NHL Player News

Head coach Jim Hiller didn't have an update on Anderson's (upper body) status after Thursday's game versus the Lightning, but the coach expressed concern, Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period reports.

Any level of concern makes it unlikely Anderson will be available for the end of the Kings' road trip Saturday against the Hurricanes. If that's the case, the Kings still have three extra blueliners on the roster, so Brandt Clarke, Kyle Burroughs or Andreas Englund would be options to draw into the lineup.

Sanderson tallied a goal, an assist and two shots during Thursday's 5-4 overtime win against the Capitals.

Sanderson has points in three straight and has compiled a goal and eight points in 12 games during the month of January. The fifth-overall pick from the 2020 NHL Entry Draft is nearing the 30-point mark for the third time in his young career and has emerged as one of the better offensive rearguards in the NHL.

Chabot tallied a goal, an assist and five shots during Thursday's 5-4 overtime win against the Capitals.

Chabot was left all alone in the overtime frame and ripped one past Charlie Lindgren to seal the victory for the Senators. The 28-year-old compiled a goal and six points in 14 games during the month of January.

Heiskanen (knee) is out indefinitely and might need knee surgery, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports Thursday.

Heiskanen will meet with doctors Friday to have his MRI examined. It's not clear if he'll miss weeks or months, but the Stars believe he will at least return before the end of the 2024-25 campaign. He has five goals, 25 points, 17 hits and 85 blocks in 50 appearances in 2024-25. Kyle Capobianco might play regularly during Heiskanen's absence.

Anderson (upper body) won't return to Thursday's game versus the Lightning.

Anderson was injured late in the first period. The 25-year-old should be considered day-to-day until more information is available. If he ends up missing time, his absence could allow Brandt Clarke to get back in the lineup.

Stillman was assigned to AHL Chicago on Thursday.

Stillman spent just over a week with the Hurricanes, and he made his season debut in the NHL against the Rangers on Tuesday, recording two hits and five PIM while logging 7:40 of ice time. However, he'll head back to the minors after Ryan Suzuki was called up to make his NHL debut Thursday against the Blackhawks.

Ekholm (illness) is set to play Thursday versus Detroit.

Ekholm missed Wednesday's practice but won't be held out any games due to the illness. He's on a three-game scoring streak in which he's provided a goal and four points. He has seven goals and 22 points in 50 outings this campaign.

Kylington (upper body) is expected to return to action before the Avalanche play their last game before the break Feb. 7 against Edmonton, per Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now.

Kylington has been out of action since Nov. 27. He has one goal and two points across eight appearances this season. He should see some action as a third-unit blueliner, possibly replacing Sam Malinski in the lineup.

Heiskanen (lower body) will be out of action through the 4 Nations Face-Off, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

Heiskanen will not represent Finland during the tournament after he took a big hit Wednesday courtesy of the Golden Knights' Mark Stone. The Stars' top defenseman has a five-game point streak, giving him five goals and 25 points in 50 outings. Look for Thomas Harley to take over quarterbacking the top power play.

Benoit was held off the scoresheet in all 11 of his appearances in January.

Benoit's overall point drought is up to 12 games. He was also scratched twice in the middle of the month, but the Maple Leafs seem to value his physicality even if it comes with a complete lack of offense. For the season, the 26-year-old blueliner is at four assists, 31 shots on net, 28 PIM, 125 hits and 65 blocked shots over 47 appearances. Benoit has the upper hand on Philippe Myers and Conor Timmins to stay in a third-pairing role.