NHL Player News

McMIchael registered a power-play assist while logging 17:43 of ice time during Saturday's 4-2 win over the Sabres.

McMichael's 12th assist on the season brings him to 15 goals and 27 points in 29 games -- just six points shy of tying his career-high of 33 points set just a season ago. The 23-year-old has two goals and seven points over his last seven outings and is breaking out in a big way to start the 2024-25 campaign.

Strome tallied the game-winning goal and added five shots during Saturday's 4-2 win over the Sabres.

Strome's timely goal puts him in double figures in the goal-scoring column and gives him four goals and nine points over his last nine games. The secret is out on the 27-year-old, who leads the Capitals in scoring with 37 points in 29 games and is a must-start every time he hits the ice.

McLeod tallied an assist while logging 17:42 of ice time during Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Capitals.

McLeod had a shot redirect off Jordan Greenway early in the first period to get the Sabres out to a 1-0 lead before the Capitals roared back. The 25-year-old has got off to a blistering start with 12 points across his first 18 games before enduring a nine-game scoring drought that ended Dec. 9. McLeod has a respectable six goals and 15 points in 30 games, but he will need to become a more consistent producer in order to be a useful fantasy asset.

Kulich tallied a goal, two shots and a plus-1 rating during Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Capitals.

Kulich netted the game at two-apiece in the second period and has two goals over his last three games after being held off the scoresheet for the previous six outings. The Sabres are high on the 28th overall pick from the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, but Kulich has yet to establish himself as much of a fantasy asset.

Barkov (illness) won't play versus the Flames on Saturday.

Barkov will miss at least one game while under the weather. He played 19:36 in a 4-0 loss to the Canucks on Thursday. Jonah Gadjovich figures to enter the lineup, while Anton Lundell will pick up extra minutes with Barkov out.

Hughes scored a goal in Saturday's 4-1 win over Chicago.

Hughes put the Devils up 2-1 at 10:28 of the third period, and it stood as the winner. It came on a snap shot from the slot. Hughes' 20th career game-winning goal ties him with Zach Parise for the most in franchise history before the age of 24. Hughes, who turned 23 on May 14, sits on the edge of the NHL's top-10 scorers with 39 points in 33 games heading into Saturday evening. His 113 shots are fourth overall, and his 17 power-play points put him in a tie for third in the league. Hughes is one of the more well-rounded offensive fantasy contributors in the NHL.

Mercer had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over Chicago on Saturday.

Mercer bounced right back after taking a puck to the face in Thursday's game against the Kings. The goal was his seventh of the season. Mercer has struggled offensively, earning just two goals, three assists and 20 shots in his last 13 games. He has seven goals, nine assists and 53 shots in 33 appearances this season. The Devils need more from their second-line right winger. Mercer is still young, and he can develop his game. However, fantasy managers need him to contribute more before inserting him into lineups.

Kasper (illness) won't play Saturday versus the Maple Leafs.

Kasper was initially projected to play on the second line and see power-play time, but he'll miss at least one game while sick. J.T. Compher will move up the lineup, and Tyler Motte will draw back into the lineup Saturday. Kasper's next chance to play is Wednesday versus the Flyers.

Lauko (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

The Wild recalled goaltender Jesper Wallstedt in a corresponding move. Lauko will be out for at least the next four games after being moved to the IR list. He has two goals, four points and 48 hits through 24 appearances this season.

Kopitar chipped in two assists in a 5-1 triumph over the Rangers on Saturday.

In Saturday's game, Kopitar had a hand in goals by Alex Turcotte and Adrian Kempe. The 37-year-old Kopitar has been held off the scoresheet once in his last six outings, amassing one goal and six helpers during that stretch. He has eight goals and 34 points through 30 appearances this season.