NHL Player News

Fox logged a shorthanded assist in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Bruins.

Fox has a helper in back-to-back contests following a three-game dry spell in which he went minus-5. The 26-year-old defenseman had the secondary helper on Chris Kreider's tally in the third period. Fox is up to 42 points (16 on the power play, two shorthanded), 89 shots on net, 73 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating through 53 appearances this season as the Rangers' top blueliner.

Pettersson signed a six-year, $33 million contract extension with the Canucks on Wednesday.

Pettersson was acquired via trade with the Penguins last Friday, and it took the Canucks little time to get him a new deal. This new contract will take him through his age-34 campaign. Pettersson hasn't recorded a point for his new team, but he's at 18 points, 46 shots on net, 60 hits, 86 blocked shots and a minus-2 rating over 49 appearances this season. He should be a top-four fixture in Vancouver for years to come.

Vaakanainen (illness) won't play versus the Bruins on Wednesday.

This will be Vaakanainen's first game out of the lineup since he returned from an upper-body injury in December following his trade to the Rangers from the Ducks. Zac Jones will get a chance to check into the lineup. Vaakanainen can be considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's game versus the Penguins.

Levshunov was reassigned to AHL Rockford on Wednesday.

Levshunov was only up with the big club to practice during the AHL's All-Star break. With Rockford getting ready to resume its season Friday, Levshunov will rejoin the minor-league team and continue his development. It's possible the 19-year-old makes his NHL debut later in the campaign.

Timmins is expected to miss Thursday's clash against Seattle due to an upper-body injury, David Alter of The Hockey News reports Wednesday.

Timmins was helped to the bench after being elbowed by Yegor Sharangovich during Tuesday's 6-3 win over Calgary. Timmins managed to stay in the game, but it seems he will still miss time due to the injury. He has a goal and seven points in 44 outings in 2024-25. Philippe Myers might draw back into the lineup while Timmins is unavailable.

Hughes (lower body) will miss Thursday's clash in San Jose, according to Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650.

It will be Hughes' third straight game on the shelf. He won't travel with the Canucks, but the squad will be back at home after the game in San Jose, so he might still be an option Saturday versus Toronto. The 25-year-old defenseman has 14 goals and 59 points over 47 outings in 2024-25.

Ekholm notched an assist, two shots on goal, two blocked shots and two PIM in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Blues.

Ekholm battled an illness last week and over the weekend, but he was able to log his usual workload with 23:38 of ice time Tuesday. The 34-year-old defenseman has five points and 15 shots on net over his last five outings. For the season, he's been steady in a top-four role with 23 points, 119 shots on net, 74 blocked shots and a plus-19 rating over 52 appearances.

Bouchard picked up two assists and took six shots on goal in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win against St. Louis.

Bouchard provided the primary helper on Connor McDavid's power-play tally and assisted Connor Brown's game-winner in overtime. The 25-year-old defenseman has registered 33 assists, 42 points, 158 shots on goal and 78 blocks in 53 appearances this season. Bouchard has back-to-back games with two points and has at least one point in five of his last six contests. He is off to a hot start in February and provides great offensive value in fantasy as a blueliner. With Edmonton hitting its stride offensively, expect Bouchard to continue producing as a top-10 defenseman for the rest of the season.

Sanheim recorded an assist, seven hits and three blocked shots in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to Utah.

Sanheim had gone eight games without a point entering Tuesday, and he had a minus-10 rating with just six hits in that span. The defenseman doled out some physicality and also got back on the scoresheet to put an end to his slump, which has not cost him his top-four spot. The 28-year-old blueliner is now at six goals, 19 helpers, 100 shots on net, 51 hits, 119 blocked shots and a minus-7 rating over 55 appearances. His heavy defensive usage can take a toll on his scoring, but he often sees time in all situations.

Parayko scored in the second period and added three shots on goal in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Oilers.

Parayko found himself open on the back post for a slap shot to tally the Blues' second goal of the game. The 31-year-old blueliner is up to 12 goals, 29 points, 124 blocks, 85 hits, and 105 shots on net in 53 appearances this season. He ranks fifth amongst defensemen in goals. Parayko has already set a new career high in goals and is on pace to shatter his career-best of 35 points. He is one of the safest plays on the blue line in fantasy for both his all-around production.