NHL Player News

Carlson (lower body) isn't expected to make his debut with the Ducks until the end of the team's road trip, which begins Tuesday, according to Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune on Sunday.

The Ducks' road trip starts Tuesday in Winnipeg and concludes next Sunday in Montreal, so Carlson isn't too far off from making his debut with his new club. Considering that game in Montreal is the second half of a back-to-back set, it seems less likely Carlson will draw into the lineup Saturday in Ottawa, especially since he has been contending with a lower-body injury.

Ekholm (undisclosed) will suit up for Sunday's divisional matchup in Vegas, per the NHL media site.

Ekholm will avoid missing his first game of 2025-26 after being deemed a game-time call earlier Sunday. The 35-year-old defenseman is currently riding a five-game point streak, during which he has six helpers and a plus-3 rating while averaging 20:05 of ice time. Ekholm will more than likely fill his usual role on the No. 1 pairing next to Evan Bouchard on Sunday.

Parayko (back) is slated to miss Sunday's game in Anaheim.

Parayko is set to miss his fifth consecutive contest, this one against the Ducks. The right-shot blueliner has averaged 22:24 of ice time over 58 appearances this season, and as a result of the Blues dealing Justin Faulk to the Red Wings on Friday, Parayko might receive an uptick in responsibilities once he's fully healthy and back in the lineup. The 32-year-old Parayko's next chance to suit up will be at home versus the Islanders on Tuesday.

Clarke logged two assists, three shots on goal, three blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Canadiens.

Clarke has a goal and four assists over his last three games. His 24:41 of ice time Saturday was also a season high. The blueliner set a new career high in points with 34 through just 62 outings compared to 33 in 78 regular-season contests a year ago. Clarke has grown into a larger role and looks to have the trust of interim head coach D.J. Smith, which is good news for the defenseman's rest-of-season production.

Ekholm (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision against Vegas on Sunday.

Ekholm didn't participate in Sunday's morning skate. He has registered six goals, 33 points, 109 shots on net, 97 blocked shots and 55 hits across 63 appearances this season. If Ekhlom is unavailable to play against the Golden Knights, Spencer Stastney could draw into the lineup.

Severson scored a goal, added an assist and logged five PIM in Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Mammoth.

Severson earned the Gordie Howe hat trick with a first-period goal, second-period assist and third-period fight. The 31-year-old defenseman has five points across his last four contests while filling a top-four role with power-play time. He's in a good position in the lineup to contribute more offense, though it may not last. Severson has five goals, 26 points, 76 shots on net, 78 blocked shots, 37 PIM, 36 hits and a plus-11 rating over 61 appearances, surpassing his 25-point output from last year.

DeSimone registered an assist, three blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Blue Jackets.

DeSimone ended a five-game point drought with the helper. The 31-year-old defenseman is likely headed for a reserve role once Mikhail Sergachev (lower body) returns, as the addition of MacKenzie Weegar has strengthened the right side of Utah's defense. DeSimone has six points, 32 shots on net, 26 blocked shots and a plus-6 rating over a career-best 35 appearances this season.

Cole logged an assist and five PIM in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Blue Jackets.

Cole helped out on Logan Cooley's first tally of the contest. This ended a 13-game point drought for Cole, who will likely see a drop in ice time once the Mammoth's blue line is at full health. He should still be in the lineup regularly over Nick DeSimone. Cole has matched his output from last year with 17 points while adding 45 shots on net, 60 hits, 124 blocked shots, 40 PIM and a plus-20 rating through 63 appearances.

Weegar posted an assist, two hits and three blocked shots in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Blue Jackets.

Weegar missed only one game while waiting for his work visa after a trade from Calgary. He immediately slotted into a top-pairing role for the Mammoth, though the team didn't get enough power-play time to give a hint as to his usage in that situation. Weegar is up to 22 points, 126 shots on net, 132 hits, 146 blocked shots, 69 PIM and a minus-35 rating over 61 appearances. His overall play should benefit from joining a team in the thick of the playoff race.

Brzustewicz was recalled from AHL Calgary by the Flames, the team announced Sunday.

The injury to Zach Whitecloud (upper body) on Saturday created a hole for the Flames on the back end that Brzustewicz has likely been recalled to fill. If the 21-year-old Brzustewicz gets into a game, it will be his first since Jan. 29. He has played 18 NHL games overall on the season, recording one goal and one assist in those contests.