NHL Player News

Gustafsson was assigned to AHL Grand Rapids on Friday.

The Red Wings activated Michael Rasmussen (undisclosed) from injured reserve in a corresponding move. Gustafsson made his NHL season debut in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to Nashville, posting two shots on goal, one blocked shot, one hit and a minus-1 rating in 17:23 of ice time. He has collected eight assists in 10 minor-league outings this campaign.

Edvinsson (illness) is in the lineup for Friday's home contest against the Lightning, according to Ansar Khan of MLive.com.

Edvinsson will slot into a top-pairing role alongside Moritz Seider following a three-game absence. Friday's game is the first half of a back-to-back for Detroit, so Edvinsson being available against Tampa Bay seemingly indicates he has fully moved past his illness.

Lyubushkin (undisclosed) will not play Friday against Utah, according to Sam Nestler of DLLS Stars.

Lyubushkin will sit out his sixth straight game. The 31-year-old has four assists, 33 blocked shots and 22 hits over 17 contests this season. Lyubushkin is close to a return and will get his next chance to play Sunday against Ottawa.

Matheson signed a five-year, $30 million contract extension with the Canadiens on Friday.

Before signing this new deal, Matheson was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this campaign, but his contract extension will keep him locked in with Montreal until 2030-31. The left-shot blueliner has provided solid two-way play in the early going this season -- Matheson has collected four goals, 14 points, 48 blocked shots and a plus-13 rating while averaging 24:50 of ice time over 22 appearances. The Quebec native will continue to be a fixture in the top four and on special teams for years to come.

Lundmark was recalled from AHL Syracuse on Friday.

The Lightning were down to only six healthy defensemen, before Lundmark's recall. Lundmark has yet to make his NHL debut, as the 25-year-old has spent the last five years in the minors. He inked a two-way deal in the offseason after spending four seasons in the Jets' minor league system. Lundmark had two assists in 15 AHL games before his recall.

Groshev was reassigned to AHL Syracuse on Thursday.

Groshev was a healthy scratch in both games this week. He has yet to make his NHL debut, after the 23-year-old was selected in the third round, 85th overall, in 2020. Groshev had six assists in 17 AHL games before his recall.

Solovyov was scratched for the 10th straight game in Wednesday's 6-0 win over the Sharks.

Solovyov isn't getting much of a chance to play now that the Avalanche have their preferred six blueliners all healthy. The team may be hesitant to waive him, as he was claimed off waivers from the Flames prior to the start of the season. In nine appearances, Solovyov has nine shots on net, 11 hits, 15 blocked shots, four PIM and a minus-4 rating, so he's unlikely to produce much offense even if he gets a run of time in the lineup.

Manson scored a goal on three shots, added two hits, blocked four shots and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 6-0 win over the Sharks.

Manson stretched the Avalanche's lead to 4-0 in the second period. The 34-year-old defenseman has two goals, four points, 29 shots on net, 57 hits, 33 blocked shots, 28 PIM and a plus-13 rating over 23 appearances this season. He's mostly seen bottom-four minutes, though his production in the physical categories makes him a decent option in banger leagues. Manson has earned two of his four points over the last six contests.

Malinski scored a goal on two shots in Wednesday's 6-0 win over the Sharks.

The goal was Malinski's first since Opening Night, but he's hardly been quiet this year. He's yet to go more than three games without a point, racking up two goals and 10 assists in 23 appearances, including seven points over 11 outings in November. Malinski has added 40 shots on net, 24 blocked shots and a plus-14 rating this season. He's flying under the radar on the Avalanche's third pairing, and while his offense may not remain steady all year, he's earned some fantasy value so far as a depth blueliner.

Levshunov scored a goal on three shots, blocked two shots and added two PIM in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Wild.

In his 40th career game, Levshunov was finally able to find the twine for the first time. His goal gave the Blackhawks a 3-2 lead in the third period. The 20-year-old blueliner has showed plenty of potential with 12 points, 26 shots on net, 23 hits, 22 blocked shots, 14 PIM and an even plus-minus rating over 22 outings this season. Levshunov's spot on the top power-play unit has helped him earn six helpers with the man advantage, and it's that role that should give him decent fantasy value this year.