NHL Player News

Rifai was summoned from AHL Toronto on Wednesday.

The Maple Leafs also sent defensemen Henry Thrun and Dakota Mermis to the minors. Rifai hasn't drawn into an NHL game since the 2023-24 campaign, when he appeared in two regular-season games with the Maple Leafs. The 27-year-old has four assists and 23 PIM across 12 outings with AHL Toronto this season.

Ekholm (undisclosed) is day-to-day ahead of Thursday's home game with the Sharks, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reports.

Ekholm didn't participate in Wednesday's practice and is questionable for Thursday's contest. The news comes just two days after he scored his first career hat trick, which highlights his recent seven-point, five-game run of scoring. Overall, the 35-year-old blueliner has six goals, 26 points, 95 shots on net, 50 hits and 87 blocked shots across 54 games this season. He will likely have to rejoin the mix at Thursday's practice if he wants a chance play against the Sharks.

Hutton notched an assist, two shots on goal and two blocked shots in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Canadiens.

Hutton snapped a nine-game slump when he helped out on Pavel Dorofeyev's second goal in this contest. For the season, Hutton has 14 points in 45 appearances, putting him on track for his best performance since his rookie year in 2015-16, when he had 25 points in 75 games. Hutton has added 59 shots on net, 47 blocked shots, 23 hits and 17 PIM for Vegas this season.

Wilsby logged an assist and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Bruins.

Wilsby's helper was his first point in two games since he returned from missing four contests due to a lower-body injury. The 25-year-old should be a regular in the Predators' lineup moving forward. He's at eight points, 37 shots on net, 31 blocked shots, 18 PIM and a minus-3 rating over 38 appearances, offering little upside for fantasy managers.

Blankenburg scored a goal in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Bruins.

Blankenburg picked up his fourth point in the last 11 games when he tied the score at 2-2 in the third period. The 27-year-old was limited to 12:41 of ice time since the Predators dressed seven blueliners for this contest. Blankenburg shouldn't have trouble staying in the lineup while Nicolas Hague (lower body) is out on a week-to-week basis. For the season, Blankenburg has six goals and 21 points, both of which are career highs. He's added 52 shots on net, 39 hits, 44 blocked shots and a minus-9 rating over 42 outings.

Josi scored a power-play goal on two shots and went minus-2 in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Bruins.

Josi continues to surge on offense with four goals and nine assists over his last eight games. He's gotten on the scoresheet in seven of those contests. The 35-year-old blueliner is up to nine goals, 31 points, 107 shots on net, 61 blocked shots, 22 PIM and a minus-10 rating through 40 appearances this season.

Aspirot recorded an assist and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Predators.

This ended an eight-game slump for Aspirot. The 26-year-old has carved out a regular role on the Bruins' blue line this season, which earned him a two-year contract extension Jan. 11. He's up to four points, 23 shots on net, 59 hits, 44 blocked shots, 31 PIM and a plus-20 rating over 34 appearances in a shutdown role.

Lindholm scored a goal and added four PIM in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Predators.

Lindholm tallied the opening goal at 13:16 of the first period. He's earned three points over six outings since returning from an undisclosed injury. The 32-year-old defenseman is still seeing key defensive minutes and some power-play time. He's at four goals, 17 points, 66 shots on net, 69 blocked shots, 40 PIM and a minus-10 rating over 40 appearances this season.

Fabbro (lower body) won't play Wednesday versus Philadelphia, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

Fabbro has three goals, seven points, 16 PIM, 48 shots, 42 hits and 81 blocks in 48 appearances in 2025-26. He's missed Columbus' past three games due to the injury. The 27-year-old typically serves on the third pairing when he is healthy.

Pulock (upper body) is considered a game-time decision ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Rangers, per Stefen Rosner of NHL.com.

After leaving last Wednesday's game against Seattle due to an upper-body injury, Pulock has a chance to return to the lineup following a two-game absence. The Islanders made space in their crowded defensive core Tuesday when they sent Isaiah George down to AHL Bridgeport. Through 50 games this season, Pulock has posted solid all-around numbers with 21 points, 62 shots on net, 34 hits and 93 blocked shots. If the 31-year-old blueliner returns Wednesday, he'll likely slot into the third defensive pairing alongside Carson Soucy, who will get his shot at revenge against the Rangers, who traded him Monday.