NHL Player News

Brannstrom was placed on waivers Sunday, Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK reports.

Brannstrom figures to join AHL Abbotsford, should he clear waivers. The 25-year-old defenseman had been a healthy scratch in Vancouver's last six games after logging three goals and eight points in 28 contests earlier this year.

Samberg notched an assist, three shots on goal, three blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Avalanche.

This was Samberg's second game back from missing 21 contests due to a broken foot. The 25-year-old led the Jets with 24:47 of ice time Saturday, and he's immediately resumed a top-four role on the blue line. He's unlikely to be a significant source of offense, instead serving in more of a shutdown role. Samberg is at seven points, 30 shots on net, 35 blocked shots, 26 hits, 18 PIM and a plus-14 rating through 23 outings in 2024-25.

Smith was assigned to AHL Chicago on Sunday, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

Smith had appeared in the Hurricanes' last eight games, recording a goal and an assist, in the absence of Shayne Gostisbehere (upper body). It appears that Carolina will dress five defensemen Sunday against the Ducks.

Morrissey notched an assist and five shots on goal in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Avalanche.

Morrissey left Tuesday's game versus the Predators with a lower-body injury, but he didn't miss any time. He's seen his usual heavy workload over the last two contests, so fantasy managers can assume the 29-year-old blueliner is fine. Morrissey is up to five goals, 39 points, 90 shots on net, 70 blocked shots and a plus-11 rating through 44 appearances.

Martinez logged an assist and three hits in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Oilers.

Martinez missed 15 games due to a neck injury. He logged 18:56 of ice time in his return to action, which came in a top-four role. Martinez is unlikely to be a regular contributor on offense, but he could help fantasy managers as a blocked-shot specialist. He has five points, 39 blocks, 16 shots on net and a minus-8 rating over 16 appearances.

Emberson posted an assist, two shots on goal and two blocked shots in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Blackhawks.

The helper was Emberson's first point over five outings in January. He remains in a bottom-six role, but he doesn't look to be in danger of being scratched, as it has often been Troy Stecher or Josh Brown exiting the lineup instead. Emberson has produced six assists, 57 hits, 56 blocked shots, 34 shots on goal and a minus-3 rating through 40 appearances this season.

Sanheim logged an assist, two blocked shots, two PIM and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 6-0 win over the Ducks.

Sanheim helped out on a Ryan Poehling tally in the third period. The helper ended a five-game slump for Sanheim, though he has been limited to two assists over his last 11 outings. The 28-year-old defenseman is still seeing top-four minutes, so he should have ample opportunities to turn things around. He has 22 points, 81 shots on net, 36 hits, 96 blocked shots, 28 PIM and a plus-3 rating over 43 contests.

Sanderson produced a power-play assist and two blocked shots in Saturday's 5-0 win over the Penguins.

Sanderson has three helpers over his last six games, and they've all been on the power play. The 22-year-old defenseman is up to 23 points (15 on the power play), 84 shots on net, 81 blocked shots, 25 hits and a minus-16 rating over 41 appearances. He's on track to surpass his career-best total of 38 points from last season, but he's experiencing steady progression rather than a major breakout.

Kleven scored a goal, logged four hits and added two PIM in Saturday's 5-0 win over the Penguins.

This tally ended an 18-game slump on offense for Kleven, and it also set the tone for a blowout win. The 23-year-old defenseman has been a fixture on the Senators' third pairing, but he brings little to the table on offense. He has three points, 36 shots on net, 54 hits, 44 blocked shots, 12 PIM and a minus-1 rating through 41 appearances, so most fantasy managers can look elsewhere for help on the blue line.

Lamoureux (upper body) was assigned to AHL Tucson on Sunday.

Lamoureux missed the last 20 games due to injury, but his reassignment to the minors indicates he is ready to return to action. He has one goal, two assists, 17 shots on net, 11 blocked shots and 18 hits through 15 appearances with Utah in 2024-25. Lamoureux could receive another look in the NHL this season after shaking off some rust in the AHL.