NHL Player News

Mercer scored two goals, including an empty-net goal, and fired six shots on net in Thursday's 7-3 win over Washington.

Mercer tallied a goal early in the first period to double New Jersey's lead before he later placed the bow atop Thursday's victory with an empty-net goal. With the pair of twine finders, he is up to 17 goals, 38 points, 143 shots on net, 31 hits and 45 blocked shots through 75 games this season. The 24-year-old forward is now just two points shy of reaching 40 on the season, which would be his first time with 40 or more points since the 2022-23 season. With five points over his last six games, Mercer holds solid streaming value in most standard fantasy formats for the remainder of the fantasy playoffs.

Hughes scored two goals, recorded three assists and fired five shots on net in Thursday's 7-3 win over Washington.

Hughes stole the show in Thursday's victory, as he tallied two consecutive goals midway through the contest, including the game-winning tally. He also picked up a helper late in the first period and two assists in the third. Overall, the 24-year-old star is up to 24 goals, 44 assists, 200 shots on net and 23 blocked shots through 54 games this season. Hughes has been unstoppable since the Olympics with 32 points over his last 18 games, which ranks second in the NHL during that span. He's on pace to post the second-best points-per-game total of his career behind his 99-point campaign across 78 regular-season games during the 2022-23 season. When healthy, Hughes is a superstar for fantasy hockey.

Hopkins scored twice in OHL Guelph's 11-3 loss to Windsor in Game 4 on Thursday.

These goals were Hopkins' only points over four playoff outings this year. He had 50 points in 56 regular-season contests as well. The Maple Leafs prospect has done an alright job so far, but another year of development in the OHL would probably do him some good.

Newhook scored a goal in a 3-2 win over the Rangers on Thursday.

It was Newhook's 12th goal of the season. The number seems unremarkable overall, but look closer. Newhook has 23 points in 35 games, which is a 54-point pace. He may not be a great help the rest of the way, but he could be a sneaky sleeper next season. Put Newhook's name on your watch list for next fall.

Helenius (undisclosed) is expected to return to the lineup Thursday versus the Predators, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Helenius missed one game due to the injury. He's gone 12 games without a goal and has just two assists in that span, though he generates most of his value through physicality. Helenius is slated to skate on the Kings' fourth line.

Hyman (undisclosed) is expected to play Thursday versus Chicago, per Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels.

Hyman has 31 goals and 51 points in 56 outings in 2025-26. He was considered a game-time call, but it seems he won't need to take a break that would have disrupted his four-game scoring streak (two goals, five points).

Lundestrom (undisclosed) is expected to be in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Hurricanes, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

Lundestrom is in line to play after leaving Tuesday's contest against the Hurricanes with an injury concern. He warmed up on the fourth line and should be good for his usual penalty-killing duties as well.

Wright (upper body) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Mammoth, NHL.com reports.

Wright skated in a non-contact jersey during Thursday's morning skate, but he'll be unavailable for a second consecutive matchup due to his lower-body injury. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return, but his next opportunity to do so will be Saturday against Chicago.

Zary (upper body) is set to play Thursday in Vegas, per Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Zary hasn't played since March 20 due to the injury. He has 11 goals and 24 points across 67 outings in 2025-26. Zary is projected to play on the fourth line alongside Martin Pospisil and Adam Klapka versus the Golden Knights.

Barron (concussion) is expected back in the lineup versus Dallas on Thursday.

Barron was out of action for two games due to his concussion. Prior to getting hurt, the 27-year-old winger had managed just one goal in his last nine outings while chipping in two helpers. With Barron slotting back into a fourth-line role, he is unlikely to offer much in the way of fantasy value.