NHL Player News

Duchene recorded an even-strength goal and a power-play assist in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Kraken.

Duchene picked things up right where he left them before the break and posted another multi-point effort, his third consecutive outing with two points. He's riding an impressive seven-game point streak, a stretch in which he's racked up 11 points (seven goals, four assists) and 14 shots on goal.

Johnston scored two goals, including one on the power play, in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Kraken.

Johnston broke the deadlock for the Stars in the latter stages of the first period with a tip-in, and he made it a 4-0 game with a power-play tally at the 6:14 mark of the second frame. Johnston is up to 31 goals on the season, and he's scored 19 of those with the man advantage. The star winger leads the NHL in power-play goals and is tied for eighth in goals overall.

Saros will be a game-time call ahead of Thursday's home clash with Chicago, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Saros is currently second in the NHL in starts with 44, behind Utah's Karel Vejmelka (45). In his last five outings, the 30-year-old netminder is 1-1-2 with a 4.75 GAA. If Saros doesn't get the start Thursday, Justus Annunen figures to be pressed into service for the Preds.

Haula (not injury related) is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup against Chicago, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Haula is dealing with travel issues after playing for Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be able to join the Predators in time for Thursday's matchup. Even if he's unavailable against the Blackhawks, it wouldn't be surprising to see him suit up in Dallas on Saturday.

Vejmelka stopped 21 of 25 shots in Wednesday's loss to the Avalanche.

Vejmelka didn't play in the Olympics for Czechia, so he didn't have problems making a start in the return of the NHL season, but his performance wasn't the best. However, he was facing an Avalanche offense that leads the NHL in scoring with 3.84 goals per game. He'll aim to bounce back Friday against the Wild, who will be playing in the second leg of a back-to-back set.

Stutzle is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup against the Red Wings due to the flu, Graeme Nichols of The Hockey News reports.

Stutzle played for Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but his status is in question for the Senators' first game back in action. He had scored goals in nine of 12 appearances prior to the layoff, logging nine goals, six assists, 12 hits and eight blocked shots while averaging 19:36 of ice time across that span.

Wedgewood stopped 28 of 30 shots in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Mammoth.

Wedgewood got the start in the first half of the back-to-back set and looked poised between the pipes en route to the win. He hasa 4-3-1 record in eight outings since the start of the calendar year while allowing two or fewer goals in five games during that span, so his performances have been better than his 2.75 GAA indicates. Wedgewood should return to the No. 2 role with Mackenzie Blackwood expected to get the start against the Wild on Thursday.

Dobes is expected to patrol the crease at home versus Washington on Saturday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

It will be Sam Montembeault who gets the first game coming out of the break, featuring against the Islanders on Thursday before Dobes gets the nod Saturday. In his last seven appearances, the 24-year-old Dobes hasn't suffered a regulation loss, going 6-0-1 with a .886 save percentage.

Merzlikins will start Thursday's road game against Boston, The Hockey News reports.

Merzlikins was effective heading into the Olympic break, going 5-1-0 with a 2.03 GAA and .924 save percentage over his last six starts. He'll draw the start in the Blue Jackets' first game following the layoff but will face a tough test in the Bruins, who are tied for sixth in the NHL with 3.39 goals per game.

DeSmith stopped 18 of 19 shots in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Kraken.

DeSmith got the start Wednesday due to travel logistics, as Jake Oettinger was returning from the 2026 Winter Olympics. DeSmith responded well, but he's expected to return to his regular No. 2 role when the Stars take on the Predators on Saturday.