NHL Player News

Eriksson Ek (lower body) skated before Thursday's game-day practice but remains week-to-week, per Jessi Pierce of NHL.com.

Eriksson Ek's return to the lineup is not imminent, but he will probably accompany the Wild on the team's three-game road trip, which begins Monday versus New Jersey. He will miss his 16th consecutive game against Washington on Thursday. Eriksson Ek has compiled nine goals, 24 points, 123 shots on net, 31 blocked shots and 69 hits in 42 appearances this campaign.

Lafferty (groin) is slated to miss Thursday's clash with Pittsburgh, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

According to head coach Lindy Ruff, Lafferty is nearing his return to action but it's unlikely to be Thursday's tilt against the Pens. In 50 games this year, the 30-year-old winger has notched just five points. Given his offensive limitations, Lafferty's expected absence is unlikely to impact the majority of fantasy players.

Malkin (upper body) won't play against Buffalo on Thursday, per Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site.

Malkin will miss his second straight game, and Kevin Hayes could center the second line again versus the Sabres. The 38-year-old Malkin has generated 15 goals, 46 points and 108 shots on net in 62 appearances this season. His next chance to play will be against Ottawa on Sunday.

Donato collected two assists, one on the power play, in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Devils.

The 28-year-old isn't slowing down on his career-best campaign, even as Chicago drifts toward another high lottery pick in the draft. Donato has three multi-point performances in the last six games, and since the beginning of February he's produced an incredible 10 goals and 26 points in 21 appearances.

Hischier picked up two assists, one on the power play, in Wednesday's 5-3 win over Chicago.

The 26-year-old center extended his point streak to eight games when he helped set up the first of two Dawson Mercer tallies early in the first period, and Hischier then fed Stefan Noesen for an empty-netter late in the third. Hischier has stepped up in a big way since Jack Hughes (shoulder) was lost for the season -- in 11 contests since Hughes went down, Hischier has five goals and 12 points, including four goals and two assists with the man advantage.

Mercer scored two power-play goals, one the game-winner, in Wednesday's 5-3 victory over Chicago.

The 23-year-old ended a seven-game goal drought when he slipped a puck past Spencer Knight early in the first period, and Mercer then gave the Devils a 4-2 lead with a quick shot through a screen in the second. Mercer's up to 17 goals on the season, giving him nine more games to reach 20 for the third straight campaign.

Cizikas scored a shorthanded goal and added an even-strength assist in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Canucks.

His efforts briefly gave the Islanders a 2-1 lead midway through the second period, but the rest of the offense went cold. Cizikas snapped a nine-game point drought and an 11-game goal drought with the performance, and on the season he's produced six goals and 14 points in 71 appearances. While his 186 hits are two shy of his career high, his minus-15 rating would be a career worst.

Suter produced two assists in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Islanders.

Suter helped set up Derek Forbort's game-winner in the final minute of the second period, and a Kiefer Sherwood empty-netter late in the third. Suter has four multi-point performances in the last seven games, collecting four goals and eight points over that stretch, and he should remain a fantasy asset as long as Elias Pettersson (undisclosed) remains unavailable.

Hyman scored a goal on six shots in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Stars.

Hyman's six shots led the Oilers, and he was able to cash in late in the third period. It wasn't enough, as they weren't able to find an equalizing goal. The 32-year-old winger has four goals and two assists over his last four outings. For the season, he has 26 goals, 43 points, 192 shots on net, 51 hits, 28 PIM and a plus-15 rating over 65 appearances.

Henrique scored a goal on five shots, added an assist and went minus-2 in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Stars.

Both of Henrique's points came on the power play in the third period as part of the Oilers' comeback attempt. The 35-year-old is filling a second-line role in the absences of Leon Draisaitl (undisclosed) and Connor McDavid (lower body). Henrique has taken advantage of the larger role with three points, all on the power play, over the last two games. He's at 10 goals, 20 points, 91 shots on net, 68 blocked shots, 48 hits and a plus-2 rating over 70 appearances this season.