NHL Player News

Donato scored a goal on four shots and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Blues.

Donato has found the scoresheet in consecutive games after going pointless in three contests to begin the season. The 29-year-old is in a third-line role, but he's already been shuffled all over the lineup through five games. He's added 12 shots on net, five hits and a plus-2 rating, but he'll need to be consistent on offense to elevate his play enough for fantasy managers.

Nazar scored a goal in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Blues.

Nazar stretched the Blackhawks' lead to 4-2 in the second period, and his goal stood as the game-winner. He's off to a fantastic start this year, earning two goals, four assists, eight shots on net, five blocked shots and a plus-3 rating across five appearances. Nazar appears to be firmly in the second-line center spot, and he offers plenty of two-way upside while on a trajectory for a major breakout in his second full season.

Kadri logged a power-play assist in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Mammoth.

Kadri has earned three helpers, including two on the power play, over the Flames' first five games. The center has added 11 shots on net, three hits, three blocked shots, four PIM and a minus-5 rating. Kadri is playing big minutes as the top-line center on a team that has struggled to find consistent offense, so his fantasy value is dependent on which categories are in play. He should offer decent offense and a strong shot volume, but he'll likely have a negative plus-minus rating throughout the year.

Schmaltz notched an assist and six shots on goal in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Flames.

Schmaltz has settled into his usual playmaking role in the Mammoth's top six. He's already earned three assists over four games, though he's also racked up 16 shots on net. Schmaltz usually averages about two shots per game, so his volume could decrease from his current pace, but he's also fairly efficient as a five-time 20-goal scorer. He also plays on the first power-play unit, which should help him maintain steady point production overall.

Stenlund scored an empty-net goal on three shots, blocked two shots and added two PIM in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Flames.

Stenlund was able to add some insurance for the Mammoth with a banked-in shot from his own zone to the empty net. It was the 29-year-old's first point in four appearances this season. He's filled a bottom-six role with minimal power-play time so far, which explains the lack of offense. Stenlund has added five shots on net, four blocks and an even plus-minus rating. Barring a promotion to a scoring line, he's unlikely to help most fantasy managers.

Hayton scored a goal in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Flames.

Hayton was held off the scoresheet Monday in his season debut, but he was able to get a goal in the Mammoth's home opener. The 25-year-old center missed time due to an undisclosed injury to begin the season. He's got one goal, three shots and a plus-1 rating over two appearances so far while playing on the top line at even strength.

Appleton had two goals, including an empty-netter, in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Panthers.

Appleton broke the deadlock for the Red Wings with a snap shot at the 2:09 mark of the second period, and he'd later add an empty-netter with 1:57 left in the game to put the game out of reach. Appleton scored the game-winning goal against the Maple Leafs on Monday and now has three goals in his past two appearances. He might not be able to continue scoring at this rate, as he has found the twine three times on seven shots. Still, he has short-term value on Detroit's top line due to the absence of Lucas Raymond (upper body).

Larkin had two assists, including one on the power play, in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Panthers.

Larkin assisted in each of the Red Wings' first two goals -- a snap shot from Mason Appleton and a wrister from Patrick Kane on the power play. The 29-year-old Larkin has recorded at least one point in each of his four games this season, tallying two goals and three assists over that span. He also has 14 shots in that four-game stretch, so he should continue to have plenty of opportunities to keep producing amid his hot start to the campaign.

Kopitar missed Wednesday's practice and is considered day-to-day, per Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site.

Kopitar has four assists in four outings this year. If he can't play Thursday versus Pittsburgh, then Phillip Danault will likely serve in LA's top six. Kopitar's absence would probably also lead to Samuel Helenius making his season debut.

Karlsson logged an assist in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Flames.

The helper was Karlsson's first point in four games this season. He's maintained a middle-six role, but he's not seeing prime chances as the third-line center and a member of the second power-play unit. Karlsson's defensive skills will keep him in a prominent role, but he's not expected to be a 50-point threat anymore.