NHL Player News

Backlund (upper body) will play against the Maple Leafs on Monday, per Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM.

Backlund will return to the Flames' lineup Monday after missing each of the last two games with an upper-body injury. The 37-year-old veteran's return will provide a boost for Calgary's top line, as he's posted two points, 24 shots on net and seven hits across eight outings this season. Backlund is a risky player to start in fantasy Monday, especially against a Maple Leafs' squad that has won four straight games.

Byfield (upper body) will be in the lineup for Monday's road game against the Rangers, per Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site.

Byfield will return to the lineup following a two-game absence and center the second line between Trevor Moore and Taylor Ward. Byfield has gotten on the scoresheet only once this season -- he had a goal and a helper Oct. 3 versus San Jose -- so the Kings will need the 24-year-old to be much better in order to help improve the team's 2-5-2 record to begin the season.

Kuemper will patrol the road paint in Monday's clash against the Rangers, per Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site.

Kuemper has been turning his season around for the better over his past two outings, where he's made 71 saves on 75 shots on net en route to a pair of wins. Overall, the 36-year-old backstop has a 2-3-1 record, a 3.55 GAA and an .890 save percentage across six appearances. He's slated to face the Rangers at Madison Square Garden in James Reimer's first start for Monday's hosts. The Rangers enter Monday's clash 14th in the NHL with 3.15 goals per game, which should make for a close game. Regardless, Kuemper is a solid spot start in most fantasy formats given the lack of games Monday and his recent success.

Zuccarello (upper body) was placed on injured reserve by the Kings on Monday, per the NHL Media Site.

Zuccarello had already been ruled out prior to Monday's road clash against the Rangers, but his placement on injured reserve will keep him sidelined for at least four games. The 39-year-old winger had already missed three games earlier in the season due to an undisclosed injury. It remains to be seen whether the two issues are related, but his absences due to injury have kept him from finding his groove with the Kings. Once he's ready to return, the 17-year NHL veteran will look to establish himself offensively from a top-six role for his new squad.

Brind'Amour was loaned to AHL Chicago on Monday.

In a corresponding move, the Hurricanes activated Taylor Hall (upper body) from injured reserve. Brind'Amour didn't post a point in Carolina's last two games, but he had five shots on net and three hits. He has two goals and one assist in six AHL outings this campaign.

The Hurricanes activated Hall (upper body) from injured reserve Monday.

Hall indicated Monday that he expected to return to game action for Tuesday's matchup against the Bruins, and his activation signals that he should officially be back in the lineup. Prior to his five-game absence, Hall had appeared in eight regular-season games, generating three goals, two assists, nine hits, eight PIM and a blocked shot while averaging 13:01 of ice time. Skyler Brind'Amour was sent to AHL Chicago to make room for Hall on the active roster.

Aitcheson was recalled from AHL Hamilton on Monday.

Aitcheson has registered one assist and seven shots on net in nine AHL outings this season. The 20-year-old defender may get a chance to make his NHL debut during his stint with the Islanders, but it's unclear if he will play against Nashville on Tuesday.

Kulich has been placed in concussion protocol, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News on Monday.

Kulich missed Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to Washington and won't join his teammates for the California portion of Buffalo's road trip. The Sabres visit San Jose on Tuesday, Anaheim on Thursday and Los Angeles on Saturday. It's unclear when Kulich will be available to return to the lineup. He has one goal, two assists, nine shots on net, three blocked shots and seven hits in eight appearances this season.

Marner (personal) participated in Monday's practice, according to SinBin.vegas.

Marner missed the last two games for his son's birth. The 29-year-old Vegas winger is slated to play against Ottawa on Tuesday after returning to the second line in Monday's practice. Marner has two goals, 12 points, 28 shots on net, eight blocked shots and six hits in 11 appearances this season.

Fabbro (hand) could return to action for Tuesday's game against Philadelphia, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Fabbro participated in Monday's practice session, but the Blue Jackets will reassess the 28-year-old defenseman Tuesday morning to determine whether he's ready to suit up against the Flyers. Fabbro has been trending in the right direction recently after missing the start of the regular season due to a hand injury. It's unclear whether he'll face any limitations if he's able to suit up Tuesday.