NHL Player News

Romanov (upper body) isn't expected to play Saturday versus Utah, per Andrew Gross of Newsday.

Romanov was a game-time decision after leaving Saturday's morning skate early. He has nine assists, 73 hits and 65 blocks in 30 appearances in 2024-25. Grant Hutton will draw into the lineup due to Romanov's absence.

Lohrei had two power-play assists, one shot on goal and three blocked shots in a 4-3 overtime win over Florida on Saturday.

In Saturday's victory, Lohrei had the primary helper on goals by Morgan Geekie and David Pastrnak. The 23-year-old Lohrei has one goal and three points in his last two outings following a five-game pointless slump. He has two goals and 19 points through 40 appearances this season.

Walman (lower body) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, per the NHL media site.

Walman will return from an eight-game absence in Saturday's matchup versus Minnesota. He has five goals and 25 points in 31 appearances in 2024-25. Walman will likely occupy a top-four role and see time on the power play.

Balinskis collected one assist, a shot on goal and one hit in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to Boston.

Balinskis didn't have a point in four straight games entering Saturday's action. He has contributed one goal, 10 helpers, 27 blocked shots and 33 hits through 40 appearances this season.

Murphy (groin) will remain unavailable for "a bit," coach Anders Sorensen told Scott Powers of The Athletic on Saturday. He was also placed on injured reserve, per the NHL media site.

Murphy will miss his fifth straight game against Edmonton on Saturday. Although he can be activated whenever healthy, the Blackhawks probably wouldn't moved him to IR if he was close to returning. Murphy has a goal, 13 points, 38 PIM, 70 hits and 93 blocks in 38 outings in 2024-25. When Murphy is healthy, Louis Crevier might end up in the press box.

Martinez (neck) will be activated off injured reserve and play Saturday against Edmonton, according to Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio.

Martinez hasn't been in the lineup since Dec. 7. He has a goal and four points in 15 outings in 2024-25. Wyatt Kaiser will be a healthy scratch versus the Oilers to accommodate Martinez's return.

Savard (upper body) is good to draw back into the lineup Saturday versus Dallas.

Savard missed four straight games due to an injury. He has a goal and nine assists across 35 appearances in 2024-25. Savard's return will probably make Jayden Struble a healthy scratch in Saturday's matchup.

Walman (lower body) will be a game-time decision versus Minnesota on Saturday, per Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now.

Walman has been a pleasant surprise for the Sharks this season, tallying five goals and adding 20 assists in only 31 appearances. He has sat out the last eight games with his injury and should he return to the lineup, he will quarterback the first power play.

Smith was placed on waivers Saturday, per PuckPedia.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Smith stayed with the Hurricanes to play in Sunday's matchup versus Anaheim if he doesn't get claimed. He has played in the last eight games, and Carolina doesn't have any extra defenders on the roster due to the absence of Shayne Gostisbehere (upper body). The 24-year-old Smith has one goal, one assist, 14 shots on net, five blocked shots and two hits in eight NHL appearances this season.

Romanov (undisclosed), who left the morning skate early, will be a game-time decision for Saturday's tilt against Utah, per Andrew Gross of Newsday.

The 25-year-old blueliner has nine assists, 73 hits and 65 blocks in 30 appearances in 2024-25. If Romanov can't play, Grant Hutton will probably draw into the lineup after spending the Islanders' past four games as a healthy scratch.