NHL Player News

McDavid (lower body) is expected to play Wednesday versus the Blues despite prior reports suggesting he would not suit up, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

McDavid is poised to end an eight-game absence due to the injury. His return would be a welcome sight for an Oilers team that has watched injuries pile up at forward, which had Edmonton staring down the prospect of facing the Blues with just 11 forwards and six defensemen available. Assuming McDavid can play, he'll look to pick up where he left off -- he recorded a 13-game point streak with four goals and 15 assists prior to his injury.

Guentzel is away from the Lightning while awaiting the birth of his child, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

No reason was initially provided for Guentzel's absence, but this is an encouraging update rather than a concerning one. Mitchell Chaffee will cover for Guentzel in this contest, while Guentzel will attempt to be ready to return to the lineup Friday versus the Red Wings.

Guentzel (undisclosed) won't play Wednesday versus the Maple Leafs, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

Guentzel had three power-play assists in 19:24 of ice time versus the Rangers on Monday. However, it looks like he's dealing with an injury -- it's unlikely the Lightning would be resting a player in a matchup that will have an impact on who wins the Atlantic Division this season. Mitchell Chaffee is expected to be in the lineup Wednesday, but Nick Paul stands to pick up the most extra ice time in Guentzel's absence.

Poehling (undisclosed) is expected to be in the lineup versus the Rangers on Wednesday.

Poehling left Monday's practice with an injury, but interim head coach Brad Shaw said the 12 forwards on the roster will play Wednesday. That means Poehling is clear to suit up after Rodrigo Abols was sent down Wednesday and Olle Lycksell was waived Monday. Poehling will likely feature in a middle-six role and see power-play time.

Couturier (undisclosed) is expected to be in the lineup Wednesday versus the Rangers.

The Flyers sent down Rodrigo Abols and waived Olle Lycksell earlier in the week, leaving the team with just 12 healthy forwards. Interim head coach Brad Shaw indicated that the forwards on the NHL roster would play Wednesday, clearing the path for Couturier to suit up after battling an injury earlier in the week.

Abols was reassigned to AHL Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

Abols has two goals and five points in 22 outings with Philadelphia in 2024-25. He's also collected 12 goals and 27 points across 44 appearances with Lehigh Valley.

Texier (upper body) won't play against Edmonton on Wednesday, per Lou Korac of NHL.com.

It will be the Blues' sixth straight game without Texier. He has six goals and 11 points in 31 appearances in 2024-25. Texier will be an option for a bottom-six spot once he's healthy.

Shore has been reassigned to AHL Iowa, per the NHL media site.

Shore's demotion corresponds with Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) and Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) being activated off injured reserve. Brendan Gaunce was also returned to Iowa. Shore has a goal, five points and 76 hits over 55 outings with Minnesota in 2024-25.

Gaunce was assigned to AHL Iowa on Wednesday, per the NHL media site.

Gaunce was placed on waivers at the end of March, but he remained on Minnesota's roster after passing through waivers. However, he'll head back to the minors after Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) and Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) were activated from injured reserve.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) is off injured reserve, per the NHL media site, which sets the stage for his return Wednesday versus San Jose.

Eriksson Ek has nine goals and 24 points in 42 appearances with the Wild in 2024-25. He was last in the lineup Feb. 22. Eriksson Ek is projected to play alongside Marcus Foligno and Matt Boldy in his return. The 28-year-old Eriksson Ek should also see time on the second power-play unit.