NHL Player News

Huberdeau (hip) skated with his teammates Saturday, but he isn't close to returning, Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM reports.

Huberdeau is expected to periodically join his teammates for morning skates and practices as part of his return-to-play process. He underwent hip surgery in February and hasn't been in the lineup yet this season.

Kulich (face) is back in Buffalo for evaluation and won't play against Washington on Saturday, according to Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550.

Kulich might join the team in California later in the road trip. He took a puck to the face during Friday's practice. Kulich has one goal, two assists, nine shots on net and seven hits in eight appearances this season.

Malkin (illness) won't play against Nashville on Saturday, Josh Getzoff of SportsNet Pittsburgh reports.

After missing Friday's practice, Malkin returned to the ice for Saturday's optional morning skate. However, he will miss at least one game. He has registered six goals and nine points in 11 appearances this season. Avery Hayes will replace Malkin in Saturday's lineup against the Predators.

Sourdif (illness) will suit up for Saturday's home clash against the Sabres, per Sammi Silber of The District Standard.

Sourdif has been sidelined in the Capitals' last two outings due to an illness. Prior to going down, the 24-year-old center had posted a goal, eight PIM, six shots on net and 13 hits across seven games. He has struggled to begin the 2026-27 campaign after posting 35 points across 78 regular-season games a year ago. He'll likely slot into the fourth-line center role while looking to get things going.

Dubois (illness) will be activated from injured reserve ahead of his return to the lineup against Buffalo on Saturday, Sammi Silber of The District Standard reports.

Following a five-game absence, Dubois will return to a top-six role and see time on the power play. He has collected one goal, three assists, six shots on net, five hits, three blocked shots and six PIM in four appearances this season.

Goncalves notched an assist and three shots on net in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Avalanche.

This was the first point of the year for Goncalves, who has seen even-strength usage in the top six. The 25-year-old had 33 points in 74 regular-season contests a year ago, so there's definitely potential for him to get to a higher level on offense. In addition to his assist, he has eight shots on net, 10 hits and a plus-2 rating over nine appearances in 2026-27.

Point registered two assists (one on the power play) and three shots on goal in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Avalanche.

Point has five helpers over his last four contests. The 30-year-old center is up to eight points, 20 shots on net and a plus-5 rating over 10 appearances this season. It's concerning that Point's scoring woes from last year, when he was limited to 18 goals and 50 points in 63 regular-season outings, look to be continuing into 2026-27. He remains in a top-six role, but he has been bumped to the second line at even strength as he tries to find his finishing touch.

Guentzel scored two goals on seven shots, doled out three hits and added two PIM in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Avalanche.

Guentzel was the main driver on offense in this contest. He's now earned four multi-point efforts on the year. Guentzel has six goals, five assists, 27 shots on net, eight hits, six blocked shots and a plus-4 rating across 10 appearances. He continues to be an effective top-six winger, particularly on the power play, where he's earned four of his 11 points this year.

Svechkov scored a goal in Friday's 6-3 win over the Lightning.

Svechkov has gotten on the scoresheet in three straight games, earning a goal and two assists in that span. The 23-year-old is up to two goals, four helpers, 11 shots on net, seven blocked shots, 21 PIM and a plus-7 rating through 11 appearances.

Kadri scored a power-play goal and added two hits in Friday's 6-3 win over the Lightning.

This was Kadri's first goal of the campaign. The 36-year-old forward has maintained a top-six role so far, primarily playing on the right wing, and he's relied on playmaking for his production. He's at eight points (three on the power play), 28 shots on net and a plus-2 rating through 11 appearances.