NHL Player News

Jiricek scored a goal and added two assists in OHL Brantford's 5-2 win over Niagara on Wednesday.

Jiricek has three goals and five assists over seven outings in March. The defenseman is up to 18 goals and 57 points through 54 appearances this season, to go with a plus-30 rating and 156 shots on net. The Blues prospect will likely be in the AHL for 2026-27.

Benak scored a goal and added two assists in OHL Brantford's 5-2 win over Niagara on Wednesday.

Benak has four goals and six assists over six outings in March. For the season, he's at 27 goals, 73 points and a plus-20 rating over 46 appearances. Benak should continue to be a big performer for the Bulldogs heading into the OHL playoffs.

Pederson scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Lehigh Valley's 6-3 win over the Providence on Wednesday.

Pederson has four goals and five assists over his last six outings. The veteran forward is up to 22 goals and 45 points across 56 contests for the Phantoms this season, his first year with the team. He's just been an AHL veteran in the Flyers' organization this season, aside from an NHL stint in late January.

Kaliyev scored two goals in AHL Belleville's 7-2 loss to Cleveland on Wednesday.

Kaliyev has three goals and three assists over five contests in March. For the season, he's up to 33 goals, 57 points, 214 shots on net and a minus-15 rating over 59 appearances. Kaliyev's been good for the AHL club, but it hasn't led to an extended look at the NHL level.

Pyyhtia scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Cleveland's 7-2 win over Belleville on Wednesday.

Pyyhtia snapped an eight-game goal drought in this effort. He's up to 13 goals and 40 points through 47 appearances this season. The Finnish forward has 71 NHL games to his name, but the Blue Jackets appear to have enough depth for now, so he'll have to wait for his next opportunity for a call-up.

Del Bel Belluz scored three goals and added an assist in AHL Cleveland's 7-2 win over Belleville on Wednesday.

Del Bel Belluz has eight goals and four assists over his last 10 AHL contests. For the season, he's produced 22 goals and 53 points in 48 appearances. That matches his regular-season point total from last year, which took him 61 contests to accumulate.

Colton (upper body) won't play versus the Stars on Wednesday, per the NHL media site.

Colton will miss his fourth consecutive game. The 29-year-old forward's status hasn't been officially updated by the Avalanche since he was hurt March 10 versus the Oilers. Colton's next chance to play is Friday versus the Blackhawks.

Kuznetsov (upper body) isn't in the lineup Wednesday versus the Blues, Ryan Pike of Flames Nation reports.

Kuznetsov will miss his second straight game with the injury. The 23-year-old's absence continues to be covered by Hunter Brzustewicz, who will skate on the second pairing. Kuznetsov's next chance to play is Friday versus the Panthers.

Laba (lower body) won't return to Wednesday's game versus the Devils, Peter Baugh of The Athletic reports.

Laba didn't return after the second period. It's unclear if he will be available for Thursday's game against Columbus. If Laba can't play against the Blue Jackets, Juuso Parssinen or Jonny Brodzinski will probably enter the lineup.

Vaakanainen (upper body) will not return to Wednesday's game versus the Devils.

Vaakanainen's injury occurred in the first period, and he logged only 3:05 of ice time in the contest. Vincent Iorio will likely fill in if Vaakanainen can't play Thursday versus the Blue Jackets.