NHL Player News

Balinskis scored a goal on three shots and went plus-2 in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Islanders.

Balinskis got on the scoresheet for the first time in six games with the opening tally in Sunday's win. The 29-year-old defenseman's first goal of the season gives him five points, 18 shots on net, 29 hits, 12 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over 19 appearances this season. Balinskis remains in competition with Jeff Petry and Donovan Sebrango for time on the third pairing.

Jones scored a goal on two shots in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Islanders.

Jones has three points over his last two outings following his recent four-game drought. The 31-year-old defenseman should continue to be a steady producer both on offense and in non-scoring areas in a top-four role for the Panthers. He's at five goals, 16 points, 52 shots on net, 29 hits, 32 blocked shots and a minus-2 rating over 28 appearances this season.

Joseph (illness) was on the ice for Monday's morning skate, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

Following a two-game absence due to illness, Joseph is poised to be a healthy scratch for Monday's matchup against Detroit. He has produced one assist, 10 shots on goal, eight blocked shots and four hits in 11 appearances this season.

Walman (undisclosed) is week-to-week, per Tony Brar of Oilers TV on Monday.

Walman has already missed the last six games, as his injury has lingered longer than expected. At this point, his return may not arrive until after the Christmas break, but it's still unclear when he will be ready to play. Walman has three goals, 10 points, 23 shots on net and 31 blocked shots in 17 appearances this season.

Bean (undisclosed) is undergoing an evaluation for an injury and won't be available for Monday's game against Buffalo, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

Bean played in two straight games after being a healthy scratch in six of the previous seven contests. He has one goal, two points, 16 shots on net and 29 blocked shots across 16 appearances this season. Due to Bean's absence, Brayden Pachal will play against the Sabres on Monday. The Flames also recalled Hunter Brzustewicz from the minors, but he will probably be a healthy scratch.

Harley (lower body) will join the Stars for their two-game road trip but may not be ready to face the Jets on Tuesday, Stars beat writer Robert Tiffin reports.

Harley has been sidelined for 12 games and counting due to his lower-body injury. The blueliner managed just one point, and assist, in his previous six outings prior to getting hurt and hasn't found the back of the net since the second game of the year.

Lyubushkin (lower body) won't accompany the Stars on the team's upcoming two-game road trip, according to Sam Nestler of DLLS Stars on Monday.

Lyubushkin is poised to be out for about five days. That would sideline him for the next three games, starting with Tuesday's matchup against Winnipeg. He also sat out Sunday's 3-2 shootout win over Pittsburgh. Lyubushkin has generated five assists, 41 blocked shots and 30 hits in 21 appearances this season.

McAvoy (face) will travel with the Bruins ahead of their three-game road trip that begins Tuesday in St. Louis, and he hopes to return at some point during the trip, Scott McLaughlin of WEEI reports.

McAvoy has been sidelined since mid-November after being hit in the face by a slap shot against the Canadiens on Nov. 15. However, he resumed skating in late November and appears to be drawing closer to a return. The 27-year-old hasn't yet received final clearance to return to game action, but it seems possible that he'll be back on the ice at some point within the next three matchups.

Brzustewicz was called up from AHL Calgary on Monday.

Brzustewicz's promotion would seem to indicate that there is an injury among the Flames' blueliners ahead of Monday's game versus the Sabres. While the 21-year-old defenseman is far from a lock to play, he could offer the team some offensive upside, having tallied four goals and eight helpers in 23 minor-league games for the Wranglers.

Gostisbehere dished out a power-play assist, fired a shot on net and blocked a shot in Sunday's 4-1 loss to San Jose.

Gostisbehere slid the primary helper on Jordan Staal's lone goal of the game for Carolina. With the apple, Gostisbehere has 18 assists, 21 points and 34 shots on goal through 19 games this season. The 32-year-old blueliner has been phenomenal when healthy, as he's registered a point in all but five games this season. Despite missing nine games this year, Gostisbehere is tied for 13th among defensemen in points. He's currently on a three-game point streak, and his last two assists have occurred with a man advantage. Carolina's power-play specialist is a must-roster in all fantasy leagues that place a premium on points and has a case to be rostered in most standard league formats.