NHL Player News

Mateychuk scored a goal and added two blocked shots and two PIM in Thursday's 5-1 loss to Carolina.

The defender stuffed in a rebound at the top of the crease midway through the second period. The 21-year-old Mateychuk has two goals in his last nine games, but those tallies have been bunched into his most recent four outings. He's starting to show how he can develop into a top-pairing defender. Mateychuk has 13 goals, 17 assists, a plus-14 rating, 79 shots, on goal 86 blocked shots and 25 assists while averaging 19:02 of ice time.

Nikishin scored a shorthanded goal and added three hits Thursday in a 5-1 win over the Blue Jackets.

Nikishin's shorthanded goal was the first by a rookie defenseman in franchise history, including the Hartford Whalers era. He sits 13th in rookie scoring overall this season (11 goals, 19 assists). Nikishin has returned the top power-play role to Shayne Gostisbehere, but it's clear he has the ability to play maestro with the man advantage. Nikishin's future as a true top option could arrive very soon.

Hutson tallied a goal and fired seven shots on net in Thursday's 7-3 loss to New Jersey.

Hutson tallied his first goal since his NHL debut to put the Capitals on the board Thursday. Overall, the 19-year-old rising star is up to two goals, six points, 15 shots on net and nine hits across eight games this season. He took a big step forward in Thursday's contest, nearly doubling his career total for shots on net. Hutson remains a must-roster player in all dynasty-based fantasy formats and he also provides solid streaming value in leagues that value offensive contributions more than category coverage.

Hamilton scored a goal and placed four shots on net in Thursday's 7-3 win over Washington.

Hamilton turned the tide in Thursday's game with his goal late in the first period to put New Jersey up 3-2. With the twine finder, he is up to 12 goals, 34 points, 187 shots on net, 83 hits and 74 blocked shots across 70 games this season. Hamilton has been a strong source of secondary offense for New Jersey since the Olympic break with five goals and 13 points over his last 16 games. He's maintained high-level category coverage during that span and should continue to provide strong fantasy value for the remainder of the regular season.

Ekman-Larsson sustained a lower-body injury and won't finish Thursday's game versus the Sharks.

Ekman-Larsson has three helpers over his last five outings. The 34-year-old defenseman has taken some knocks this season, but he's only missed three games in total, and none have been due to injuries. If he can't play Saturday versus the Kings, Troy Stecher will draw into the lineup.

Fox notched a goal in a 3-2 loss to Montreal on Thursday.

The goal extended Fox's point streak to five games and eight points (two goals, six assists), and he has 18 points (three goals, 15 assists) in his last 14 games. This is the Fox that managers have waited all season for. He has elevated his overall stat line to seven goals, 38 assists and 79 shots in 49 games this season. That's a 75-point pace.

Salomonsson is in the concussion protocol after getting hurt on a hit in Thursday's game against the Stars, Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press reports.

Salomonsson was injured on a reverse hit by Jason Robertson. Given the nature of the injury, Salomonsson will have to wait to return to the lineup until he is no longer suffering from concussion symptoms. That puts his availability in doubt for Saturday's game against the Blue Jackets, which opens the door for Ville Heinola or Jacob Bryson to step into the lineup.

Aitcheson logged three assists in OHL Barrie's 9-6 win over Niagara in Game 4 on Thursday.

Aitcheson has earned four points over two playoff outings after being sidelined to begin the postseason. The defenseman was stellar in the regular season with 28 goals and 70 points over 56 appearances. The Islanders prospect signed his entry-level contract March 17, which paves the way for him to potentially join AHL Bridgeport to start 2026-27 -- he turns 20 in September. However, if he's not ready for the professional ranks, he could return to the OHL.

Salomonsson (undisclosed) won't return to Thursday's game versus the Stars.

Salomonsson sustained the injury after a reverse hit by Jason Robertson. The severity of Salomonsson's injury is not yet known, so he can be considered day-to-day leading into Saturday's game versus the Blue Jackets pending further information. Ville Heinola or Jacob Bryson would take his place in the lineup if he has to miss time.

Faulk (undisclosed) won't return to Thursday's game versus the Flyers.

The nature of Faulk's injury was not announced. The 34-year-old defenseman has filled a top-four role for the Red Wings since he was traded from the Blues. If he misses time, Travis Hamonic will draw into the lineup in a bottom-four role.