NHL Player News

Hughes logged a power-play assist and two blocked shots in Wednesday's 4-3 shootout win over the Flames.

Hughes returned from a four-game absence and set up a Jake DeBrusk tally in the second period. If the Canucks were planning on easing Hughes back in, it didn't happen -- he led the team with 29:48 of ice time and had to pick up the slack when Elias Pettersson (upper body) exited the contest after the first period. It's unclear if Hughes is fully healthy or just managing his injury to help the Canucks' playoff push. The 25-year-old defenseman is up to 61 points (23 on the power play), 144 shots on net, 48 blocked shots and a plus-9 rating over 51 appearances.

Pettersson (upper body) won't finish Wednesday's game versus the Flames.

Pettersson took a hit to the back of his head in a scrum in the first period, though he wasn't officially ruled out for the game until the second intermission. With Tyler Myers (undisclosed) out of action Wednesday, the Canucks are facing a situation in which they may need to call up a blueliner for Saturday's game against the Blackhawks depending on the severity of Pettersson's injury.

Bryson suffered an upper-body injury in Wednesday's game versus the Red Wings, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

The injury occurred on a hit by Michael Rasmussen in the third period, leading to increased hostilities in an already chippy game. Bryson ended up with 16:16 of ice time after failing to return to the contest. The 27-year-old's status is up in the air for Saturday's game versus the Golden Knights, and if Jacob Bernard-Docker (not injury related) is not eligible to play either, the Sabres may need to make a move for a defenseman.

Myers (undisclosed) won't play Wednesday versus the Flames, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

Myers blocked three shots in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Canadiens, so he may be feeling a little worse for wear. Quinn Hughes (undisclosed) is expected to play Wednesday, while Myers' absence will allow Elias Pettersson to stay in the lineup. The 35-year-old Myers' next chance to play is Saturday versus the Blackhawks, which is the first game of a back-to-back.

Bernard-Docker (not injury related) won't play Wednesday versus the Red Wings, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

Bernard-Docker is awaiting his work visa following his trade from the Senators last week. The Sabres didn't hold a morning skate Wednesday, but he can't practice with the team until the immigration paperwork is completed. The Sabres' next game is Saturday against the Golden Knights.

Hughes (undisclosed) will be in the lineup Wednesday versus the Flames, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

Hughes will return from a four-game absence due to this injury. He's been banged up for the better part of six weeks, but the 25-year-old is a huge boost to the Canucks' defense and power play if he can play through any lingering issues. Expect Hughes to log time on the first pairing and top power-play unit in Wednesday's contest.

Klingberg (undisclosed) is with the Oilers for their road trip, Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic reports Wednesday.

Edmonton's next three games are all on the road versus New Jersey, the Islanders and the Rangers on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, respectively. There's no guarantee Klingberg will dress for any of those clashes, but his presence with the team leaves that door open. The 32-year-old defenseman hasn't played since March 4. He has a goal and four points in 10 appearances this season.

Ekholm (undisclosed) didn't travel with the Oilers for their three-game road trip, Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic reports Wednesday.

Ekholm is not expected to rejoin the team during its trip, which means he will be out of action for at least the next three matchups. Troy Stecher should continue to see opportunities on the blue line with Ekholm unavailable, though John Klingberg (undisclosed) will also be in the mix once given the all-clear himself.

Pettersson provided an assist, two shots on goal, three hits, three blocked shots, two PIM and a minus-2 rating in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Canadiens.

This was Pettersson's second helper over five games in March after he was held off the scoresheet in his first month with the Canucks. The 28-year-old defenseman continues to see heavy minutes in a top-four role, and that's mostly as a shutdown blueliner, which limits his scoring potential. He's at 20 points -- a level he's reached five times in his eight-year career -- while adding 56 shots on net, 67 hits, 104 blocked shots, 39 PIM and a minus-4 rating over 60 appearances between Vancouver and Pittsburgh this season.

Matheson scored an empty-net goal on four shots in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Canucks.

Matheson's offense has been strong to begin March -- he has two goals and two assists, as well as 10 shots on net, over his last five games. He was the only Canadien besides the team's top line to get on the scoresheet Tuesday. The 31-year-old blueliner is up to six goals, 29 points, 118 shots on net, 125 blocked shots and a minus-6 rating through 62 appearances. Matheson has well-rounded production in most areas to maintain a decent level of fantasy value.