NHL Player News

Henrique scored two goals Tuesday in a 4-0 win over Boston.

He put the Oil up 1-0 early in the first when Corey Perry found him in the slot for a quick-release wrist shot past Jeremy Swayman's glove. Henrique put the Oilers up 3-0 from the top of the right circle with a snap shot far side. His points come few and far between -- Henrique has points (three goals) in just two of his last 13 games (17 shots), and he has 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 40 appearances this campaign. Nice outing, but he's better left on the wire.

Chytil (upper body) won't return to Tuesday's game versus the Stars, Peter Baugh of The Athletic reports.

Chytil did not come out of the locker room for the third period. His long history of upper-body injuries adds an extra layer of concern to his status. Chytil will likely be evaluated ahead of Thursday's home game before the Devils. The Rangers begin a three-game road trip Saturday with stops in Vegas, Colorado and Utah.

Monahan (upper body) won't return to Tuesday's game versus the Penguins.

Monahan took one shift in the third period but couldn't continue. Losing Monahan for any length of time would be a massive disruption for the Blue Jackets, as he has earned 14 goals and 27 assists over 41 appearances this season. More information on his status should be available prior to Thursday's home game versus the Kraken.

Malkin (upper body) won't play Tuesday versus the Blue Jackets.

Malkin will miss his first game of the season. The 38-year-old center participated in the morning skate Tuesday, so his absence is a bit of a surprise. He has logged seven points over his last nine outings.

Boyd was sent back to the minors Tuesday.

Boyd's demotion leaves the Wild without any extra healthy forwards ahead of Tuesday's matchup with St. Louis, but the team likely is trying to accrue some cap savings when possible. The 31-year-old Boyd has logged just three games for Minnesota this season in which he generated three blocks and one hit while averaging a career-low 7:48 of ice time.

Gaunce was reassigned to AHL Iowa on Tuesday, per the NHL media site.

Minnesota activated Jacob Middleton (hand) from long-term injured reserve while sending Gaunce, Travis Boyd and Carson Lambos to the minors ahead of Tuesday's game against St. Louis. Gaunce hasn't earned a point in five NHL outings this season while posting four shots on goal and six hits.

Sturm (lower body) remains day-to-day and won't play against Vegas on Tuesday, per Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News.

Sturm will miss his second straight game. He has supplied four goals, nine points, 23 shots on net, 16 blocked shots and 44 hits in 36 appearances this season. Luke Kunin has centered the fourth line during Sturm's absence.

Meyers was assigned to AHL Coachella Valley on Tuesday.

Seattle recalled Mitchell Stephens to presumably take Meyers' spot on the fourth line in Thursday's road matchup versus Columbus. The 26-year-old Meyers hasn't earned a point in six NHL appearances this season while posting three shots on goal, one blocked shot and four hits.

Stephens was recalled from AHL Coachella Valley on Tuesday.

Seattle reassigned Cale Fleury, Ales Stezka and Ben Meyers to the minors in corresponding moves while activating Joey Daccord (upper body) from injured reserve. Stephens has posted one assist, seven shots on goal, one blocked shot and six hits in nine NHL outings this season. He will probably occupy a spot on the fourth line versus Columbus on Thursday.

Faksa (leg) is closing in on a return and could play in Thursday's home matchup against Anaheim, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reports Tuesday.

While Faksa won't suit up Tuesday versus the Wild, he appears to be close to full strength after missing 11 of the last 12 games. The 30-year-old was cut by a skate against the Canucks on Dec. 10. Head coach Jim Montgomery said "He's getting close. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a player Thursday. We've got to build him up, just his work rate on the ice again." Alexandre Texier might be a healthy scratch when Faksa is given the green light to return to game action.