NHL Player News

McLeod scored a goal on two shots, dished an assist and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Rangers.

McLeod opened the scoring at 4:40 of the first period and set up Jason Zucker's game-winner in the third. The 26-year-old McLeod had gone 16 games without a goal, supplying seven assists and just 10 shots on net in that span. Despite the shaky offense, he's maintained a second-line role. He's now at 13 goals, 53 points, 89 shots on net and a plus-23 rating over 79 appearances, matching his career-high point total from last year.

Dickinson left Wednesday's game versus the Sharks after taking a blocked shot to the back of the leg in the third period, Jamie Umbach of the Oilers' official site reports.

Dickinson needed help off the ice, which isn't a good sign. The 30-year-old will be considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's game versus the Kings. If Dickinson is out, Curtis Lazar will likely check into the lineup, while Adam Henrique could be tasked with a larger role.

Joshua (upper body) won't be in the lineup Thursday versus the Islanders, Terry Koshan of The Toronto Sun reports.

Joshua sustained the injury Wednesday against the Capitals, and it will keep him out of the lineup. The Maple Leafs will make a couple of changes at forward, as Luke Haymes and Michael Pezzetta will draw into the lineup for Joshua and Benoit-Olivier Groulx. It's unclear if Joshua will be able to play Saturday versus the Panthers -- at this stage of the campaign, he may simply be shut down if the injury is bad enough.

Groulx will be reassigned to AHL Toronto ahead of Thursday's game versus the Islanders, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

Groulx's reassignment comes for waivers-related purposes, as he had been called up under emergency conditions. The Maple Leafs will give Luke Haymes his NHL debut in Thursday's contest. Considering Toronto seems concerned with losing Groulx on waivers, it's unlikely he'll get another call-up in 2025-26.

Haymes will be recalled from AHL Toronto ahead of Thursday's game versus the Islanders, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

Haymes will draw into the lineup and make his NHL debut Thursday. Benoit-Olivier Groulx will be sent down to avoid a waivers issue. Haymes could stick with the big club if Dakota Joshua (upper body) misses time after getting hurt Wednesday.

Joshua (upper body) won't return to Wednesday's game versus the Capitals.

Joshua was hurt in a collision along the boards with Rasmus Sandin in the second period. The 29-year-old Joshua can be considered day-to-day for now. If he can't play Thursday versus the Islanders, Michael Pezzetta is likely to draw into the lineup in a bottom-six role.

Ostlund (upper body) won't play Wednesday versus the Rangers, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports.

Ostlund will miss his seventh straight game Wednesday. The 22-year-old's status for Thursday versus the Blue Jackets has yet to be determined. Given the Sabres have already secured a playoff spot, they likely won't be interested in rushing Ostlund back into the lineup. He was a regular in the lineup prior to his injury, but he may not get steady playing time once healthy.

Brind'Amour was called up from AHL Chicago on Wednesday.

Brind'Amour has 16 goals, 34 points and 34 PIM in 66 outings with AHL Chicago in 2025-26. Although the 26-year-old hasn't appeared in an NHL game yet this campaign, he did score a goal in two regular-season appearances with Carolina in 2024-25.

Hagens signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Boston on Wednesday.

Hagens is expected to report to Boston, per Conor Ryan of The Boston Globe, and 2025-26 will count as the start of the contract. The 19-year-old Hagens had 23 goals and 47 points in 34 outings with Boston College as a sophomore this campaign. He then joined AHL Providence on an amateur tryout contract, collecting a goal and four points in six appearances. Hagens was selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Necas scored a goal on four shots in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Blues.

Necas' tally at 19:32 of the first period stood as the game-winner. He hasn't gotten on the scoresheet in consecutive contests over his last six games, but he has three goals and three helpers in that span. The 27-year-old has offered elite offense with 37 goals, 95 points, 192 shots on net, 82 hits and a plus-44 rating over 74 appearances this season.