NHL Player News

Hutson recorded an assist, one shot on net, one block, one hit and two PIM in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Stars.

Hutson's rising blast from the point was tipped in by Alex Newhook and gave Montreal the go-ahead goal midway through the third period. The helper gives him assists in six straight. During that stretch, the rookie blueliner has 10 points (nine assists), including two three-point efforts. His 36 points for the season leads all rookies and ranks tied for sixth overall among defensemen.

McCabe (upper body) returned to action Thursday in a 4-3 overtime win over the Devils. He played a game-high 24:16 and had two assists, two hits, five shots, five blocked shots and a plus-3 rating.

McCabe spent four games on injured reserve after an upper-body injury that occurred in a fight. He made a big impact on the blue line and in fantasy box scores. McCabe has just 13 points, including 12 assists, in 37 games this season. Points aren't really a guarantee with the defender, but those secondary stats of hits and blocks are a valuable fantasy commodity.

Morrissey notched a power-play assist, four shots on goal and two blocked shots in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Kraken.

Morrissey earned his first power-play point since Dec. 23 against the Maple Leafs. He has done damage at even strength since the holiday break, with six of his seven points over his last 10 contests coming at 5-on-5. The helper was Morrissey's 40th point this season, 17 of which have come on the power play. The star defenseman has added 96 shots on net, 72 blocked shots, 22 PIM and a plus-12 rating over 46 appearances.

DeMelo scored a goal on two shots and blocked three shots in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Kraken.

DeMelo's goal came with 27 seconds left in regulation to send the Jets to the win. The defenseman isn't a frequent contributor on offense but has three points over his last nine outings. For the season, he's at two goals, nine points, 41 shots on net, 80 hits, 56 blocked shots and a plus-20 rating through 46 appearances. He's played in 600 career games and has earned a total of 153 points while most often featuring in a shutdown role.

Sandin tallied an assist, a plus-1 rating and two shots during Thursday's 1-0 win over the Senators.

Sandin made a terrific effort in the defensive zone before lugging the puck up the ice and feeding Alex Ovechkin for his 874th career NHL goal. The 24-year-old Swede has four goals and 18 goals in 45 games thus far in the 2024-25 campaign.

Juulsen (undisclosed) isn't in the lineup Thursday versus Los Angeles, according to Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650.

Juulsen has no points, 21 PIM, 89 hits and 57 blocks in 32 outings with Vancouver this campaign. Vincent Desharnais is set to draw into the lineup because of Juulsen's absence. Desharnais is projected to serve on the third pairing alongside Carson Soucy.

Cernak (undisclosed) exited Thursday's game versus the Ducks and won't return, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

Cernak lasted just one shift into the contest before his departure. The Lightning have just six healthy defensemen on the roster, so if Cernak can't suit up Saturday versus the Red Wings, a roster move will likely be necessary.

Juulsen (undisclosed) is expected to be a game-time decision Thursday versus the Kings, per Ben Kuzma of Postmedia.

Juulsen has no points, 21 PIM, 89 hits and 57 blocks in 32 appearances in 2024-25. If he's not an option Thursday, then Vincent Desharnais will probably draw into the lineup.

Girard (upper body) will return to the lineup versus Edmonton on Thursday, according to Avalanche play-by-play announcer Conor McGahey.

Girard sat out three games with his upper-body injury. He has two goals, 16 assists and 67 blocked shots over 42 games this season. Girard will play alongside Calvin de Haan, as Sam Malinski will be excluded from the lineup.

Brisebois was recalled from the minors Thursday.

Brisebois' demotion Wednesday was in fact a temporary cap-saving measure. Even with the blueliner back in the lineup, he is far from a lock to play in Thursday's matchup with the Kings and is more likely to serve as an emergency depth option alongside Vincent Desharnais.