NHL Player News

McDavid scored a goal on five shots and added two hits in Monday's 1-0 win over the Kings.

McDavid has just two goals over his last 11 games, but he's added 12 assists and 28 shots on net in that span. His tally late in the second period Monday was all the Oilers needed to get the win over a division rival. For the season, the 28-year-old superstar has 17 tallies, 42 helpers, 124 shots on net, 25 hits and a plus-11 rating through 40 contests.

Thomas was scratched for the sixth straight game in Monday's 1-0 loss to the Oilers.

Thomas played in six straight games from Dec. 14-28, but he's since been stuck in the press box. That could be his future for a while longer, as Samuel Helenius was sent down, leaving Thomas as the only spare forward on the Kings' roster. The team's steady usage of 11 forwards and seven defensemen doesn't leave an opening for Thomas, but if they go back to 12 forwards and six blueliners, Thomas would be in line to play. He has three points, 18 shots on net, 24 hits and a minus-1 rating over 16 appearances.

Bedard scored a power-play goal on three shots and went minus-3 in Monday's 5-2 loss to Calgary.

Bedard saw a nine-game point streak snapped against the Oilers on Saturday but quickly got back on the scoresheet. His goal Monday pulled the Blackhawks within one during a major penalty on Martin Pospisil, but Calgary replied with a shorthanded tally a couple minutes later. Bedard is up to 12 goals, 39 points (18 on the power play), 104 shots on net and a minus-21 rating through 44 appearances. He hasn't taken a large step forward on offense, but Chicago has shuffled its lines frequently, making it tough for Bedard to find chemistry with any steady linemates.

Newhook (illness) will play against Utah on Tuesday.

Newhook won't miss any game action after sitting out Monday's practice because of the flu. He has earned seven goals, nine points, 40 hits and 54 shots on net through 42 appearances this season. Michael Pezzetta will replace Emil Heineman (upper body) in Tuesday's lineup.

Rooney was held off the scoresheet for the 13th consecutive game in Monday's 5-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Rooney hasn't recorded a point since he had a goal and an assist against the Predators on Dec. 10. The 31-year-old forward has maintained a steady spot as the Flames' fourth-line center this season, but his role is not a fantasy-friendly one. He has four points, 29 shots on net, 56 hits and a minus-5 rating while averaging just 9:48 of ice time through 34 appearances.

Backlund scored a goal on two shots in Monday's 5-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Backlund ultimately got the credit on the Flames' game-winner, as he was judged to get the last touch during a net-front scramble. The center has two goals over five outings in January, and he's produced seven points over his last 12 contests. That's a pretty standard level of production for Backlund, who is at 19 points, 112 shots and a plus-7 rating through 42 appearances this season.

Frost scored a power-play goal on seven shots and added three hits in Monday's 4-3 win over the Panthers.

Frost has scored in three straight games and also has an assist in that span. The seven shots matched a season high for the center. He's now at 10 goals, 22 points (seven on the power play), 72 shots, 31 blocked shots, 28 hits and a minus-10 rating through 40 appearances. Frost's role can be volatile at times, but he's worth considering as a streamer or depth addition while his offense is rolling.

Helenius was reassigned to AHL Ontario on Tuesday.

Helenius has been a healthy scratch for his last four NHL games, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to see him heading down to the minors to get some game action. The 22-year-old center could still be brought up ahead of Thursday's matchup with Vancouver -- though he likely will be hard-pressed to break into the lineup even if he is on the roster.

Coyle (illness) will be a game-time decision Tuesday against Tampa Bay, Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic reports.

Coyle has yet to miss a game this season. If the right-shot center is unable to suit up against the Lightning, Matthew Poitras, who was recalled from AHL Providence on Tuesday, would draw into the lineup. Coyle has chipped in 10 goals and 14 points through 45 appearances this season.

Poitras was recalled from AHL Providence on Tuesday.

Poitras' promotion could be a longer-term stint in the NHL after the Bruins placed Mark Kastelic (upper body) on injured reserve in a corresponding move. In his previous 14 NHL appearances, the 20-year-old Poitras has managed just one goal, three assists and 10 shots while averaging 12:44 of ice time. Whether Poitras suits up versus the Lightning on Tuesday will depend on the health of Charlie Coyle (illness), who is a game-time decision.