NHL Player News

Rakell had a goal and an assist in Saturday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Flyers.

The goal was Rakell's 12th goal of the season. He has 27 points in 41 games this season, and he'll be expected to carry a lot with Sidney Crosby (lower body) out and Evgeni Malkin serving the first game of a five-game suspension. Rakell is more of a passenger than a driver, so his game could shrink in the short term.

Gaudreau (illness) isn't expected to play Saturday versus Ottawa.

Gaudreau has four goals and 18 points in 48 appearances this season. Ryan Winterton will probably draw into the lineup as a result of Gaudreau's absence. The 32-year-old Gaudreau might be able to return Tuesday versus Nashville.

Protas scored a goal Saturday in a 3-1 loss to Boston.

It was a prototypical Protas goal. He was at the top of the crease when a rebound fell onto his stick, and he made no mistake. Protas has five points, including two goals, and eight shots in four appearances since returning from the Olympic break. He also missed one game for personal reasons. Protas is up to 21 goals, 22 assists and 131 shots in 60 games this season. He is currently on pace to top the 55-point mark.

Zacha scored a power-play goal in a 3-1 win over Washington on Saturday.

Zacha followed his shot and swatted the rebound out of the air and under the crossbar, baseball style. The goal extended his four-game streak to five points (one goal, four assists), but he has just five shots in that span. Zacha is on pace to deliver his third 55-plus point performance in his last four regular seasons.

Byfield (upper body) is slated to play Saturday versus Montreal, per Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site.

Byfield missed the Kings' past two games. He has 13 goals and 33 points in 58 outings in 2025-26. Byfield is poised to serve on the second line alongside Trevor Moore and Alex Laferriere on Saturday.

Kozak (undisclosed) isn't available for Saturday's game against Nashville, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.

Kozak is set to miss his second straight game. He's considered day-to-day, so the 23-year-old might be an option Sunday versus Tampa Bay. Kozak has two goals, four points, two PIM, 98 hits and 33 blocks in 39 appearances in 2025-26. Kozak could serve in a bottom-six capacity once he's ready to return.

O'Reilly (eye) is slated to play Saturday versus Buffalo, per Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site.

O'Reilly missed Thursday's 6-3 win over Boston because of the injury. He has 22 goals and 59 points in 61 appearances with the Predators in 2025-26. O'Reilly will return to his regular spot on the top line versus the Sabres. He should also see time on the power play and penalty kill.

Bourque logged two assists and two PIM in Friday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Avalanche.

He started the game on the third line, but the injury to Roope Hintz (lower body) opened the door for Bourque to move back up to the top line. The 24-year-old Bourque has nine points over his last nine games, so he's certainly earned his extra ice time. He's at 12 goals, 15 helpers, 111 shots on net, 48 hits and an even plus-minus rating through 62 appearances. Given his place in a strong lineup, Bourque is worth a look in most fantasy formats.

Hryckowian scored a goal on two shots, dished an assist, added two PIM and doled out three hits in Friday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Avalanche.

Hryckowian had been limited to two assists over his previous 11 games. The 25-year-old was pressed into a larger role Friday due to the early exit of Roope Hintz (lower body), who is out indefinitely. Hryckowian is still likely to be a third-line option moving forward, so he'll need to provide steadier offense to be a fantasy option. The center has nine goals, 12 helpers, 57 shots on net, 93 hits and 37 PIM through 61 appearances this season.

Johnston scored a goal and added a power-play assist in Friday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Avalanche.

Johnston picked up his fourth multi-point effort in his last five games. The 22-year-old has earned a power-play point in four of those games as well. Johnston is up to a career-high 34 goals with 33 assists, 163 shots on net and a minus-2 rating through 62 appearances this season. He should get a continued look on the top line since Roope Hintz (lower body) is out indefinitely after getting hurt Friday.