NHL Player News

Kulich (lower body) is doubtful for Friday's game against Pittsburgh, according to Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald.

Head coach Lindy Ruff said Thursday that Kulich is progressing but doesn't think that he will be an option Friday. The center will miss his fourth straight game after suffering his injury against Washington on Jan. 6. Kulich has seven goals and nine points with 64 shots on goal across 31 games this season.

Sasson was promoted from AHL Abbotsford on Thursday.

The Canucks sent Sasson to the minors Wednesday in what was a paper transaction. Sasson has two goals and six points in 19 games with Vancouver this season. He has been a healthy scratch in his last two games in the NHL and is likely to spend Thursday's tilt against the Kings in the press box.

Namestnikov (lower body) may return to practice in a non-contact jersey Friday, Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press reports.

The news effectively rules Namestnikov out against the Kraken on Thursday and makes him a significant doubt to be ready in time to face the Flames on Saturday. The 32-year-old winger is currently stuck in an eight-game goal drought during which he has managed a meager five shots to go with one assist. Given his offensive struggles of late, Namestnikov may have to settle for a bottom-six role whenever he is cleared to return.

MacEwen was reassigned to AHL Belleville on Thursday.

MacEwen was without a point during his recent two-game recall, but he did get into a fight Tuesday against the Islanders, battling Matt Martin early in the first period. MacEwen has two goals, one assist, 21 PIM and 49 hits across 21 NHL games this season.

Jones was sent to AHL Iowa on Thursday, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Jones went through waivers Tuesday, but he remained on the roster and saw action on the fourth line versus Edmonton on Wednesday. The center was unable to garner a point in 26 NHL games this season, but he did manage 51 hits while averaging 8:23 of ice time. He could return to Minnesota ahead of Saturday's tilt against the Predators, as the Wild have only nine healthy forwards heading into the matchup.

Lauko (lower body) was taken off long-term injured reserve Thursday.

Lauko should be back in the lineup for Saturday's matchup with Nashville and will likely replace Marcus Johansson, who suffered an upper-body injury against Edmonton on Wednesday. Considering the 24-year-old Lauko is mired in a 14-game pointless streak, fantasy managers probably shouldn't be banking on him for offensive upside.

Shore was reassigned to AHL Iowa on Thursday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Shore cleared waivers Wednesday but remained in the lineup versus Edmonton, picking up one hit in 6:06 of ice time. Shore has one assist over 25 games with the Wild this season and could be recalled ahead of Saturday's game in Nashville.

Pageau (illness) will be back in the lineup against the Flyers on Thursday, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports.

Pageau was sidelined for Tuesday's tilt due to an illness but appears ready to go after sitting out just one game. In his previous nine outings, the veteran center has generated three goals, two assists and 16 shots while averaging 16:27 of ice time. With Pageau fit to play, he'll retake his usual third-line role alongside Anthony Duclair and Casey Cizikas.

Amadio (concussion) will return to action for Thursday's home game against the Capitals, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports.

Amadio missed nearly a month due to his concussion, but he'll be back in action Thursday following a 10-game absence. He had appeared in each of the Senators' first 33 games of the season, totaling two goals, eight assists, 35 hits, 18 blocked shots and 12 PIM while averaging 14:09 of ice time. Given his lengthy absence, it wouldn't be surprising to see him eased into action against Washington.

Point (coach's decision) was back in his customary first-line role ahead of Thursday's matchup with Anaheim, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

Point was held out of Tuesday's clash with the Bruins after missing a team meeting, but it appears he is back in head coach Jon Cooper's good graces. The 28-year-old center is on pace to reach the 90-point threshold for the third straight season and could set a new career-best mark in power-play points after having already racked up 12 goals and eight helpers with the man advantage.