NHL Player News

Fantilli scored a goal in Monday's 4-3 shootout win over the Canadiens.

Fantilli was unable to score in the 2-1 loss to the Rangers on Saturday, but the 21-year-old is already back in the scoresheet, and he continues to enjoy an excellent start to the season. Fantilli, who showed promise with a 54-point season in 2024-25, is up to 13 points (six goals, seven helpers) across 19 games so far in 2025-26. He should continue to find lots of scoring chances as one of the main playmaking threats in the Blue Jackets' roster, as evidenced by his first-line role both at even strength and on the power play.

Head coach John Hynes said Tuesday that Sturm (back) is "maybe a week or two away" from making his season debut, per Jessi Pierce of NHL.com.

Sturm has yet to play in 2025-26 and is on injured reserve due to a long-term back injury. He is expected to return to the lineup before the end of November. Once he's able to suit up, he'll slot into a bottom-six role, which could see Ben Jones be a healthy scratch or relegated to the minors.

Rodrigues scored a goal on four shots in Monday's 8-5 win over the Canucks.

Rodrigues has scored in two of the last three contests following a three-game dry spell. The veteran forward has provided decent depth offense this season, picking up five goals, 10 points, 45 shots on net, 22 hits and 10 blocked shots across 19 appearances. He should continue to see consistent top-six minutes.

Lundell scored a goal on five shots and added two hits in Monday's 8-5 win over the Canucks.

Lundell has two goals and five helpers over his last six games. The Panthers have upped his ice time -- he's been above 20 minutes in all but two of the last 11 games. For the season, he's posted five goals, 16 points, 38 shots on net, 18 hits, 16 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over 19 appearances while playing in all situations.

Kapanen scored a goal in Monday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets.

Kapanen found the back of the net at 4:47 of the second period with a wrister. That was Kapanen's seventh goal of the season, and that tally also snapped a three-game point drought for the 22-year-old. Kapanen endured a slow start to the season but seems to be turning things around with three goals over Montreal's last six games.

Cirelli (upper body) is expected to be available for Tuesday's home contest against the Devils, per Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site.

Cirelli last suited up Nov. 6 in Vegas but is set to return to game action Tuesday. The left-shot center should resume his usual duties on the second line while seeing time with the man advantage.

Lindholm (lower body) is set to travel with the team for its three-game road trip through California, Conor Ryan of The Boston Globe reports Tuesday.

Lindholm remains on injured reserve and has missed eight consecutive games. However, it seems like he is nearing a return to the lineup when taking into account this latest update. Marat Khusnutdinov and Pavel Zacha have filled the top-two center roles due to Lindholm's absence.

Matthews (lower body) is doubtful to suit up versus the Blue Jackets on Thursday after general manager Brad Treliving told reporters, "I would suspect Thursday's probably not a possibility ... I don't anticipate too, too long," Mark Masters of TSN reports Tuesday.

Based on Treveling's comments, Matthews looks poised to return in time to face the Canadiens on Saturday, though he hasn't been officially given the all-clear. In his 17 outings this year, the world-class center has racked up nine goals and five helpers, but has managed just two power-play points. Matthews will reclaim his spot on the No. 1 power-play unit and top line as soon as he is ready to play.

Head coach Craig Berube said Tuesday that Roy (upper body) will miss a couple of games, Lance Hornby of The Toronto Sun reports.

Roy had already been ruled out for Tuesday's home game versus the Blues, so Berube's latest comments aren't encouraging for the 28-year-old's short-term status. The Leafs have matchups against the Blue Jackets on Thursday and in Montreal on Saturday, but their next game after that isn't until Nov. 26, which could be a realistic date for Roy to return to the lineup if his recovery goes smoothly.

James (face) was activated off IR ahead of Tuesday's matchup with the Devils, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

Where James fits into the lineup against the Devils on Tuesday will likely depend on the availability of Anthony Cirelli (upper body) and Nick Paul (upper body), who have both been working with the team at practice. In his last two games prior to getting hurt, the 23-year-old James was finding his offensive stride with one goal and three assists.