NHL Player News

Kessel made just his fourth appearance in the last 18 games in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Devils.

Colton Parayko (back) was out Saturday, opening the door for Kessel to fill in. When the Blues are at full health, Kessel appears to be out of favor, with Tyler Tucker and Logan Mailloux most often filling out the defense. For the season, Kessel has three points, 13 shots on net, 12 hits, 15 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over 23 appearances.

Pesce logged an assist and two blocked shots in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Blues.

Pesce snapped an 18-game point drought with the helper. He went minus-13 with 18 shots on net and 28 blocked shots in that span. For the season, the 31-year-old defenseman is up to seven points, 43 shots on net, 77 blocks and a minus-12 rating over 36 appearances. Pesce's never been a particularly big scorer, but this could end up as the lowest-scoring campaign in his career.

Booth was loaned to AHL Ontario on Sunday.

Booth was a healthy scratch in Saturday's 2-0 win over Calgary. He has produced one goal and 10 points in 42 minor-league appearances this season. Booth will probably be in the lineup for Sunday's matchup against AHL Bakersfield.

Hughes registered an assist and two shots on goal in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Blues.

Hughes missed 10 games due to a shoulder injury. The 22-year-old defenseman is up to 27 points (eight on the power play), 106 shots on net, 40 blocked shots, 24 PIM and a minus-7 rating over 50 appearances. It's not clear if the shoulder injury was related to previous injuries that impacted him early in each of the last two campaigns, though it's a concern that he continues to deal with issues in that area. As long as he can stay healthy, Hughes should be good for top-four minutes and power-play time.

Walman scored a goal in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Sharks.

Walman put up four goals in just five games in February. The 30-year-old defenseman looks to have some momentum for the stretch run, which is a positive given all the time he missed due to two injuries earlier in the campaign. He has 18 points, 60 shots on net, 52 blocked shots and a minus-7 rating through 32 appearances.

Mukhamadullin scored the game-winning goal, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Oilers.

Mukhamadullin missed Friday's practice as he became a new father, and he scored a day later. He's tallied twice in his last three outings, though he's not guaranteed to be a full-time player for the rest of the season. Mukhamadullin has earned four goals, four assists, 23 shots on net, 37 blocked shots and a minus-2 rating across 27 appearances while filling a bottom-four role this season.

McAvoy scored a goal on three shots in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Flyers.

McAvoy extended his point streak to nine games with the third-period tally. He has two goals and 10 assists during the streak. The top-pairing blueliner has amassed five goals, 41 points, 69 shots on net, 56 hits, 87 blocked shots, 44 PIM and a plus-4 rating over 47 appearances this season. He's on pace to get back to the 50-point mark after missing it in each of the previous two campaigns.

Makar scored two goals, including an empty-netter, put three shots on net and recorded two blocked shots in Saturday's 3-1 win over Chicago.

Makar found the back of the net with just nine seconds remaining in the second period to tie the game at 1-1 before sealing the victory with his empty-net goal in the third. He's up to 17 goals, 60 points, 155 shots on goal and 95 blocked shots across 58 games this season. The reigning Norris Trophy winner is crafting another solid case for the award, and he could be fueled even further to post a strong season following Canada's silver-medal finish at the Olympics. Look for Makar to challenge the 90-point mark for the third consecutive season.

Werenski supplied two assists, fired five shots on net and dished out two hits in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders.

Werenski extended his point streak to nine games, setting a new Blue Jackets franchise record for the longest point streak by a defenseman. His pair of helpers Saturday brought the superstar blueliner up to 45 assists, 65 points, 195 shots on goal and 68 blocked shots across 54 games this season. Since Dec. 11, the 28-year-old defenseman has been held off the scoresheet just two times during his 35-point, 24-game stretch of play. Werenski is making a compelling case for the Norris Trophy, which could be bolstered if the Blue Jackets make a push for a playoff spot following their sluggish start to the season.

Ginning was recalled by the Flyers from AHL Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Ginning played five NHL games in October, but he hasn't played in one since. The 26-year-old has four points (one goal, three assists) in 31 games with AHL Lehigh Valley. He's set to rejoin the Flyers roster now, but he's unlikely to draw into the lineup this time around either.