NHL Player News

Eller (undisclosed) is in the projected lineup for Thursday's game against the Ducks, signaling that he'll be available.

Head coach Travis Green indicated Wednesday that Eller would be unavailable for Thursday's matchup, but the 36-year-old is now slated to suit up, while Ridly Greig (undisclosed) will be sidelined. Eller is in the midst of a seven-game pointless streak in which he's recorded six blocked shots and five hits while averaging 11:39 of ice time.

Greig (undisclosed) will miss Thursday's clash in Anaheim, per Senators on-air host Jackson Starr.

Greig has two goals, eight points, 20 PIM, 30 shots, 25 hits and 13 blocks in 19 appearances in 2025-26. He's considered day-to-day, so there's a chance he'll return Saturday in San Jose. Stephen Halliday is set to make his NHL debut Thursday.

Thompson scored a goal on three shots in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Flames.

Thompson tied the game at 2-2 in the second period, but the Sabres' momentum fizzled out in the third. His goal streak is up to four games, and five of his 10 tallies on the year have come in his last six outings. The center is up to 18 points, 78 shots on net, 27 hits, 11 blocked shots and a minus-6 rating through 20 appearances.

Backlund scored a goal on three shots in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Sabres.

Backlund's tally at 7:34 of the third period extended the Flames' lead to 4-2. The 36-year-old has a goal and three helpers over his last five games, and he's gone plus-5 in that span as well. The center is up to four goals, seven helpers, 52 shots on net, 15 hits and a plus-3 rating through 22 appearances. He's fallen short of the 40-point mark in back-to-back seasons, but he's now on pace to reach it this year despite the Flames' abysmal team offense.

Janmark logged an assist in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to the Capitals.

The helper was Janmark's first point in six games this season. He missed a month to start the year due to an undisclosed injury. He's added two shots on net and a minus-3 rating. Janmark will play a primarily defensive role in the bottom six, but he should still be capable of pushing for 15-20 points by the end of the campaign.

Protas scored a goal on three shots, blocked two shots and went plus-3 in Wednesday's 7-4 win over the Oilers.

Protas has a goal and an assist over his last two games after being limited to one tally over his previous 10 outings. It's been tough sledding for the 24-year-old this year, who has been unable to replicate his 21.1 shooting percentage from the 2024-25 regular season. Through 20 contests, Protas has six goals, six assists, 43 shots on net, 16 blocked shots, 10 hits and a plus-10 rating while continuing to see steady top-six minutes.

Laughton (upper body) was activated off injured reserve on Thursday, per David Alter of The Hockey News.

Laughton has seen action in only two NHL games this season. He missed the first 13 games with a lower-body injury and missed five games with the current injury. Laughton could see fourth-line action with Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli, replacing Jacob Quillan. Laughton has seven hits in two games.

The Lightning activated Paul (upper body) from injured reserve Thursday, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

Paul will get his first start of the season, as he underwent surgery at the beginning of training camp. The 30-year-old will see time as a top-six forward, playing alongside Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point against Edmonton on Thursday. The Lightning placed Victor Hedman (undisclosed) on injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Nielsen was recalled from AHL Colorado on Thursday.

Nielsen made his NHL debut in early November, and he'll rejoin the Avalanche after spending the past few weeks in the minors. Across 16 appearances with the Eagles this year, he's recorded nine goals, five assists, 12 PIM and a plus-6 rating.

Paul (upper body) is expected to make his season debut versus the Oilers on Thursday, according to Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

Paul was on the top line at morning skate, alongside Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point. Point underwent surgery at the start of training camp and was expected to be out until early November, so his return was delayed by a couple of weeks. Paul had 22 goals, 19 assists, 141 shots on goal and 66 hits over 76 regular-season games last season. He should see time on the second power play against Edmonton. Paul needs to be activated from injured reserve ahead of Thursday's tilt.