NHL Player News

Kozak was reassigned to AHL Rochester on Tuesday.

Kozak has played in three games for the Sabres this season in which he notched one goal on two shots, two hits and two blocks while averaging 9:55 of ice time. Kozak's demotion could indicate that either Sam Lafferty (lower body) or Rasmus Dahlin (back) could be ready to come off injured reserve ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Rangers.

Barzal (upper body) is skating on his own, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports Monday.

Barzal has missed the past 19 games after sustaining an injury in a 2-0 loss to Columbus on Oct. 30. The right-shot forward was given a 4-6 week timeline Nov. 2, so he should be nearing a return so long as he hasn't endured any setbacks in his recovery. Once healthy, Barzal will immediately slot in on the top line and No. 1 power-play unit. Barzal's return should provide an instant boost to Bo Horvat, who has struggled without the 27-year-old playmaker.

Carlsson (upper body) won't suit up against the Canadiens on Monday.

Carlsson will miss his sixth straight game. The Swedish center seems to be nearing a return, as he practiced in a non-contact jersey Friday. Carlsson's next chance to return to the lineup will be Wednesday in Ottawa.

Sasson was assigned to AHL Abbotsford on Monday.

Sasson was recalled by the Canucks on Thursday, and he recorded a hit while averaging 8:55 of ice time over two appearances during his stint with the NHL club. He's been shuffled between Vancouver and Abbotsford in recent weeks, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him rejoin the Canucks at some point.

Lauko (lower body) will be activated from injured reserve ahead of his return to the lineup Tuesday against Utah, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Lauko will occupy a bottom-six role after missing the last six games. He has contributed two goals, two assists, 18 shots on net, 15 blocked shots and 41 hits across 21 appearances this season. Lauko will likely replace Reese Johnson in Tuesday's lineup.

Monahan posted an assist, four shots on goal, two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Jets.

Monahan set up the first of Kent Johnson's two goals in the third period, with that tally standing as the game-winner. The assist snapped a three-game slump for Monahan -- that's just his third drought of more than one game this season. The center is up to eight tallies, 15 helpers, 71 shots on net and a plus-11 rating through 27 appearances.

Kuraly scored an empty-net goal on two shots and doled out eight hits in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Jets.

Kuraly ended an 11-game goal drought, a span in which he had just one assist, with the empty-netter to seal this win. The 31-year-old is holding down a fourth-line role, though the Blue Jackets' surprisingly strong depth down the middle has temporarily pushed him to the wing. Kuraly has seven points, 24 shots on net, 58 hits and a plus-4 rating through 27 appearances.

Prishchepov was loaned to AHL Colorado on Monday.

Prishchepov hasn't earned a point in 10 NHL outings this season while posting four shots on goal, two blocked shots and 10 hits. He has two goals and four assists in 12 minor-league appearances during the 2024-25 campaign. Prishchepov's return to the AHL may bode well for the availability of Nikolai Kovalenko (undisclosed) ahead of Tuesday's game versus Pittsburgh.

Head coach Craig Berube said Monday that Domi (lower body) could return to the lineup for Tuesday's game against New Jersey, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

Domi has missed the last eight games due to a lower-body injury, but he's been practicing over the past week and appears to be on the cusp of returning to game action. Even if he isn't cleared to suit up against the Devils, it seems likely that he'll be in the mix to play Thursday against the Ducks or Saturday against the Red Wings. Over 19 appearances prior to his absence, the 29-year-old recorded six assists, 11 blocked shots and seven hits while averaging 15:18 of ice time.

Johnson scored two goals and took four shots in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Jets.

Johnson missed 14 games between Oct. 19 and Nov. 18 due to a shoulder injury, but the right winger has been playing at a high level when available. This two-goal performance snapped a three-game drought, but that stretch was the first time he couldn't crack the scoresheet all season long. Through 13 games, the 22-year-old is up to eight goals and six assists, and he's on pace to deliver career-best numbers as long as he remains healthy.