NHL Player News

Kessel notched an assist, two hits and three blocked shots in Wednesday's 6-1 loss to the Avalanche.

This was just his second appearance in the last 12 games. Kessel has fallen out of favor for a third-pairing role, with Tyler Tucker and Logan Mailloux most often getting looks in those spots instead. Kessel has three points, 11 shots on net, seven hits, 10 blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating over 19 contests this season. Even if he claims a regular role in the lineup, he's unlikely to produce enough of anything to help fantasy managers.

Toews notched an assist, four shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Blues.

Toews didn't score a goal in December, picking up five assists, 32 shots on net, 24 blocked shots and a plus-6 rating over 14 appearances in the month. The 31-year-old's offense has been down all season, but he remains firmly in a top-pairing role. He's now at 13 points, a plus-26 rating, 67 shots on net, 57 blocked shots and 16 PIM through 39 appearances.

Manson logged two assists, three shots on goal, two PIM and a plus-2 rating in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Blues.

Manson had three multi-assist efforts and racked up a total of 10 helpers over 14 contests in December. The 34-year-old defenseman's burst of offense has him on the radar in fantasy, though it's his toughness and physicality that will give him long-term appeal in banger leagues. For the season, the blueliner is up to 14 points, 52 shots on net, 99 hits, 53 blocked shots, 47 PIM and a plus-27 rating through 39 outings.

Ufko posted three assists in AHL Milwaukee's 3-2 overtime win over Grand Rapids on Wednesday.

It's been hard for any team to beat the Griffins this year, but Ufko played a big role in helping the Admirals do just that. With five points over his last two contests, Ufko looks to have shaken off a four-game slump. Overall, he's at eight goals, 21 assists, 61 shots on net and a minus-3 rating over 29 outings this season, putting him one point shy of matching his total from 72 regular-season games a year ago.

McNabb sustained an upper-body injury in Wednesday's game versus the Predators, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports.

McNabb didn't play after getting hurt in the third period. The defenseman's status wasn't updated after the game, leaving him in doubt for Friday versus the Blues. The Golden Knights will likely need to call up a defenseman from AHL Henderson to provide additional depth -- if McNabb is unavailable, there are currently just five blueliners on Vegas' roster.

Huang scored twice and added an assist in QMJHL Chicoutimi's 5-1 win over Quebec on Wednesday.

Huang was absolutely stellar in December, earning two goals and 16 assists over 10 contests. He had multiple points in four of those games during his most productive month of the season. Overall, he's up to four goals, 40 points and a plus-31 rating, matching his point total from 64 regular-season outings in 2024-25. That's made this a breakout year for the Nashville prospect after he was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Hamilton (hand) is good to play Wednesday in Columbus, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers.

Hamilton sustained the injury late in Tuesday's 4-0 loss to Toronto, but he won't end up missing a game due to the incident. The 32-year-old defenseman has four goals and eight points in 35 outings in 2025-26.

Mukhamadullin (lower body) is expected to play against Minnesota on Wednesday, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Mukhamadullin sat out Tuesday's practice, but he won't miss game action due to the injury. He has collected two goals, six points, 16 shots on net, 21 blocked shots and 10 hits in 21 appearances this season.

Gudas (illness) won't play against Tampa Bay on Wednesday, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports.

Gudas will miss his second straight game, and it's unclear if he will be ready to play against Minnesota on Friday. He has compiled one goal, seven assists, 35 shots on net, 49 blocked shots and 94 hits across 27 appearances this season.

Zamula was acquired by Pittsburgh from Philadelphia on Wednesday in exchange for Philip Tomasino.

Zamula has an assist, four PIM, two hits and 15 blocks in 13 appearances with the Flyers this season. He also has two assists in three games with AHL Lehigh Valley. Zamula was placed on waivers Dec. 18 and sent to the minors after clearing, so Pittsburgh has the option of keeping the 25-year-old in the AHL.