NHL Player News

Clifton notched an assist, four hits and two PIM in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Hurricanes.

Clifton ended a 10-game point drought when he set up the first goal of Ryan McLeod's hat trick just 43 seconds into the contest. The Sabres' defense is fully healthy for the first time recently, so Clifton will have to keep his performance up to avoid losing playing time to Dennis Gilbert or Jacob Bryson. Clifton has eight assists, 33 shots on net, 29 PIM, 123 hits, 65 blocked shots and a plus-5 rating through 42 appearances this season and likely won't score enough to help in fantasy.

Ekholm (undisclosed) is on the ice for warmups and expected to play Wednesday versus the Wild, Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels reports.

Ekholm was considered a game-time decision after missing Wednesday's morning skate. His heavy defensive usage leads to some wear and tear throughout the season, and that appears to be the case in this situation. He's projected to play in his usual spot on the top pairing.

Fleury (lower body) was able to practice in a regular jersey this week, meaning he's close to returning to the lineup, Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press reports.

It's unclear if he'll be able to return Thursday versus the Kraken. Fleury won't be guaranteed a spot in the lineup upon his return, as Dylan Samberg recovered from a broken foot during Fleury's absence. Fleury would likely be set to compete with Logan Stanley for the last spot on the blue line.

Samuelsson (illness) will make his return Wednesday against Carolina.

Samuelsson missed Buffalo's previous two games due to the illness. He has two goals, five points, 43 hits and 34 blocks in 26 appearances in 2024-25. Samuelsson is projected to skate on the third pairing alongside Connor Clifton in his return.

Coghlan was sent to AHL Manitoba on Wednesday.

Coghlan has no points, four PIM, nine shots, two hits and seven blocks in six appearances with Winnipeg in 2024-25. He was a healthy scratch in Tuesday's 6-1 victory over Vancouver.

Brisebois was assigned to AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday.

Brisebois spent over two weeks with the Canucks and appeared in three games. He didn't record any points but racked up four blocked shots and two hits while averaging 15:48 of ice time. The 27-year-old should see more consistent time in the lineup in the minors.

"There's a good chance" Durzi (shoulder) will be able to return in April, coach Andre Tourigny told Cole Bagley of KSL Sports on Wednesday.

Durzi has two assists, seven PIM, two hits and 13 blocks in four appearances with Utah in 2024-25. He hasn't been in the lineup since Oct. 14. Durzi will likely serve in a top-four capacity once he's healthy, though rust might be a factor after missing the vast majority of the campaign.

Ludvig was placed on waivers by the Avalanche on Wednesday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Ludvig was claimed off waivers by the Avs from the Pens before the start of the 2024-25 campaign, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Pittsburgh put in a claim to try to get the 24-year-old blueliner back. In eight games with Colorado this year, the defenseman has notched two assists, 16 hits and nine shots while averaging 12:57 of ice time. Assuming Ludvig clears waivers, he figures to be sent down to AHL Colorado.

Barrie has not played in two months after being scratched for a 26th consecutive game Tuesday versus the Blues.

The Flames have carried eight defensemen for the bulk of the season, but head coach Ryan Huska hasn't given Barrie a game-day assignment since Nov. 12 versus the Canucks. Barrie is likely at the bottom of the depth chart, as Daniil Miromanov is more probable to get back in the lineup if an opportunity arises. The 33-year-old Barrie has two points and 12 shots on net through nine appearances in 2024-25.

Cholowski has gone six games without a point after Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Senators.

Alexander Romanov's upper-body injury has opened the door for Cholowski to play again after a six-game stint as a healthy scratch. Prior to that stretch, he had seen a healthy share of ice time, but he's topped 15 minutes just once in his last four outings while filling a spot on the third pairing. Cholowski has eight points, 23 shots on net, 29 blocked shots and a plus-3 rating through 27 appearances. He could lose his place in the lineup and possibly also his roster spot once the Islanders' blue line is fully healthy, but that won't happen until Mike Reilly (chest) is able to return, which isn't expected to happen until after the 4 Nations Face-Off.