NHL Player News

Ferraro has not recorded a point over the Sharks' first 10 games in December.

Ferraro's value typically comes from non-scoring production -- he has 20 hits, 11 PIM and eight blocked shots this month. Overall, the 26-year-old defenseman has six points, 91 hits, 54 blocked shots, 21 PIM and a minus-16 rating through 37 appearances. He should continue to fill a top-four role, but without much likelihood of stronger offense, he has low fantasy value.

Heinola has played in eight of the Jets' 12 games in December.

The 23-year-old defenseman couldn't get much playing time in the early part of the season, but he's seen an uptick in usage. Heinola has picked up playing time to cover for the absences of Logan Stanley (lower body) and Dylan Samberg (foot). Heinola's playing time is safe for now, but he'll likely see his role reduced once Samberg returns, though the latter doesn't have a firm recovery timeline in place yet.

Crevier has played in four of the Blackhawks' 12 games in December.

Crevier has been with the big club since mid-November, but he hasn't been able to carve out more than a part-time role. The 23-year-old has picked up a goal, six shots on net, 14 hits, 12 blocked shots and a minus-2 rating through seven appearances this season. He could be sent back to AHL Rockford once Alec Martinez (neck) returns to action.

Alexeyev has not suited up since Nov. 8, a span of 21 games out of the lineup.

The Capitals went with seven defensemen in Monday's game versus the Bruins, but they lost that game 4-1. Dylan McIlrath dressed in that contest, while Alexeyev remained a healthy scratch. That gives an indication into the pecking order should injuries arise on the blue line, and it doesn't bode well for Alexeyev playing a considerable role for the rest of the campaign.

Van Riemsdyk has been held scoreless through the Capitals' first 10 games in December.

Van Riemsdyk has logged 18 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating this month. The 33-year-old doesn't play an overly physical style, so a lack of offense as well results in him having minimal fantasy value. He's logged 11 helpers, 48 shots on net, 69 blocked shots and a plus-9 rating through 34 appearances this season, putting him three assists shy of matching his offensive output from 2023-24.

Jones has averaged 1:00 of power-play time per game this season.

Jones is not guaranteed to be in the lineup, as the 24-year-old occasionally sits out when the Rangers' defense is fully healthy. When he's played, Jones has been put in a position to succeed with second-pairing minutes and a spot on the second power-play unit. He has eight points, 24 shots on net, 16 blocked shots, 14 hits and a plus-2 rating through 26 outings. He still needs to find another level on offense, but Jones could be given more minutes if the Rangers' December swoon persists much longer.

Lindgren has not recorded a point over 11 contests in December.

Lindgren has remained in a top-four role this season. He occasionally played alongside Jacob Trouba prior to the trade that sent the former captain to Anaheim. Lindgren has recently been back on the top pairing with Adam Fox, though Lindgren remains a shutdown defenseman. Overall, the 26-year-old has four points, 48 blocked shots, 42 hits, 23 shots on net, 20 PIM and a minus-4 rating through 29 appearances.

Kovacevic has registered just one assist over 10 contests in December.

Kovacevic is still averaging 19:44 of ice time per game this month, and he has a plus-3 rating, but his stable defense hasn't led to more offense. The 27-year-old blueliner has been a fixture on the Devils' second pairing this season. Kovacevic has a total of 10 points, 50 hits, 47 blocked shots, 36 shots on net, 33 PIM and a plus-17 rating over 37 appearances in his first campaign with the Devils.

Juulsen has yet to record a point over 23 appearances this season.

Juulsen's role has stabilized since Filip Hronek (lower body) went on long-term injured reserve. Still, the 27-year-old Juulsen has offered only physicality, racking up 61 hits and 37 blocked shots while adding 13 PIM, 16 shots on net and a minus-8 rating in a bottom-four role. With no offense to speak of, Juulsen is not a player that will make a significant fantasy impact.

Brannstrom has been scratched in five of the Canucks' last eight games after sitting out Monday's 4-3 win over the Sharks.

Brannstrom played a significant role early in the season as Derek Forbort was out due to a personal situation and a knee injury. Now that Forbort is healthy, Brannstrom's playing time has dropped as the two defensemen compete for one spot on the third pairing. The 25-year-old has seven points, 29 shots on net, 35 blocked shots and a minus-3 rating through 26 appearances in his first year with the Canucks.