NHL Player News

Faber recorded a goal on three shots along with a blocked shot in 28:17 of ice time during Monday's 3-1 win over the Avalanche.

Faber made just his second appearance since a four-game absence due to an upper-body injury, and his playing time hasn't seemed to be monitored since returning to action. He scored his first goal since the start of the calendar year Monday, as his last goal came against Dallas on Dec. 27. Now that he appears to be back to full health, Faber should continue to see plenty of playing time for Minnesota.

Middleton recorded a goal, an assist, two shots on net and four blocked shots in Monday's 3-1 win over the Avalanche.

Middleton was held without a point over his last five appearances, but he bounced back with a multi-point performance Monday, his second over seven outings since returning from a hand injury. The 29-year-old has had spotty production this season, but he's still on pace to surpass his offensive numbers from the 2023-24 campaign, as he's logged seven goals and 10 assists while averaging 21:07 of ice time over 36 contests in the 2024-25 season.

Joseph (illness) is available for Monday's game against the Kings, Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports.

Joseph was unable to suit up for Saturday's game against Washington due to an illness, but he'll be back in action following a minimal absence. Over eight appearances in January, he's failed to record a point and has logged 14 hits, 10 PIM and five blocked shots while averaging 16:30 of ice time.

Head coach Jim Hiller said Monday that Doughty (ankle) has been progressing in his recovery and "sees the finish line," Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Doughty has been on long-term injured reserve since the start of the regular season after he underwent ankle surgery in early October. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to game action, but Hiller's comments are encouraging and suggest that Doughty is getting closer to his season debut.

Cernak (undisclosed) didn't participate in the morning skate, per Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun, and isn't expected to play against Toronto on Monday.

Max Crozier replaced Cernak in the lineup for Saturday's 5-1 win over Detroit, and the Lightning recalled the 24-year-old Crozier from AHL Syracuse on Monday. Cernak is day-to-day and could play during Tampa Bay's four-game road trip, which continues in Montreal on Tuesday.

Friedman was recalled from AHL Abbotsford on Monday.

Friedman was sent to the AHL in mid-December, but he'll rejoin the NHL club just over a month after being demoted. Noah Juulsen (undisclosed) is considered day-to-day, so Friedman should help to provide additional depth among the team's defensemen.

Sergachev (upper body) won't play against Winnipeg on Monday, Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports.

As expected, Sergachev will miss his second straight outing. He has generated eight goals, 30 points, 72 shots on net, 81 blocked shots and 23 hits through 44 appearances this season. Nick DeSimone will remain in the lineup for Monday's contest due to Sergachev's absence.

Head coach Andre Tourigny said Monday that Bortuzzo (lower body) is getting closer to full health but isn't yet ready to return to game action, Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports.

Bortuzzo has been on injured reserve since early January due to a lower-body injury. He was initially regarded as week-to-week but now appears to be closer to day-to-day. Even though he'll remain sidelined Monday against Winnipeg, it wouldn't be surprising to see him attempt to ramp up his workload in practice in the near future.

Ekblad (upper body) skated before Monday's practice and felt better than he thought he would, per Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

Ekblad has missed the last five games, and it remains unclear if he will play against Anaheim on Tuesday. Still, head coach Paul Maurice believes the 28-year-old defender will return during Florida's four-game road trip. Ekblad has generated two goals, 20 points, 76 shots on net, 55 blocked shots and 59 hits through 41 appearances this season. Tobias Bjornfot has been filling in on the blue line due to Ekblad's absence.

Romanov (upper body) is considered a game-time decision for Monday's matchup against the Blue Jackets, but head coach Patrick Roy expects him to play, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

Romanov was also a game-time decision for Saturday's matchup against the Sharks, but he returned from a three-game absence and recorded five blocked shots and two hits in 23:26 of ice time. He participated in Monday's morning skate, so he appears to be trending in the right direction and will likely be available for a second consecutive game.