NHL Player News

McWard was summoned from AHL Bridgeport on Saturday.

The Islanders were down to six healthy defensemen, hence the recall of McWard. McWard led all Bridgeport defensemen with five goals and 16 points in 29 AHL games before his recall. He will line up on the third pairing, alongside Scott Mayfield, on Saturday against Toronto.

Fleury scored a goal on three shots and blocked two shots in Friday's 4-3 shootout win over the Canucks.

Fleury netted his first goal since the 2019-20 campaign with the Canadiens. He's been in the Kraken organization since the team's expansion draft in July of 2021, and this was his first goal in a Seattle uniform. In total, he has a career-best two points through nine outings this season and a total of four points across 45 appearances for the Kraken. He'll likely get a chance to play regularly while Brandon Montour (hand) is out, though Josh Mahura could push him for playing time as well.

Hughes logged four assists (one with the man advantage), two shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 5-2 win over the Ducks.

Hughes helped out on the Wild's first four goals in this contest. He has a goal and 10 assists over 10 outings in a Minnesota sweater, with four of those helpers coming on the power play. Overall, he's produced 34 points (16 on the power play), 93 shots on net, 43 blocked shots and a minus-3 rating over 36 outings between the Wild and the Canucks this season. Hughes remains trustworthy on offense for fantasy managers.

Jones (upper body) won't finish Friday's Winter Classic versus the Rangers.

Jones sustained the injury early in the first period and was ruled out during the middle frame. The 31-year-old defenseman can be considered day-to-day until more information is available. If Jones misses time, Donovan Sebrango is likely to get back into the lineup, while Jeff Petry would get a boost in power-play usage.

Dell'Elce registered two assists in UMass's 7-0 win over Simon Fraser University on Friday.

The Minutemen predictably didn't have any trouble with this matchup against a lower-division school. Dell'Elce has done his part this year with 15 points in 19 appearances in his sophomore season. The Avalanche prospect is on pace for a better output than his 24-point campaign from 2024-25, which helped him become a third-round pick in 2025.

Liljegren (upper body) is slated to play Saturday versus Tampa Bay, per Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now.

Liljegren missed five straight games due to the injury. He has four assists, 18 PIM, 25 hits and 63 blocks in 28 appearances with San Jose this season. His anticipated return to the lineup might coincide with the exit of John Klingberg (undisclosed), who is doubtful for Saturday's game.

Klingberg (lower body) is doubtful for Saturday's game against Tampa Bay, per Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News.

Klingberg has nine goals and 16 points in 31 appearances with the Sharks this season. He will probably be replaced in Saturday's lineup by Timothy Liljegren (upper body), who is expected to return from a five-game absence.

Chiarot notched an assist, three hits and two blocked shots in Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Penguins.

Chiarot ended a 14-game point drought with the helper. His only scoring contribution in December was a Dec. 2 goal versus the Bruins. The defenseman continues to hold down a shutdown role in the Red Wings' top four. He's earned nine points, 48 shots on net, 40 PIM, 89 hits and 91 blocked shots through 42 appearances this season.

Karlsson logged two assists and two blocked shots in Thursday's 4-3 overtime win over the Red Wings.

Karlsson's second helper of the game was the 900th point of his NHL career. The 35-year-old blueliner had 13 points over 14 outings in December and has started January on a high note as well. The veteran defenseman is up to 30 points, 86 shots on net, 38 blocked shots and a minus-5 rating through 39 appearances in a top-four role this season.

McNabb (upper body) is considered week-to-week, SinBin Vegas reports Friday.

McNabb sustained the injury during Wednesday's 4-2 loss to Nashville. He has two goals, three points, 18 PIM, 63 hits and 98 blocks in 38 appearances in 2025-26. Jaycob Megna was summoned from AHL Henderson on Thursday and should play regularly during McNabb's absence.