NHL Player News

Karlsson (lower body) will need the Golden Knights to make a run in the playoffs to get back into the lineup, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Friday.

The Golden Knights won't put Karlsson on season-ending long-term injured reserve, as there's still a chance he comes back. However, that won't happen in the regular season, and it's unlikely he'll get back in the first round of the playoffs. Once healthy, he may be limited to a bottom-six role given his lengthy layoff and the intensity of the postseason.

Malkin received a five-game suspension Friday for slashing the Sabres' Rasmus Dahlin in Thursday's contest.

Malkin will be out until March 16 versus the Avalanche. Malkin's slash was particularly egregious, as it was toward the head of Dahlin, which likely factors into the significant length of this suspension. Sidney Crosby (lower body) is also out currently, so the Penguins will be getting a taste of the future without the two franchise cornerstones available over the next week-plus.

Faksa sustained a lower-body injury while rehabbing his upper-body injury sustained during the Olympics, Stars radio analyst Bruce LeVine reports Friday.

Faksa is now expected to be out until near the end of the regular season. The Stars added Michael Bunting ahead of the trade deadline, but Faksa's ongoing absence should help Oskar Back and Colin Blackwell maintain steady roles in the lineup for a while.

Samanski was reassigned to AHL Bakersfield on Friday, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports.

Samanski was likely to have a tough time getting playing time after the Oilers traded for Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach. This move allows Samanski to continue developing with the Condors, while another veteran could be called up for forward depth.

McMann (immigration) isn't expected to be with the Kraken for Saturday's game versus the Senators, Alison Lukan of the Kraken Hockey Network reports.

It will take a few days for McMann's visa paperwork to get approved so that he can join the Kraken. The 29-year-old's status beyond Saturday has not yet been determined. The Kraken will be fine for Saturday, as they already have a full complement of healthy forwards on the roster.

Paul (undisclosed) is still out for a week or two, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports Friday.

Paul remains on long-term injured reserve, but a timeline has been established. It's unclear if he's resumed on-ice activities at this time, but he should be able to soon. The 30-year-old will likely be a middle-six option once he is healthy again.

Brindley was recalled from AHL Colorado on Friday.

Brindley was sent down earlier Friday, but he'll be called up later in the day, a signal that the move was simply made so he'll be eligible to participate in the AHL playoffs. Across 47 appearances with the Avalanche this year, he's recorded six goals, six assists, 31 hits, 12 blocked shots and eight PIM while averaging 9:51 of ice time.

Parssinen was called up by the Rangers on Friday, per the AHL transaction page.

Parssinen spent less than a full day in the minors, but his brief reassignment makes him eligible for the AHL playoffs. He has two goals, three points, four PIM, 21 hits and nine blocks in 15 outings with New York in 2025-26.

Barkey was summoned by Philadelphia on Friday, per the AHL transaction page.

Barkey was only briefly with AHL Lehigh Valley for the purpose of maintaining his eligibility for the AHL playoffs. He has two goals and 10 points in 26 games with the Flyers in 2025-26.

Byfield (upper body) might be an option for Saturday's game against Montreal, per John Hoven of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio.

Byfield has 13 goals, 33 points, 30 PIM, 45 hits and 33 blocks in 58 appearances in 2025-26. He's missed the Kings' past two games because of the injury. Kenny Connors might be a healthy scratch versus the Canadiens if Byfield is available.