NHL Player News

Draisaitl (undisclosed) is unlikely to play in any of the Oilers' three games this week, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports Monday.

Draisaitl has missed the last two games, and head coach Kris Knoblauch indicated Friday that both Draisaitl and Connor McDavid (lower body) could miss at least a week. Monday's report is roughly in line with those remarks and would mean that the soonest that Draisaitl would be in the mix to return would be against the Golden Knights on April 1. Draisaitl will presumably continue to be monitored closely throughout the week, but Derek Ryan could continue to see playing time for the Oilers in the coming games.

Head coach Dan Bylsma said Monday that Stephenson is considered day-to-day due to an upper-body injury, Scott Malone of Root Sports reports.

Stephenson exited Wednesday's loss to Minnesota due to his injury and was unable to suit up against the Oilers on Saturday. The 30-year-old is apparently dealing with an upper-body issue, but he skated in a non-contact sweater during Monday's practice session. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available for Tuesday's game against the Flames.

Vilardi (upper body) didn't participate in Monday's practice and is week-to-week, Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press reports.

During Monday's media availability, head coach Scott Arniel said Vilardi's injury isn't related to the puck the 25-year-old took to the ear in Sunday's 5-3 loss to Buffalo. It's unclear if Vilardi will return before the end of the regular season. He has compiled 27 goals, 61 points and 130 shots on net in 71 games this season. Alex Iafallo replaced Vilardi on the top line in Monday's practice.

Kyrou scored a goal and tallied two shots on net in Sunday's 4-1 win over Nashville.

Kyrou tallied the opening goal of the game just over 12 minutes into the first period. With his goal Sunday, Kyrou becomes only one of 14 players across the league to tally both 30 or more goals and assists this season. He also used Sunday's contest to extend his point streak to six games where he has 11 points and three multi-point performances. Overall, Kyrou has 30 goals, 31 assists and 202 shots on net in 72 appearances this season. He leads the Blues in points, goals and shots on net. If he can maintain his current momentum down the stretch, he should contend for the 70-point mark for the third time in the past four seasons. Kyrou is a must-start in all league formats for the fantasy playoffs.

Texier tallied a power-play goal and had two shots on net in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Predators.

Texier tallied a power-play goal in the first period to give him his first point since returning from a lingering illness. With the marker, the 25-year-old Texier has five goals, 10 points and 49 shots on goal in 29 appearances this season. Since his return, which also featured a stretch of 11 games as a healthy scratch, Texier has been featured on St. Louis' third line and second power-play unit. The Blues have been thriving offensively during their six-game winning streak, so Texier re-enters the lineup in an excellent position to make a late-season run in points. There are likely better names to look out for on the waiver wire, but keep an eye on Texier if St. Louis continues to shine on offense.

Schenn scored an empty-net goal in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Predators.

Schenn found the back of the empty net with less than 40 seconds remaining in Sunday's contest. The 33-year-old center is up to 17 goals, 47 points and 129 shots on net in 72 appearances this season. With his tally Sunday, Schenn extended his point streak to three games, and he has seven points in his last six contests. He also passed his point total of 46 from a season ago. The 16-year NHL vet has been an extremely steady presence offensively for the Blues' second line and top power-play unit. Look for Schenn to finish the regular season around the 55-point mark at his current pace offensively. He has great value in most league formats for the fantasy playoffs.

Thomas dished out three assists in Sunday's 4-1 win over Nashville.

Thomas put on a playmaking clinic Sunday with three helpers in total. His first two apples were primary assists in the first period, including a power-play helper on Alexandre Texier's goal. Thomas' final assist was a secondary helper on blueliner Justin Faulk's tally. Overall, the 25-year-old Thomas is up to 42 assists, 60 points and 128 shots on net in 60 outings this season. With 60 points, he is tied for 47th-most points in the league and he trails only Jordan Kyrou for most points on the Blues. Thomas is just below an assist per-game pace recently with 18 helpers and 24 points over his last 20 games. St. Louis might be the hottest team in the league right now with six consecutive wins and Thomas has been a large part of that. He has great value in all league formats with the fantasy postseason upon us.

Crosby dished two assists and blocked two shot attempts in Sunday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Panthers.

Crosby registered assists on both of linemate Bryan Rust's tallies in the opening period. The first of Crsoby's two helpers was on a power play to tie the game at one apiece. With Sunday's apples, the 37-year-old superstar extended his point streak to seven games, a span where he has earned 12 points. Overall, Crosby is up to 53 assists and 78 points this season, which ranks 11th in the NHL. He has elite fantasy value for the postseason and is just two points shy of reaching the 80-point mark for the 14th time in his 20-year career.

Malkin netted a power-play goal in Sunday's 4-3 shootout loss to Florida.

Malkin found the back of the net on a second-period power play to give the Penguins an early 3-1 lead. The 38-year-old vet is up to 15 goals, 46 points and 108 shots on net in 62 appearances this season. While Malkin has struggled at times to find the back of the net this season, he has goals in back-to-back games and six lamp-lighters in his past 14 appearances. His improved play down the stretch makes the 19-year NHL superstar a solid play in most fantasy formats while the Penguins make a long-shot run toward an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Barkov dished a power-play assist and scored the game-winning tally in the shootout of Sunday's 4-3 win over Pittsburgh.

Barkov's helper came on a second-period power play where he helped linemate Sam Reinhart find the back of the net. Barkov then opened the shootout by scoring a backhand tally, which would be all the Panthers needed to win the game. Overall, the 29-year-old center has 45 assists, 64 points and 135 shots on net in 61 outings this season. Barkov currently ranks 34th in points across the league and has 10 points in his last 10 games. While he's been steady offensively as of late, his fantasy value takes a hit for the time being as the Panthers won't take the ice again until Friday versus Utah. When he does take the ice, however, Barkov is a lineup lock in all fantasy formats thanks to his elite playmaking numbers.