NHL Player News

Rust (lower body) will be in the lineup against the Lightning on Thursday, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reports.

Rust missed one game due to his lower-body injury but will rejoin the lineup for Thursday's tilt. Prior to his absence, the veteran winger was in the midst of a hot streak in which he logged points in 10 of his last 11 outings while racking up six goals and nine helpers. With Rust back in action, he figures to return to both the first line and No. 1 power-play unit.

Carrick (arm) is considered week-to-week but hasn't been ruled out for the postseason, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports Thursday.

Prior to getting hurt, Carrick was stuck in a five-game pointless streak in which he managed just six shots, eight hits and one block while averaging 9:25 of ice time. Given his timeline, fantasy managers probably shouldn't expect the veteran center back during the regular season. Assuming that's the case, he'll finish the year having generated six points, 19 shots and 20 hits in 13 games since being acquired by the Sabres at the trade deadline.

Thompson will guard the visiting cage in New Jersey on Thursday, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.

Thompson will make his ninth straight start after posting a 5-1-2 mark with a 2.58 GAA and a .914 save percentage in his previous eight outings. Overall, the 29-year-old is 27-20-6 with a 2.46 GAA and a .912 save percentage in 53 appearances this season. The Devils are generating 2.72 goals per game, which ranks 27th in the league.

Jones will not return this season due to his lower-body injury, Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports Thursday.

Jones was activated off non-roster injured reserve Wednesday in a move that seemed to indicate he'd be back in the lineup, but it seems his injury is worse than originally believed. The 28-year-old blueliner's 2025-26 campaign ends with him having played in just seven games, and he notched one assist, 10 hits and five assists.

Skinner will start Thursday's road game against Tampa Bay, Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports.

Skinner is coming off a strong start at home against the Red Wings on Tuesday in which he turned aside 22 of 23 shots (.957 save percentage) in a 5-1 victory. However, he's been inconsistent over the past few weeks, going 2-2-1 with a 3.54 GAA and .876 save percentage over his last five outings. The Lightning rank second in the NHL with 3.57 goals per game.

Lohrei (upper body) has been ruled out for Thursday's clash in Florida, per Jim McBride of The Boston Globe.

Lohrei will sit out his third straight game. He has seven goals and 25 points across 68 outings in 2025-26. Lohrei's next opportunity to suit up will be Saturday in Tampa Bay, and he would likely replace Henri Jokiharju in the lineup.

Swayman will patrol the blue paint on the road versus Florida on Thursday, Jim McBride of The Boston Globe reports.

Swayman has secured victories in four of his last five outings, posting a 4-1-0 record and .925 save percentage along the way. The 27-year-old netminder has already set a new personal best with his 30 wins this year. With a back-to-back versus the Lightning and Flyers on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, Swayman figures to split the set with Joonas Korpisalo.

Oettinger will start Thursday's home game against the Jets, Stars radio analyst Bruce LeVine reports.

Oettinger has largely struggled in recent outings, going 1-2-0 with a 4.01 GAA and .806 save percentage across his last four appearances. He's made two starts against Winnipeg this year -- one at home and one on the road -- and he's gone 2-0-0 with a 3.44 GAA and .865 save percentage in those outings.

Myers (undisclosed) will be unavailable Thursday versus Winnipeg, Brien Rea of Victory+ reports.

Myers will miss his second straight game with the injury. He has one goal and nine assists with 79 hits and 106 blocked shots across 68 appearances split between Vancouver and Dallas this season.

Jarry will patrol the home crease versus Chicago on Thursday, according to Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton.

Jarry has struggled since his trade from Pittsburgh to Edmonton on Dec. 12. He is 8-6-1 with a 4.01 GAA and an .856 save percentage in 16 games with the Oilers. The Blackhawks are 31st in NHL scoring this season, generating 2.56 goals per game.