NHL Player News

Karlsson registered two assists in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Kings.

Karlsson has started slow in 2025-26, as these helpers were his first two points of the campaign. The 35-year-old blueliner has added seven shots on net, five blocked shots and a minus-2 rating over five appearances. The Penguins have a fairly inexperienced blue line this season, which will offer Karlsson plenty of opportunities in a top-four role and on the first power-play unit, where he earned one of his helpers Thursday.

Makar had a goal and an assist in Thursday's 4-1 win over Columbus.

Makar fired a wrist shot through a screen from above the left circle midway through the second period to tie the score 1-1. It was Makar's 400th NHL game. He ranks third in points (435) and fifth in goals (118) among defensemen in NHL history through 400 games.

Myers notched an assist, three shots on goal, three hits, four blocked shots and two PIM in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Stars.

Myers got on the scoresheet for the first time in four games this season. He's added nine hits, 13 blocks, six shots on net, a plus-1 rating and four PIM. Myers continues to occupy a top-four role with ice time in all situations, and his steady non-scoring production makes him an option for deeper fantasy formats.

Hronek notched two assists, three hits and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Stars.

Hronek got on the scoresheet for the first time this year. He helped out on Filip Chytil's goal in the second period as well as Quinn Hughes' power-play tally in the third. That second helper was Hronek's 200th career assist. The 27-year-old has still produced in non-scoring areas with four shots on net, 11 hits, seven blocked shots and a plus-1 rating across four games. He is locked into a top-four role and should approach the 40-point mark if he can stay healthy after putting up 33 points in 61 outings in 2024-25.

Hughes scored a power-play goal on four shots and added a power-play assist in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Stars.

Hughes' goal came from his own zone as he fired a quick shot that hit the net before Casey DeSmith could get to the Dallas bench for an extra attacker. This was Hughes' first multi-point effort in four outings this season. He had 24 such games in 2024-25 during a 16-goal, 76-point campaign. Hughes is at three points, 10 shots on net, four blocked shots and a minus-1 rating to begin 2025-26, but he'll receive plenty of ice time to push for maintaining a point-per-game pace.

Gudbranson won't play against Colorado on Thursday, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers.

It will be Gudbranson's second straight game on the shelf. His next opportunity to return will come Saturday versus Tampa Bay. Gudbranson might serve on the third pairing once he's healthy.

Borgen (lower body) took warmups on the second pairing, indicating he is ready to play versus the Maple Leafs on Thursday, Peter Baugh of The Athletic reports.

Borgen will likely also see time on the penalty kill. The 28-year-old blueliner has an assist, eight hits, six blocked shots, four shots on net and a plus-2 rating over five appearances to begin 2025-26.

Regula (undisclosed) will miss Thursday's clash against the Islanders, per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.

Regula has no points, three shots and two blocks in two outings with Edmonton this year. This will be his second straight game on the shelf due to the injury. Troy Stecher will remain in the lineup Thursday, but he might be a healthy scratch once Regula is able to return.

Joseph (undisclosed) was activated from injured reserve Thursday.

Joseph missed the start of the regular season due to an undisclosed injury and was seen skating in a non-contact jersey during Tuesday's practice, but he's healthy enough to be activated off injured reserve. Now that he's back to full health, he could push Elias Pettersson for a bottom-four role in the Canucks' lineup.

Johnson was reassigned to AHL Rochester on Thursday, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports.

Johnson has no points, two PIM, two hits and three blocks in three appearances with the Sabres this year. His return to the minors might be a sign that Mattias Samuelsson (upper body) or Michael Kesselring (lower body) will be able to return Saturday versus Florida. If that's not the case, the Sabres will need to recall a defenseman since they're down to five healthy blueliners on the roster without Samuelsson and Kesselring.