NHL Player News

Steel scored a goal in Friday's 8-3 win over the Ducks.

Steel ended a six-game point drought with the tally. The 27-year-old's offense has declined lately -- he has just four points over his last 21 appearances. He's at five goals, 11 points, 39 shots, 35 hits, 18 PIM, 16 blocked shots and a minus-8 rating through 36 outings overall. Steel saw some top-six minutes earlier in the year, but he's currently centering the third line, which will likely keep his offense limited.

Hischier logged two assists, including one on the power play, and five shots on goal in Friday's 2-1 win over the Mammoth.

Hischier entered this contest on a five-game point drought before setting up tallies by Stefan Noesen and Connor Brown. The 26-year-old Hischier won't lose ice time even when his offense is cold, as his defensive play is too valuable to the Devils. The center is up to 28 points, 86 shots on net, 34 blocked shots, 27 hits, 14 PIM and a minus-1 rating over 35 contests.

Barron scored a shorthanded goal on two shots in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Avalanche.

Barron has three goals and an assist over his last five games. The Jets have given him a middle-six role lately since he's one of the few forwards on the roster making a positive impact. His fantasy usefulness remains limited since he doesn't have a power-play job. Barron is up to six goals (two shorthanded), 11 points, 43 shots on net, 60 hits, 18 blocked shots, 18 PIM and a plus-6 rating over 28 appearances this season.

Scheifele scored a power-play goal on two shots and added two PIM in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Avalanche.

Scheifele ended a four-game goal drought with his third-period tally. It was his first power-play contribution since Nov. 13 versus the Kraken. The center has remained fairly steady on offense, but he's one of the few Jets who that applies to recently. Scheifele is up to 17 goals, 41 points (seven on the power play), 71 shots on net, 22 PIM and a plus-9 rating across 34 appearances.

Gaunce (personal) was placed on the non-roster list Friday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Gaunce and his wife are expecting a baby, and the Blue Jackets made this move to create a roster spot after acquiring Mason Marchment from the Kraken. It's unclear if Gaunce will have a chance to play regularly once he returns from his personal leave -- he may ultimately end up on waivers since he's played 12 games during his current stint with the big club, though he wouldn't be eligible for that to happen until after the NHL's holiday roster freeze expires Dec. 28.

Necas scored a goal on four shots in Friday's 3-2 win over the Jets.

Necas had gone six games without a goal before tallying in the first period. He was limited to 16:57 of ice time after leaving the game briefly in the second period before returning for the third. The winger has just two goals over his last 15 outings, but he's been an elite playmaker with 19 helpers in that span. For the season, the 26-year-old has 15 goals, 46 points, 74 shots on net, 32 hits, 22 PIM and a plus-33 rating over 34 appearances.

Gorzynski scored three goals and added two assists in WHL Prince Albert's 8-3 win over Kelowna on Friday.

Gorzynski was traded from WHL Calgary to Prince Albert on Monday, and he's already made a huge impact with six points over two games with his new team. The Raiders are competing for the top of the WHL's Eastern Conference, and adding Gorzynski, who has 35 points in 29 games, should be a big deal to help them keep pace. The Stars prospect should benefit greatly from being involved in a competitive playoff race, which will test his all-around skills.

Danault (illness) was acquired by the Canadiens from the Kings on Friday in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick (originally belonging to Columbus).

Danault's slow start to the season with the Kings turned him into a trade candidate, and he'll be back with the Canadiens for a second stint. Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports Danault won't be able to suit up Saturday versus the Penguins, but he could be available for Sunday's rematch in Pittsburgh to close the home-and-home set. Through 30 games this season, he's earned just five assists with 42 shots on net and 22 hits. Danault has never been a strong goal-scorer, so fantasy managers should expect him to get just a slight bump in offense, likely in a middle-six role.

Jarvis sustained an apparent upper-body injury in Friday's game versus the Panthers that head coach Rod Brind'Amour deemed "not good," and Jarvis is expected to miss some time, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Jarvis crashed into the post during overtime and appeared to be favoring his arm as he left the game. He had two assists in the contest and is now at 29 points through 34 appearances. This is a big loss for the Hurricanes, who don't have an extra forward on the roster. Fantasy managers will need to pivot to other options during Jarvis' absence.

Horvat (lower body) won't be in the lineup for Saturday's game versus the Sabres, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

Horvat will miss his fourth straight game by not going on the brief road trip. The 30-year-old's status hasn't been determined for Tuesday's game versus the Devils, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Islanders let him rest through the holiday break to avoid rushing back.