NHL Player News

Strome logged an assist and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Jets.

Strome has four helpers over his last three contests. He assisted on the first of Frank Vatrano's two goals in this game. Those two forwards, along with Troy Terry, have formed an effective first line in December, though Strome has the lowest upside of the three of them. The 31-year-old center is at five goals, 11 helpers, 55 shots on net, 13 PIM and a plus-4 rating over 30 appearances this season.

Barkov (illness) is expected to play in Wednesday's game versus the Wild, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

Barkov missed two games due to an illness, but it looks like he'll suit up in his usual top-line role. The 29-year-old's return will help offset the absence of Sam Bennett (illness), and Anton Lundell is likely to remain in a top-six role.

Rempe was recalled from AHL Hartford on Wednesday.

Rempe will join the big club to replenish the forward depth after Wednesday's trade sent Kaapo Kakko to Seattle. Rempe has five points and 22 PIM over 18 appearances with Hartford this season.

Gustafsson (concussion) was placed on injured reserve by Winnipeg on Wednesday, per the NHL media site.

Gustafsson has already missed three games after suffering his concussion, meaning he can be activated at any time. The 24-year-old center has logged a mere three games this season, generating four hits, four shots and five PIM while averaging 7:55 of ice time.

Winterton was returned to AHL Coachella Valley on Wednesday.

Winterton has appeared in eight NHL games for the Kraken this year, generating one assist, 13 hits and eight shots while averaging 10:22 of ice time. While this likely won't be the last time Winterton is on the NHL roster, he figures to play the bulk of his minutes this year with the Firebirds.

Vrana notched an assist in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Blackhawks.

Vrana was scratched for 10 games between Nov. 23 and Dec. 14, but he's now played in consecutive contests. Vrana and Hendrix Lapierre are essentially in competition for the last spot in the lineup, which is the third-line left wing slot. For the season, Vrana has eight points, 20 shots on net and a plus-5 rating over 18 appearances, so he shouldn't be expected to be a major fantasy contributor.

Barkov (illness) will be a game-time decision Wednesday versus Minnesota, per Jessi Pierce of NHL.com.

Barkov has already missed Florida's past two outings. He has nine goals and 29 points in 22 appearances in 2024-25. Sam Bennett won't play Wednesday due to an illness, so if Barkov is unavailable too, then the Panthers would be down to 11 forwards unless they promote someone from AHL Charlotte.

Eller notched an assist in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Blackhawks.

Eller ended a six-game point drought with the helper. While he hasn't been big on offense since returning to the Capitals, he remains a steady third-line center for the team. His scoring rate is virtually identical to how he started the year with the Penguins. Eller has a total of 13 points through 33 contests, and he's added 47 shots on net, 27 hits, 14 blocked shots, 20 PIM and a minus-4 rating. The big difference has been in ice time -- Eller's at 13:21 per game with the Capitals compared to 16:25 per outing with the Penguins, but he's been able to sustain his offense thanks to a stronger supporting cast.

Bennett will miss Wednesday's tilt against Minnesota because of an illness, Jessi Pierce of NHL.com reports.

Bennett has 13 goals, 27 points, 39 PIM and 71 hits in 31 appearances in 2024-25. Aleksander Barkov (illness) is also questionable, so the Panthers might need to call up reinforcements from AHL Charlotte.

Marchessault scored a goal on two shots, added two hits and went plus-2 in Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Rangers.

The Predators look to have something with a line of Marchessault and Filip Forsberg centered by Steven Stamkos. Marchessault has three goals and three assists over his last four outings, including his game-winning tally Tuesday. The winger is up to eight goals, 19 points, 97 shots on net, 52 hits and a minus-8 rating over 32 contests this season. If the line sticks together and continues to find success, the window to buy low on Marchessault in fantasy will close quickly.