NHL Player News

Highmore scored an empty-net goal and went plus-1 in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Panthers.

This was Highmore's first goal since Jan. 12, a span of 33 games between tallies. He had just four helpers, 29 shots on goal, 41 hits, 18 blocked shots, six PIM and a minus-7 rating during that stretch, so he doesn't provide enough value in other categories to warrant much consideration in the fantasy realm. The 29-year-old has contributed two goals and six points while averaging 11:10 of ice time over 36 appearances in 2024-25, mainly in a fourth-line role.

Kotkaniemi tweaked something and didn't play in the third period of Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Bruins, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

The Hurricanes were well behind, but head coach Rod Brind'Amour said Kotkaniemi will be evaluated further Sunday, so this looks to be more than just a precautionary move. The Hurricanes have no extra healthy forwards available, so they'd likely have to dress seven defensemen for Tuesday's game versus the Sabres unless they call up another forward.

Hischier produced one goal and two assists in a 4-0 win against the Rangers on Saturday.

During the second period, Hischier had a hand in a power-play goal by Timo Meier and a shorthanded tally by Jesper Bratt. The 26-year-old Hischier rounded out the scoring with an empty-netter in the third frame. He has five goals and two assists over a three-game point streak. Hischier has amassed 35 goals and 66 points through 71 outings this campaign.

Necas (upper body) won't play Saturday versus the Blues, but there's reportedly been good news about his recovery, Conor McGahey of Altitude TV reports.

Necas will miss a second straight game, but there's no indication this will be a long-term issue for the 26-year-old. While Necas and Jonathan Drouin (lower body) are both out, Jimmy Vesey and Miles Wood are finding more steady playing time. Necas' next chance to play is Tuesday versus the Golden Knights.

Staal (lower body) didn't accompany Carolina on the team's four-game road trip, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports Saturday.

Staal has already missed the last three games and would be out until at least April 12 versus the Rangers if he doesn't join the team on the road. He has collected 12 goals, 33 points, 99 shots on net, 42 blocked shots and 127 hits in 71 appearances this season. Due to Staal's absence, Tyson Jost has occupied a bottom-six spot in the lineup.

Malkin (upper body) will return to the lineup against Dallas on Saturday.

Following a four-game absence, Malkin will return to a top-six role and see power-play time versus the Stars on Saturday. He has generated 15 goals, 46 points and 108 shots on net in 62 appearances this season. Malkin will replace Joona Koppanen in Saturday's lineup.

Aman (undisclosed) will not be available versus Anaheim on Saturday, Ben Kuzma of Postmedia reports.

Aman was injured during practice Friday. He has one goal and five assists across 19 outings this season. The Canucks recalled Max Sasson from AHL Abbotsford on an emergency basis, and he will replace Aman in Saturday's lineup.

Frederic (lower body) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, per the NHL media site.

Frederic appears ready to return from an 18-game absence and make his Edmonton debut against the Kings on Saturday. He had eight goals, 15 points, 76 shots on net, 155 hits and 44 PIM in 57 games with Boston before being traded to the Oilers on March 4.

Turcotte (upper body) is unlikely to play in Saturday's home matchup with the Oilers, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

It'll be the seventh straight game Turcotte's missed as he continues to nurse an upper-body injury. The 24-year-old forward has eight goals and 23 points in a career-high 64 games this season. Turcotte's next chance to suit up will come Monday when the Kings host Seattle.

Wiesblatt was reassigned to AHL Milwaukee on Saturday, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Wiesblatt appeared in one game after he was called up April 3, racking up five hits in 11:18 of ice time. Overall, the 23-year-old winger has one assist in five contests with the Preds this season.