NHL Player News

Ristolainen (upper body) is set to play Saturday versus the Oilers.

Ristolainen missed three games and was also held out of the 4 Nations Face-Off for Finland. The 30-year-old blueliner should be ready to play a defensive role in the bottom four upon his return. Ristolainen has had a fairly strong year with 15 points, 85 blocked shots, 83 hits and 74 shots on net through 54 outings this season.

Anderson (finger) is expected to be activated from injured reserve in time to play Saturday versus Utah, Eric Stephens of The Athletic reports.

Anderson missed four games before the 4 Nations Face-Off due to a finger injury, but the break appears to have helped mitigate the length of his absence. The 25-year-old blueliner figures to take on top-four minutes in a shutdown role going forward. He could challenge for a career year -- he's at 14 points through 49 outings, putting him six points shy of matching his career-high total from 2022-23.

Wilsby (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Friday and will not return this season.

Wilsby made a good impression in his first 23 NHL contests, logging five points, 33 shots on net, a plus-3 rating, 18 hits and 17 blocked shots. The 24-year-old's timeline to return to hockey activities is not clear, so it's possible this injury could impact his offseason training. In any case, as long as Wilsby heals well, he'll be in contention for a spot on the Predators' 2025-26 roster.

Manson (lower body) won't travel with the Avalanche during their upcoming two-game road trip that begins Saturday in Nashville, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports Friday.

The Avalanche will face the Predators on Saturday and St. Louis on Sunday without Manson. The 33-year-old defenseman missed Colorado's final two games before the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, so he hasn't suited up since Feb. 4. He has a goal, 13 points, 26 PIM, 94 hits and 54 blocks in 43 appearances in 2024-25.

Morrissey (illness) will miss Saturday's clash against St. Louis, per Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press on Friday.

Morrissey didn't play against Team USA in Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off Final due to his illness. He is feeling better, but Morrissey will still take some time off before returning to the ice for Winnipeg. He has seven goals and 46 points over 56 appearances in 2024-25. Ville Heinola will likely draw into the lineup due to Morrissey's absence.

Spurgeon (illness) returned to practice Friday, according to Joe Smith of The Athletic.

Spurgeon is on track to play Saturday in Detroit. The 35-year-old defenseman has six goals, 14 assists, 68 blocked shots and 32 hits across 41 NHL appearances this season.

Harley picked up an assist in Canada's 3-2 overtime win over the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final on Thursday.

Harley was a late addition to Team Canada, but he ultimately helped the team hoist the 4 Nations Cup. He slotted into the match when Shea Theodore was unable to dress due to an illness. Harley had a few bobbles Thursday, but overall, he played remarkably well on a massive stage. He may have even played himself into consideration for Canada's 2026 Olympic team.

Sanderson scored a goal Thursday in Team USA's 3-2 overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final.

Sanderson acquitted himself well in this tournament after slotting in for the last two games. His ascension to the NHL's elite performers continues -- he didn't look at all out of place skating with the league's best players. Sanderson is already on a 50-point pace, which would establish a new career-best mark.

Werenski picked up an assist in Team USA's 3-2 loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game on Thursday.

Werenski finished as the tournament's top scorer with six assists in four games. He also had 13 shots. Werenski is having the season of his career, and with 59 points (17 goals, 42 assists) in 55 games, he's in contention for the Norris trophy.

Morrissey will miss Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off clash against Team USA due to an illness, per Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

Morrissey has seven goals and 46 points over 56 outings with Winnipeg in 2024-25. He's appeared in three games during the 4 Nations Face-Off, recording no points, two PIM and three shots while averaging 21:32 of ice time. Thomas Harley will draw into the lineup due to Morrissey's absence.