NHL Player News

Makar notched two power-play assists, four shots on goal and two blocked shots in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Devils.

Makar has three goals and six helpers over seven outings in February in NHL play. The 26-year-old blueliner had a hand in both of Nathan MacKinnon's third-period tallies Wednesday. Makar continues to play at an elite level on the blue line, racking up 22 goals, 44 assists, 28 power-play points, 187 shots on net, 96 blocked shots and a plus-16 rating through 60 appearances. A 30-goal campaign is within reason, and he should also push toward a second straight 90-point season.

Hughes (oblique) is set to play Wednesday versus the Kings despite not taking line rushes in warmups, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

The Canucks will cover their defense by dressing seven blueliners, with Hughes among them. Arshdeep Bains will be scratched to make room for Hughes, who is likely to be on restricted minutes in the first half of a back-to-back.

Hughes (oblique) participated in warmups but did not take line rushes, indicating he won't return to the lineup Wednesday versus the Kings, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

Hughes' presence on the ice suggests this was a true game-time decision, and he doesn't seem to be very far away. The Canucks play again Thursday versus the Ducks, so it's possible the team did not want to push Hughes with an immediate back-to-back. He'll miss his seventh straight game Wednesday.

Doughty (lower body) will miss Wednesday's game versus the Canucks.

Doughty's absence is unexpected -- he's played eight straight NHL games as well as suiting up for Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off after overcoming an ankle injury. The defenseman has four points this season. It's unclear if the Kings will stick with seven defensemen in the lineup to cover for Doughty's absence.

Manson (lower body) won't be in the lineup versus the Devils on Wednesday, Ryan Boulding of NHL.com reports.

Manson has been out since he was hurt versus the Canucks on Feb. 4. He didn't travel on the Avalanche's most recent road trip, which suggests he probably isn't close to returning to the lineup. The Avalanche play the Wild on Friday, then have three days off before continuing their homestand against the Penguins on Tuesday.

Kleven (lower body) won't return to Wednesday's game versus the Jets.

Kleven was hurt after a fight with Adam Lowry in the first period. The 23-year-old Kleven has gone 15 games without a point, so his absence is not likely to make an impact in fantasy. The Senators have dressed seven defensemen lately, so they may not need to immediately bring up a blueliner if Kleven is ruled out for Saturday's game against the Sharks.

Fox (upper body) was put on injured reserve Wednesday, according to Peter Baugh of The Athletic.

The Rangers are still hoping to have Fox available down the stretch, but the 27-year-old will miss at least New York's next three games because he's been put on IR. The injury interrupts his seven-game scoring streak (two goals, eight points). He has five goals and 48 points in 58 appearances in 2024-25. K'Andre Miller would probably move up to the first power-play unit under normal circumstances, but Miller is questionable for Friday's clash against Toronto due to a lower-body injury, which further complicates the Rangers' blue-line situation. Perhaps Braden Schneider will get a chance to serve in the top four and see power-play minutes. The Rangers might also have the 23-year-old Matthew Robertson make his NHL debut Friday.

Robertson was recalled from AHL Hartford on Wednesday.

Robertson was sent to Hartford on Monday, but he'll rejoin the NHL club following a brief stint in the minors. He'll provide additional depth for the Rangers while Adam Fox (upper body) and K'Andre Miller (lower body) are dealing with injuries.

Liljegren (upper body) is expected to be a game-time decision for Thursday's clash against Montreal, per Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now on Wednesday.

Liljegren took part in Wednesday's morning skate. He did serve as the seventh blueliner during the 5-on-5 drills, but on a more positive note, Liljegren featured on the second power-play unit during the practice. The 25-year-old blueliner has four goals, nine points, 28 PIM, 47 hits and 66 blocks in 45 appearances between Toronto and San Jose this season.

Dermott was reassigned to AHL Bakersfield on Wednesday.

Dermott was claimed off waivers by Edmonton from Minnesota on Wednesday. Because the Oilers had originally waived him back in December, and Edmonton was the only squad to put in a claim on him when Minnesota waived him, the Oilers are able to send Dermott to the minors. The 28-year-old has no points, six hits and 16 blocks over 19 outings between Edmonton and Minnesota this campaign.