NHL Player News

Balinskis scored a goal and blocked two shots in Monday's 4-3 loss to the Flyers.

Balinskis has gotten on the scoresheet in consecutive contests for just the second time this season. His goal gave the Panthers a 2-0 lead in the first period. The 28-year-old blueliner is up to two goals, 10 assists, 52 shots, 34 hits, 29 blocked shots and a minus-7 rating through 41 appearances. Balinskis was out of the power-play mix for much of December, but he's back to seeing time on the second unit in the absence of Aaron Ekblad (undisclosed).

Johnson has been scratched for 24 consecutive games after sitting out Monday's 4-3 win over the Panthers.

Given head coach John Tortorella's propensity to tinker with his lineup, it's a significant surprise that a veteran like Johnson hasn't been able to get into the lineup. The 36-year-old Johnson has two points, 23 hits, 10 blocked shots and nine PIM over 15 outings. There's no telling when Johnson might get into a game again, so he doesn't need to be monitored in fantasy.

Ristolainen produced a power-play assist, three shots on goal and two hits in Monday's 4-3 win over the Panthers.

Ristolainen has earned four assists and a plus-1 rating over his last eight outings. The defenseman helped out on the first of Noah Cates' two goals in the third period of Monday's comeback win. This was Ristolainen's first power-play point since the 2022-23 campaign, and he's up to a goal, 11 assists, 63 shots on net, 72 hits and 62 blocked shots through 44 appearances this season.

Marino (back) will be a game-time decision Tuesday against Montreal, Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports.

Marino has yet to suit up in 2024-25 after undergoing lower-back surgery in October. The right-shot blueliner was traded from the Devils to Utah in June of 2024. Marino will take the ice in warm-ups Tuesday, and if he is able to play, he'll slot in on the third pairing. The 27-year-old would be a welcomed addition for a club that has dealt with major injuries to its blue line, including Sean Durzi (shoulder), who has only played in four games this season.

Hronek (lower body) will be activated from long-term injured reserve ahead of his return to the lineup against Winnipeg on Tuesday, per Dan Murphy of Sportsnet.

Hronek will skate on the top pairing and could see power-play time with the second unit after missing the last 21 games. He has generated one goal, eight assists, 24 shots on net, 21 blocked shots and 36 hits through 21 appearances this season. Hronek will replace Guillaume Brisebois in Tuesday's lineup.

Lindholm (lower body) was moved to long-term injured reserve Tuesday.

Lindholm will miss his 29th straight game versus Tampa Bay on Tuesday, and landing on LTIR won't impact his recovery timeline. He has been skating, but it remains unclear when he will be ready to return to the lineup. Boston recalled Michael Callahan in a corresponding move because Charlie McAvoy (undisclosed) landed on the IR list.

Petry (undisclosed) will not travel with the Red Wings for their upcoming four-game road trip, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports Tuesday.

Petry already has missed four games due to his undisclosed injury and now will be sidelined for at least another five. Prior to getting hurt, the blueliner was stuck in a six-game pointless streak during which he registered just three shots to go with five hits and nine blocks. On the year, the veteran has managed just six points in 34 games and could miss the 20-point threshold for the first time since 2015-16 when he played in just 51 regular-season games for Montreal.

McAvoy (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

McAvoy will sit out the next two games, starting with Tuesday's matchup versus Tampa Bay, due to a nagging injury. He has produced five goals, 20 points, 86 shots on net, 77 blocked shots and 86 hits across 45 appearances this season. Parker Wotherspoon will replace McAvoy in Tuesday's lineup.

George (upper body) is slated to return versus the Senators on Tuesday, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports.

George will be back in the lineup following a three-game stint on the shelf due to his upper-body injury. Prior to getting hurt, the youngster was stuck in a four-game pointless streak. The offense hasn't exactly been flowing from the Ontario native this season, as he has managed just five points in 25 outings. As such, fantasy players probably don't need him on their radar, especially in re-draft leagues.

Smith was brought up from AHL Chicago on Tuesday.

Smith's promotion could be an indication there is some concern on the Hurricanes' blue line ahead of Wednesday's matchup with Buffalo -- though he could simply be emergency depth coverage for the quick one-game road trip. In order to free up a roster spot, the team designated Frederik Andersen (knee) for injured reserve.