanche struggled to generate much production against Marc-Andre Fleury and the Wild on Monday, but MacKinnon helped the team avoid being shut out by recording the team's lone goal with just over a minute remaining in the second period. The 29-year-old has gotten on the scoresheet in eight of 10 appearances since the start of the calendar year, logging four goals, nine assists, two PIM and a plus-6 rating during that time.

Trenin recorded the game-winning goal on two shots while also recording three hits in 10:37 of ice time during Monday's 3-1 win over Colorado.

Trenin had recorded a minus-3 rating over his two appearances leading up to Monday's matchup, but he was more effective against the Avalanche and got on the scoresheet for just the third time over his last 12 outings. The 28-year-old has appeared in each of the Wild's 13 matchups following a five-game absence due to an upper-body injury, and he's racked up multiple hits in 11 of those appearances.

Coyle produced two goals, one assist and four shots on net in a 6-3 win over San Jose on Monday.

Coyle earned all three points in the third period to help the Bruins overcome a 3-2 deficit. He got the game-winner at the 14:11 mark of the final frame. Coyle didn't have a goal in 10 outings entering Monday's matchup. He had only two assists and nine shots on net during that span. Thanks to Monday's offensive outburst, Coyle has 12 tallies and 18 points through 48 appearances this season.

Goodrow scored a goal on his only shot in a 6-3 loss to the Bruins on Monday.

Goodrow tied the game at 1-1 just past the midway mark of the first period. He has two goals on two shots in his last two games after going nine straight outings without a point. Goodrow's newfound scoring touch likely won't last, as he only has four goals and six points in 44 appearances this season.

Zegras (knee) skated on the second line and practiced with the second power-play unit during Monday's practice session, Derek Lee of The Hockey News reports.

Zegras underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus on Dec. 12, but he appears to be progressing in his recovery and closing in on a return to game action. A specific timetable for his return isn't yet known, but his participation in Monday's practice session was encouraging.

Smith notched one goal and one assist in Monday's 6-3 loss to Boston.

Smith had two helpers in 10 outings going into Monday's game, but the Boston native and former Boston College player put on a show at TD Garden. The rookie forward has seven goals, 17 points and 58 shots on net through 41 games this season.

Kozak was assigned to AHL Rochester on Monday.

The Sabres activated Jiri Kulich (lower body) from injured reserve in a corresponding move. Kozak has one goal, four shots on net, 10 blocked shots and five hits in seven NHL appearances this season.

Rakell (personal) won't play against the Kings on Monday, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reports.

Rakell didn't make the trip to LA because of a family matter. He has produced 23 goals, 40 points, 122 shots on net, 53 blocked shots and 77 hits through 48 appearances this season. Anthony Beauvillier will play on the top line due to Rakell's absence, while Matt Nieto will draw back into the lineup.

Appleton (lower body) is very close to being available to return to the lineup, Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press reports Monday.

Appleton will miss his 11th straight game against Utah on Monday, but he could be a game-time decision for Wednesday's matchup versus Colorado. The 29-year-old forward has six goals, 15 points, 60 shots on net, 20 blocked shots and 35 hits through 37 appearances this season.