NHL Player News

Robidas scored twice in AHL Chicago's 4-3 overtime win over Manitoba on Sunday.

Robidas scored twice in a 19-second span during the second period. He's earned five goals and two assists over his last six outings, and he's up to 15 goals and 27 points across 30 appearances this season. This was the 22-year-old's 100th AHL contest, and he's earned a total of 82 points so far, so he's in a good position to push for a spot with the Hurricanes in 2026-27.

Benak scored three goals and added an assist in OHL Brantford's 7-3 win over Windsor on Sunday.

Benak has put up six points over three games since he returned from the World Junior Championship. Representing Czechia, the center earned eight points (one goal, seven assists) over seven contests during the tournament, showcasing his playmaking skills. Benak now has 19 goals and 30 helpers through 29 appearances with the Bulldogs this season, and he should continue to excel for a competitive team.

Marchessault (lower body) will not suit up for Sunday's home matchup against the Capitals, per Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site.

Marchessault will miss his 12th game in a row Sunday. The Minnesota native's next opportunity to get back into the lineup is against the Oilers on Tuesday.

Highmore notched three assists in AHL Bridgeport's 5-1 win over Hartford on Sunday.

Highmore had recently gone nine games without a point, but he has two helpers over his last four contests. The veteran forward has put together a decent campaign with 20 points over 34 outings this season. If he can continue to play well, he could be a call-up option later in the season.

Head coach Ryan Warsofsky said Sunday that Smith (upper body) will travel with the Sharks ahead of their upcoming four-game road trip, which begins Thursday in Washington and runs through Jan. 20 against Tampa Bay, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Smith has been sidelined since mid-December due to his upper-body injury, and the team announced Dec. 22 that he was considered week-to-week. It's not yet clear exactly which date Smith could return, but he at least appears to be drawing closer to suiting up. Over his first 33 appearances of the season, he recorded 12 goals, 17 assists, 12 PIM, seven hits and seven blocked shots while averaging 17:55 of ice time.

Rooney has been recalled from AHL Tucson by the Mammoth, according to the NHL media site.

Rooney has appeared in just one NHL game this season. The 31-year-old has spent most of the year with AHL Tucson, registering 10 points (seven goals, three assists) in 20 games played. With Alex Kerfoot (upper body) going on injured reserve, it's Rooney who is called up in the corresponding move. It remains to be seen if Rooney will draw into the lineup Sunday against the Blue Jackets or just serve as a depth forward for the foreseeable future.

Kerfoot (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Sunday, per the NHL media site.

Kerfoot appeared in the Mammoth's last nine games, recording a goal, eight blocked shots, eight PIM and three hits while averaging 10:20 of ice time. However, he exited Friday's game against the Blues due to an upper-body injury and will be forced to miss at least a week after landing on injured reserve. Kevin Rooney was called up by Utah in a corresponding move to provide additional depth in Kerfoot's absence.

Lindholm (lower body) is expected to play against Pittsburgh on Sunday, according to Joe McDonald of NHL.com.

Lindholm will return to a top-line role after being limited to 12:05 of ice time in Saturday's 10-2 win over the Rangers. He has generated eight goals, 30 points, 59 shots on net, 32 blocked shots and 28 hits across 35 appearances this season.

Geekie (personal) will miss Sunday's game against the Penguins, Bruins insider Joe McDonald reports.

Geekie left Saturday's game against the Rangers early to attend to a family matter, and it appears he won't make it back in time to be in the lineup Sunday against the Penguins. The 27-year-old has been one of the league's best scorers this season, potting 25 goals in 45 games. Sunday will be Geekie's first missed game of the season. His next chance to return will be Tuesday against the Red Wings.

Hryckowian scored a goal on two shots and added two hits in Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Sharks.

Hryckowian snapped a five-game point drought with the opening goal at 7:33 of the first period. The 24-year-old earned a two-year contract extension Wednesday, and it's because he has emerged as a versatile and responsible forward who fits the Stars' fluid approach to line combinations. Hryckowian is up to seven goals, 14 points, 44 shots on net, 68 hits, 21 PIM and a minus-4 rating over 44 outings this season.