NHL Player News

Necas scored a goal in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Sabres.

Necas' tally with 3:10 left in the third period made things interesting, but the Hurricanes' comeback push fell short. This ended a six-game goal drought for Necas, who had four assists in that span. However, the 26-year-old has just two goals and 10 points over his last 19 outings after playing well over a point-per-game pace for the first two months of the season. Overall, he has 16 goals, 51 points, 104 shots on net, 34 hits and a plus-2 rating through 45 contests.

Thompson logged an assist and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Hurricanes.

There was some debate who would get credit for the Sabres' fourth goal, which was an awarded empty-netter that ultimately went to Ryan McLeod. Thompson was still rewarded with an assist on that play for his first point in three contests. The 27-year-old forward is up to 19 goals, 16 helpers, 117 shots on net, 40 hits and an even plus-minus rating through 39 appearances in a top-line role this season.

Cozens scored a goal and added two hits in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Hurricanes.

Cozens gave the Sabres a 2-0 lead at 8:18 of the second period with a goal that came against the run of play. The 23-year-old center has a pair of goals over the last three contests and a total of nine points across his last 13 games. For the season, he's collected 10 goals, 22 points, 96 shots on net, 89 hits, 45 PIM and a minus-16 rating over 44 appearances. Cozens will continue to have a little extra fantasy value as long as he's on the top line.

McLeod scored three goals, took three shots on net, added two PIM, blocked two shots and went plus-3 in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Hurricanes.

McLeod's third goal was awarded after he was interfered with while going for an empty-netter. There was some question after the contest if the goal belonged to McLeod or Tage Thompson, but it was eventually officially ruled to go to McLeod, giving him a hat trick. The 25-year-old has a pair of three-point efforts over his last three outings, and he's up to 10 goals, 24 points, 47 shots on net, 21 blocked shots and a plus-7 rating over 44 appearances.

Shore cleared waivers, but he's still on Minnesota's roster, per the NHL media site.

The Wild still have the option to send him down. Perhaps Minnesota is waiting for either Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) or Jakub Lauko (lower body) to return before reassigning Shore. The 30-year-old Shore has an assist, 30 hits and 15 blocks in 24 appearances with Minnesota in 2024-25.

Sasson was reassigned to AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday.

This might just be a paper transaction, and Sasson would be recalled ahead of Thursday's tilt against LA if it is. Then again, Sasson was a healthy scratch in each of the Canucks' past two games. He has two goals and six points in 19 outings with Vancouver in 2024-25.

Glass is being checked for an undisclosed injury, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports Wednesday.

Glass is currently mired in a seven-game pointless streak in addition to his 16-game goal drought dating back to Dec. 10 versus Colorado. If the winger were to miss out on Friday's matchup with Buffalo, Philip Tomasino figures to be elevated to a second-line role, while Jesse Puljujarvi will likely be called up from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton if needed.

Gaudette scored a goal in Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Islanders.

Gaudette could have had two tallies in the contest, but the Islanders won a challenge the first time he put the puck in the net. He scored officially at 8:42 of the second period ending a 15-game point drought in which he logged just three assists. The 28-year-old has done enough to stay in the lineup, but his ice time remains limited despite him being listed on the second line. He's at 14 goals, 19 points, 52 shots on net, 33 hits and a plus-7 rating through 42 appearances.

Verhaeghe logged an assist in Tuesday's 2-1 shootout win over the Devils.

Verhaeghe has four points over his last six contests. The winger has had to generate most of his production from a middle-six role recently, as the Panthers' offense has been a bit sluggish, and head coach Paul Maurice is experimenting with new combinations. Verhaeghe has been part of the problem on offense at times, racking up a rather modest 10 goals, 21 assists, 132 shots on net, 65 hits and a minus-20 rating through 45 appearances. The 29-year-old has topped the 30-goal and 70-point marks in back-to-back years but would need a massive surge in the second half to reach those thresholds in 2024-25.

Fantilli registered an assist and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 3-2 shootout win over the Flyers.

Fantilli has three goals and four assists, as well as a plus-6 rating, during his active six-game point streak. The 20-year-old is in a great position to keep his offense rolling while filling in for Sean Monahan (wrist) on the top line. Fantilli is up to 22 points, 87 shots on net, 63 hits, 31 blocked shots and a minus-7 rating across 44 appearances.