NHL Player News

LaCombe scored a power-play goal on five shots in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Oilers.

LaCombe scored for the first time since Dec. 14, though he had four helpers over eight games between goals. It appears he's earned his way to a more secure role -- his last scratch was Dec. 11, while Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger have been the most frequent blueliners to sit out in recent weeks. LaCombe has impressed in a top-four role with seven goals, 15 points (three on the power play), 56 shots on net, 52 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating over 31 contests. He needs just two points to match his total from 71 games last season.

Bouchard produced a power-play assist and two shots on goal in Friday's 3-2 win over the Ducks.

Bouchard has four points, including two power-play helpers, over his last three contests. The 25-year-old defenseman set up a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tally in the first period. Bouchard has overcome a slow start to the year and is up to 29 points (eight on the power play), 96 shots on net, 61 blocked shots and a plus-8 rating over 38 appearances in a top-pairing role. He'll likely fall short of a point-per-game pace but should offer high-end offense for a blueliner.

Nurse scored a goal on two shots, dished an assist and went plus-2 in Friday's 3-2 win over the Ducks.

Nurse's goal gave the Oilers a 2-0 lead in the second period, but they couldn't maintain it. He also helped out on Leon Draisaitl's goal late in the third, which was the game-winner. The two-point effort ended a seven-game slump for Nurse, who last got on the scoresheet with back-to-back two-assist efforts Dec. 12 and 14. The 29-year-old defenseman now has four goals, 13 helpers, 92 shots on net, 59 hits, 59 blocked shots, 26 PIM and a plus-8 rating over 35 appearances this season.

Perunovich suited up for the first time in five games in Friday's 4-0 win over the Senators.

Perunovich was scratched seven times in 14 games in December. Justin Faulk (undisclosed) was unavailable Friday, allowing Perunovich to draw in on the third pairing. He has gone seven games without a point, so he hasn't helped his cause to stick in the lineup. Perunovich has two goals, four helpers, nine shots on net, 21 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating through 23 appearances this season.

Parayko notched an assist, two hits, three blocked shots and a plus-3 rating in Friday's 4-0 win over the Senators.

Parayko has a goal, five assists and a plus-9 rating over his last five contests. The 31-year-old is in the midst of a career year, and he's arguably been the Blues' best defenseman. He's up to six goals, 16 helpers, 74 shots on net, 60 hits, 96 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over 40 appearances. Parayko has never earned a 40-point season, but that could change if he maintains this scoring pace in the second half.

Lauzon (lower body) won't suit up for Friday's game versus the Canucks.

Lauzon exited Tuesday's game against the Wild and will end up missing at least one contest. Spencer Stastney was called up from AHL Milwaukee to fill in on the blue line. Lauzon's considered day-to-day, and his status for Saturday versus the Flames is not yet known.

Faulk (undisclosed) won't play Friday versus the Senators, Matthew DeFranks of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Faulk was labeled a game-time decision after missing the morning skate. He will end up missing at least one game with the injury. Cam Fowler and Scott Perunovich figure to handle power-play duties during Faulk's absence.

Savard (upper body) won't play Friday versus the Blackhawks.

Savard was labeled a game-time decision and ultimately won't be able to play in the first half of a back-to-back. Jayden Struble will draw in Friday. Savard will likely be questionable heading into Saturday's game versus the Avalanche as well.

Pickering was activated from injured reserve Friday.

While he's officially a game-time decision for Friday's game versus the Panthers, this move clears the way for Pickering to return from a four-game absence. If he suits up, he'll likely be eased back in with bottom-four minutes. He has two points, 12 blocked shots and a minus-4 rating over 14 NHL appearances this season.

Lagesson was summoned from AHL Grand Rapids on Friday.

Lagesson has three goals and nine points in 23 outings with AHL Grand Rapids in 2024-25. Jeff Petry sustained an undisclosed injury during Thursday's 5-4 win over Columbus, so Lagesson's promotion is presumably in response to that. Lagesson provides the Red Wings with insurance, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Lagesson listed as a healthy scratch for Saturday's contest against Winnipeg, even if Petry ends up missing that game.