NHL Player News

Rakell had a power-play goal, an even-strength tally, four shots on net and two assists in Thursday's 9-2 win over Montreal.

Rakell's first-period power-play tally was his third man-advantage goal of the season and second in the last three games. He was part of a big night for the Penguins' top line, which accounted for five goals and 11 points. In addition to Rakell's two tallies, Bryan Rust had three of his own. It was the second multi-goal effort of the season for Rakell, who has six tallies over his last 10 outings and leads the Penguins with 12 overall.

Laughton scored four goals in a 4-1 victory over the Red Wings on Thursday.

Laughton was the man of the hour Thursday. In the second period, he fired a slap shot from the slot on a breakaway that went high on Cam Talbot. Laughton's second goal was a tip-in while shorthanded early in the third period. His third and fourth went into empty nets. It was a career night for the forward, who wired nine shots at Talbot. At 30 years old, Laughton is getting less ice time, and he's playing on the fourth line. However, he continues to contribute occasional offense -- he has seven goals, seven assists and 55 shots over 30 games.

Mercer (face) required stitches after he was struck by a puck in the third period of Thursday's game against the Kings, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

There was no other update on Mercer's status, leaving him in doubt for Saturday's game versus the Blackhawks. If he misses that contest, Tomas Tatar is likely to draw back into the lineup. Mercer has contributed 14 points over 32 outings this season.

Kostin (undisclosed) is questionable to return to Thursday's game versus the Blues, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Kostin was dealing with a lower-body injury earlier in the week, but it's not clear if this issue is related. Assuming he doesn't return, he can be considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's game versus Utah.

McCann (undisclosed) is expected to be in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Bruins, per Sound of Hockey.

McCann was considered a game-time decision after missing practice for maintenance Wednesday. The 28-year-old is projected to play in a top-line role while avoiding missing any time with his injury. McCann has just one assist over his last five games.

Cirelli (upper body) is expected to play Thursday versus the Flames, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

Cirelli missed Tuesday's game against Edmonton with an upper-body injury, but it appears this injury was a short-term issue. The 27-year-old has 24 points over 25 contests and will return to his usual second-line role.

O'Reilly (lower body) is set to return to the lineup Thursday versus the Stars, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

O'Reilly will center the second line in his return, while Steven Stamkos will stay on the top line. O'Reilly was initially labeled week-to-week, but he ended up missing just three games.

Nyquist (illness) is set to draw back into the Predators' lineup Thursday, according to Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site.

Nyquist missed Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Chicago because of the illness. He has six goals and 10 points over 28 outings in 2024-25. Nyquist is projected to play alongside Ryan O'Reilly, who is returning from a lower-body injury, and Colton Sissons.

Fabbri (knee) will return to the lineup versus the Maple Leafs on Thursday, Derek Lee of The Hockey News reports.

Fabbri was expected to miss six weeks after undergoing knee surgery Nov. 15, but he's back in action after just four weeks. Sam Colangelo was returned to AHL San Diego. Fabbri is likely to be eased back in given his quick recovery and lengthy history of injuries.

Zegras is expected to be out for approximately six weeks after undergoing right knee surgery Thursday to repair a torn meniscus.

Zegras has four goals and 10 points in 24 appearances in 2024-25. He suffered the injury during a 4-1 loss to Vegas on Dec. 4. His exit from the lineup coincided with Brock McGinn returning from a lower-body injury. When Zegras eventually returns, Isac Lundestrom or Jansen Harkins might lose their spot in the lineup.