NHL Player News

Pelech provided an assist and went plus-2 in Saturday's 3-2 overtime win over the Hurricanes.

Pelech has a helper in four straight games, and he's gone plus-6 in that span as well. The 30-year-old could be in line for even more tough defensive minutes if Ryan Pulock (upper body) misses time after leaving Saturday's game on the first shift. Pelech is at 11 helpers, 55 shots on net, 44 hits, 40 blocked shots and a plus-6 rating through 28 appearances in a top-four role this season.

Romanov scored a goal on four shots, dished an assist, added four hits and went plus-2 in Saturday's 3-2 overtime win over the Hurricanes.

Romanov scored his first goal of the season in the first period to set the Islanders on the comeback trail. He also assisted on Anders Lee's equalizer in the third. Romanov has 12 points this season, 10 of which he's earned over his last 12 contests. He also brings ample physicality with 86 hits, 78 blocked shots, 44 shots on net and a plus-6 rating over 34 appearances.

Pulock is dealing with an upper-body injury sustained in the first period of Saturday's game versus the Hurricanes, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

It's unclear if Pulock will miss time, but it's not encouraging that he missed nearly the whole contest after getting hurt on the first shift. If Pulock is out Tuesday versus the Avalanche, Dennis Cholowski is likely to draw back in.

Letang dished out a helper and had four shots on goal in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Kraken.

Despite the road loss, Letang remained active on the offensive end. With the assist, he has 19 points and 100 shots on goal this season. The 37-year-old defenseman has just three points throughout January and is off the pace to match his output of 51 points a season ago. Unless he can find a way to become a more integral part of the offense, he is likely to chalk the 2024-25 season as a year of regression. Letang's track record makes him a fantasy file to hold onto in all league formats, but there are likely stronger options on the waiver wire.

Dunn registered the game-winning goal and added three shots on net in Saturday's 4-1 win against Pittsburgh.

During a 5-on-3 power play, Dunn rifled a shot from distance to put the Kraken ahead late in the second period. The 28-year-old defenseman is up to 21 points on the season in just 30 appearances. After putting up 12 points in December, Dunn has played solid offensively in January and continues to see top-pairing minutes and consistent usage on the power play. He should see plenty of opportunities over the final few months of the season to be relevant on the fantasy blue line.

Bahl (undisclosed) won't return to Saturday's game versus the Wild, Ryan Pike of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

Bahl got hit hard by Jakub Lauko in the second period, and apparently the injury is enough to keep the Calgary defenseman out of action for the rest of the game. That will leave Bahl's status in doubt for Sunday's game in Winnipeg. If Bahl can't play, Joel Hanley will likely come back into the lineup.

Pulock (undisclosed) won't return to Saturday's game versus the Hurricanes.

Pulock fell on the first shift and immediately went to the locker room. The Islanders did not specify the nature of his injury. If Pulock can't play versus the Avalanche on Tuesday, Dennis Cholowski could rejoin the lineup.

Cernak (undisclosed) will play against Detroit on Saturday, per Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun.

Cernak will return to action following a four-game absence. He has generated 10 assists, 33 shots on goal, 53 blocked shots and 92 hits across 41 appearances this season. Cernak will replace Cam Atkinson in Saturday's lineup, as the Lightning will dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards.

Borgen signed a five-year, $20.5 million contract with the Rangers on Saturday, per Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

Borgen is playing out the final season of his two-year, $5.4 million deal. The 28-year-old has two goals, five points, 15 PIM, 78 hits and 66 blocks in 50 appearances between Seattle and the Rangers in 2024-25. New York acquired him from the Kraken on Dec. 18 as part of the return for sending Kaapo Kakko to Seattle. Borgen has averaged 18:35 of ice time across 17 outings since the trade.

Cernak (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Saturday's matchup against Detroit, according to Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun.

During Saturday's media availability, coach Jon Cooper said that Cernak is "probable" to return from a four-game absence. The 27-year-old Cernak has 10 assists, 33 shots on goal, 53 blocked shots and 92 hits across 41 appearances this season. Max Crozier will probably be a healthy scratch versus the Red Wings if Cernak goes back into the lineup.