NHL Player News

Stephenson scored a goal and added two PIM in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Flames.

Stephenson has scored in three straight games, and he's collected four goals and three helpers during a seven-game point streak. His tally Thursday opened the scoring at 7:52 of the second period. The 31-year-old center is up to eight goals, 19 points, 53 shots on net, 25 blocked shots and a minus-12 rating over 32 appearances. He's in his best stretch of the season and is worth a look as a streaming option until he cools off.

Kadri scored a power-play goal on five shots and added an assist in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Kraken.

Kadri tied the game at 2-2 midway through the third period, then set up a Mikael Backlund empty-netter late in the frame. The 35-year-old Kadri has been excellent in December with three goals and seven helpers over eight contests. He's up to eight goals, 31 points (11 on the power play), 113 shots on net, 23 hits, 18 PIM and a minus-9 rating through 35 outings overall.

Backlund scored twice on four shots and went plus-2 in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Kraken.

Backlund tied the game at 1-1 in the second period and added an empty-netter late in the third. The 36-year-old earned his first multi-point effort since Nov. 23 versus the Canucks. He's earned four points over eight games this month, right in line with his seven goals and 18 points over 35 appearances on the year. Backlund also has 75 shots on net, 16 hits, 12 blocked shots and a plus-12 rating.

Miller scored the game-winning goal and added four shots on net in Thursday's 2-1 overtime win over the Blues.

This was Miller's second overtime winner in the last four games. The 32-year-old center has three goals and four helpers through nine outings in December while maintaining his usual top-six role. He's up to a total of 10 goals (three game-winners), 21 points, 77 shots on net, 74 hits and a minus-11 rating across 34 appearances. Miller is on track to finish below a point-per-game pace for the first time since 2020-21.

Protas scored a goal in Thursday's 4-0 win over Toronto.

Protas put the Caps up 1-0 in the first period with a tip-in. It was his 11th goal of the season, and it stood as the game-winner. The big man has 21 points and a remarkable plus-22 rating in 34 games. Protas is on a 50-point pace, but a few multi-point outings could get him back closer to last season's 66 points. His last multi-point effort came almost two months ago when he put up two helpers against Seattle on Oct. 21.

Nesbitt scored a goal and added an assist in OHL Windsor's 6-2 win over Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday.

This was Nesbitt's first multi-point effort since his five-point game Nov. 8. The Flyers prospect is up to 10 goals and 16 helpers through 25 appearances, putting him just over a point-per-game pace. His offense hasn't exploded this year, but he is showing decent consistency in his first campaign since being drafted 12th overall back in June.

Nobert scored twice and added an assist in QMJHL Blainville-Boisbriand's 5-1 win over Rouyn-Noranda on Thursday.

Nobert had been limited to three points over five games since his five-point burst Nov. 29. The Golden Knights prospect is up to 15 goals and 39 points over 29 appearances this season. Nobert ranks tied for 10th in the QMJHL in points and should continue to pile up points as he looks to surpass his total of 67 from 57 regular-season contests last year.

Cirelli (undisclosed) was hurt in the third period of Thursday's game versus the Kings, and head coach Jon Cooper didn't have an update on the center's status after the contest, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

Cirelli was hurt on a hit by Kevin Fiala. The Lightning were already playing one short since Nikita Kucherov (illness) couldn't suit up, making the team eligible to dip into emergency recalls prior to Friday's roster freeze for the holiday break. Cirelli's status should be updated prior to Saturday's game versus the Hurricanes. He had an assist Thursday and is up to 19 points in 30 appearances.

Kozak sustained an upper-body injury and won't return to Thursday's game against Philadelphia.

Kozak logged just 4:46 of ice time before exiting the game. Josh Dunne will likely draw into the lineup Saturday versus the Islanders if Kozak isn't available.

Lapierre is a late scratch Thursday versus Toronto due to an illness, according to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News.

Lapierre has five assists, eight PIM, 24 shots and 22 hits in 32 appearances in 2025-26. Bogdan Trineyev is set to draw into the lineup as a member of the fourth line because of Lapierre's absence.