NHL Player News

Nemec scored a goal on five shots and went plus-2 in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Senators.

Nemec scored at 5:09 of the first period to tie the game at 1-1. The 21-year-old defenseman had gone four contests without a point prior to Tuesday. He's on the third pairing at even strength, which could lead to some inconsistent offense, but he still has a sizeable power-play role. For the season, Nemec is at seven goals, 16 points, 47 shots on net, 45 blocked shots, 14 PIM and a plus-6 rating over 30 appearances.

Korczak earned an assist in Tuesday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Islanders.

Korczak snapped his 14-game point drought by setting up a Mitch Marner tally in the first period. The 24-year-old Korczak has maintained a bottom-four role this year and should be unchallenged for his spot in the lineup while Jeremy Lauzon (undisclosed) remains out. Through 29 contests, Korczak has two goals, two assists, 23 shots on net, 48 hits, 45 blocked shots, 16 PIM and a plus-7 rating through 29 appearances.

Head coach Spencer Carbery said Wednesday that Carlson (upper body) could play in Thursday's game against the Hurricanes, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Carlson has missed the last three games due to his upper-body injury, but he'll be in the mix to suit up in Thursday's home game. The Capitals will presumably monitor how he feels during and after Thursday's morning skate, and it wouldn't be surprising if he were a game-time decision. Over 26 appearances this season, Carlson has recorded six goals, 17 assists, 38 blocked shots, nine hits and six PIM while averaging 22:52 of ice time.

Chabot (upper body) will not travel with the Senators for their upcoming three-game road trip, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports Wednesday.

At this point, Chabot may be better served sitting out until after the Christmas break, as he will have missed 14 of the team's last 15 contests by the time the club is back in Ottawa. Still, the Quebec native would be a strong addition to the Sens' blue line, considering he has racked up 10 points in 18 games this year.

Hanifin scored a goal, fired three shots on net and blocked two shots in Tuesday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Islanders.

Hanifin put Vegas on the scoresheet midway through the opening period with his second goal of the season. He's up to six points, 50 shots on goal and 34 blocks through 19 appearances this season. While the offense hasn't been at the same level as his past four seasons, he's remained a solid option in fantasy through his volume of shots, blocks and ice time. Hanifin should continue to see top-four minutes for the Golden Knights and is trending upward offensively after posting two points in his last three games.

Schaefer distributed an assist and fired four shots on net in Tuesday's 5-4 shootout win over the Golden Knights.

Schaefer logged an assist on Bo Horvat's tally near the end of the first period to get the Islanders on the board. With the helper, Schaefer is up to 14 assists, 22 points, 87 shots on goal and 40 blocks through 31 games this season. The budding superstar and frontrunner for the Calder Trophy has racked up a goal and six assists through the last eight contests. His heavy shot volume ranks fourth among defensemen and makes him a must-roster defenseman in nearly all fantasy formats.

Rielly (illness) won't participate in Wednesday's practice.

Rielly has five goals and 22 points in 28 outings in 2025-26. It's unclear if he'll be an option to play against San Jose on Thursday. If Rielly is out, he would join fellow defensemen Brandon Carlo (lower body), Dakota Mermis (lower body) and Chris Tanev (upper body) on the shelf. The Maple Leafs recalled Henry Thrun from AHL Toronto on Wednesday after Mermis sustained an injury in Monday's 2-0 win over Tampa Bay.

Thrun was recalled from AHL Toronto on Wednesday.

Thrun has been putting up decent numbers in the minors, generating three goals and six helpers in 19 appearances with the Marlies. With Dakota Mermis (lower body) on injured reserve and Morgan Rielly under the weather, the 24-year-old Thrun could be pressed into service versus the Sharks on Thursday.

Mermis (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, retroactive to Dec. 8.

The 31-year-old defender will miss about a month after exiting Monday's game against the Lightning in the third period, Lance Hornby of The Toronto Sun reports. The Maple Leafs recalled Henry Thrun from AHL Toronto in a corresponding move. Thrun will probably enter the lineup for Thursday's game against San Jose, but Philippe Myers could also see some additional playing time in Mermis' absence.

Crozier logged an assist, two shots on goal, three blocked shots and two PIM in Tuesday's 6-1 win over the Canadiens.

The helper was Crozier's first point in four games since he returned from missing eight contests due to an undisclosed injury. The 25-year-old defenseman will continue to play regularly as the Lightning fill holes on the blue line, one of which reopened when Victor Hedman (undisclosed) left this contest early. Crozier has amassed four helpers, 21 shots on net, 13 hits, nine blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over 12 outings while battling his own injury troubles this season.