NHL Player News

Beecher (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, per the NHL media site.

Beecher is week-to-week due to the injury. He missed Monday's 5-1 loss to Seattle after receiving a one-game suspension for roughing Nashville's Michael McCarron on Saturday. However, he is facing an extended absence after getting injured in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Predators. Beecher has one goal, two assists, 21 shots on net, 18 blocked shots and 18 hits in 25 games between the Flames and Bruins this season.

Kopitar (lower body) is day-to-day, per Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period on Tuesday.

Kopitar sustained his lower-body injury Monday against the Wild and was ruled out by the team during the middle frame. The Kings play Wednesday at home versus San Jose, and the team will likely not rush Kopitar back into the lineup if he's anything less than 100 percent healthy, given that he's 38 years old. The Kings are already thin up the middle, so a center may be recalled from AHL Ontario if Kopitar is unable to suit up Wednesday.

Anaheim waived Nesterenko on Tuesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Nesterenko is currently stuck in a 17-game goal drought during which he has recorded three assists, 20 shots and 33 hits while averaging 11:37 of ice time. Assuming the 24-year-old winger clears waivers, he will head down to AHL San Diego. The move to waive Nesterenko could result in increased minutes for Jansen Harkins.

Wright scored a goal on two shots in Monday's 5-1 win over the Flames.

Wright ended a five-game slump with the goal at 1:57 of the third period, which stood as the game-winner. The 22-year-old center is still struggling to contribute offense regularly as he rounds out his overall performance. For the season, he's at seven goals, 15 points, 62 shots on net, 32 hits, 30 blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating. He had 44 points in 79 contests in 2024-25, but he's on track to barely top the 30-point mark this season.

Bedard (shoulder) won't be in the lineup versus St. Louis on Wednesday but is considered day-to-day after that, Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio reports.

Bedard was originally ruled out until January and was expected back before the Olympic break, though that leaves a wide range of possible return dates. The fact that the young phenom is moving into the day-to-day category should be an indication that he'll be back as the Hawks' first-line center sooner rather than later.

Chytil (upper body) is with his teammates on Vancouver's six-game road trip, per Canucks Insider on Tuesday.

Chytil will miss his 36th straight game against Buffalo on Tuesday, and it remains unclear when he will return to the lineup. However, the Canucks hope to have him back in the fold soon. He has contributed three goals, 15 shots on net, four blocked shots and three hits in six outings this season.

Trocheck scored a power-play goal on two shots, added three hits and blocked two shots in Monday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Mammoth.

Trocheck's point streak is up to four games (two goals, three assists). He's gotten on the scoresheet in seven of his last nine outings as well, providing stability for the Rangers in a top-six role. The veteran center now has 10 goals, 25 points, 51 shots on net, 100 hits, 24 blocked shots, 18 PIM and a minus-8 rating through 30 appearances.

Blueger (lower body) is with the Canucks on their six-game road trip that begins Tuesday in Buffalo, according to Canucks Insider.

Blueger has been dealing with a long-term lower-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Oct. 19. It's unclear if he's close to returning to game action, but his presence on the team's road trip might be an indication that he's approaching full strength. The 31-year-old has appeared in just two games this season, producing a goal on two shots, three hits and three blocks.

Malkin (upper body) has been cleared for contact and could be an option against the Devils on Thursday after head coach Dan Muse told reporters, "He looked good, have another practice day tomorrow...we'll continue to have conversations," Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports.

The Penguins didn't do line rushes for Monday's optional practice session, but Malkin figures to be a lock to reclaim his spot as the No. 2 center once given the all-clear. Additionally, the Russian forward should be back on the top power-play unit where he has generated 13 of his 29 points this year.

Gaudreau scored a goal and took two shots in Monday's 5-1 win over the Flames.

Gaudreau snapped a four-game scoring skid with this tally, an empty-netter at the 17:25 mark of the third period. This was his fourth goal of the season, and while he holds a top-six role in the lineup, he isn't producing enough to warrant fantasy consideration in most formats.