NHL Player News

Ekblad (illness) was on the ice for Monday's morning skate, Rob Darragh of the Panthers' official site reports.

As expected, Ekblad is poised to return to the lineup against Nashville on Monday following a one-game absence. He has generated one goal, four assists, 33 shots on net, 29 blocked shots and 23 hits across 20 appearances this season. With Ekblad set to play, Donovan Sebrango will be a healthy scratch, and Uvis Balinskis will be back on the third pairing.

Kettles (shoulder) agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with Pittsburgh on Monday.

Kettles was putting together a good start to the 2025-26 campaign, notching three points in five WHL contests. However, the 18-year-old blueliner's 2025-26 campaign was effectively ended when he underwent shoulder surgery Friday that will require a 6-7 month recovery timeline. Even with a lengthy absence, Kettles could push for a spot on the Opening Night roster for the 2026-27 campaign.

Iorio was recalled from his conditioning stint with AHL San Jose on Monday.

Iorio had seven assists, five shots on goal and a plus-7 rating in six minor-league outings during his conditioning assignment. He will be an option for Wednesday's game against Colorado, but it's unclear if he will be in the lineup.

Head coach Craig Berube said Monday that McCabe (upper body) should be available for Wednesday's game against Columbus, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

McCabe sustained an upper-body injury during Saturday's game against the Canadiens, but the issue shouldn't force him to miss any additional time. He's appeared in each of the Maple Leafs' first 22 games of the season, recording three goals, seven assists, 53 blocked shots, 30 hits and 21 PIM while averaging 21:16 of ice time.

Cernak was deemed week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports Monday.

Cernak's latest injury is reportedly unrelated to the previous issue that kept him out for a pair of games prior to his return to the lineup Saturday. This latest issue seems significantly more severe than the previous one, given his timeline. For now, it will be Declan Carlile and Steve Santini on the third pairing, though Maxim Groshev was called up from AHL Syracuse on Monday. If the Bolts need a roster spot, Cernak will likely be designated for injured reserve.

Warren was returned to AHL Bridgeport on Monday.

Warren was called up by the Islanders on Wednesday, but he didn't appear in any games during this stint with the NHL club. He made his NHL debut earlier this year by appearing in two games with the Islanders, but he should see more consistent opportunities to play in the minors.

Morrow was loaned to AHL Hartford on Sunday.

Morrow hasn't earned a point in three NHL appearances this season while posting two shots on goal and three blocked shots. The 23-year-old blueliner has one goal and one assist in 11 minor-league outings this campaign.

St. Ivany (lower body) was reassigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for a conditioning loan Monday.

St. Ivany has slowly been working his way back from his lower-body issue, most recently practicing in a regular jersey Friday. In 19 appearances last year, the 26-year-old blueliner registered one assist, 38 hits and 12 shots while averaging 16:22 of ice time. The Baby Pens suit up versus AHL Hershey on Wednesday, which means St. Ivany is unlikely to play for Pittsburgh before Friday's trip to Columbus.

Brunicke was sent down to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a conditioning loan Monday.

Brunicke has been a healthy scratch for Pittsburgh's last seven games, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to see him going out on a conditioning assignment. General manager Kyle Dubas is evidently still pondering whether to keep the young blueliner in the NHL or return him to juniors. Brunicke is right on the cusp of the Penguins needing to make a call, having played in nine games already -- with one more NHL appearance, Pittsburgh will burn the first year of his entry-level deal.

Hronek scored a goal on three shots and blocked three shots in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Flames.

Hronek was a game-time decision due to an illness, but he suited up and played 24:50 in the contest. He has two goals and two assists over his last four contests and continues to be a good secondary scorer from the blue line. On the year, the 28-year-old is at two goals, 13 points, 32 shots on net, 45 hits, 35 blocked shots and a plus-3 rating through 23 appearances.