NHL Player News

Kozak (undisclosed) isn't available for Saturday's game against Nashville, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.

Kozak is set to miss his second straight game. He's considered day-to-day, so the 23-year-old might be an option Sunday versus Tampa Bay. Kozak has two goals, four points, two PIM, 98 hits and 33 blocks in 39 appearances in 2025-26. Kozak could serve in a bottom-six capacity once he's ready to return.

O'Reilly (eye) is slated to play Saturday versus Buffalo, per Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site.

O'Reilly missed Thursday's 6-3 win over Boston because of the injury. He has 22 goals and 59 points in 61 appearances with the Predators in 2025-26. O'Reilly will return to his regular spot on the top line versus the Sabres. He should also see time on the power play and penalty kill.

Saros will guard the road goal against Buffalo on Saturday, per Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site.

Saros is coming off a 20-save performance in Thursday's 6-3 win over Boston. He has a 22-18-6 record this campaign with a 3.18 GAA and an .892 save percentage through 47 appearances. Buffalo sits seventh in the league with 3.40 goals per game this season.

Lyon is expected to start at home against Nashville on Saturday, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.

Lyon has won his past two outings while turning aside 54 of 58 shots (.931 save percentage). He has a 16-8-3 record, 2.66 GAA and .914 save percentage in 29 appearances in 2025-26. Nashville is 5-6-4 while averaging 3.27 goals per game across its past 15 outings.

Lilleberg will be out for at least two weeks due to a facial fracture, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports Saturday.

Lilleberg suffered the injury during Wednesday's practice. He has accounted for two goals, four assists, 28 shots on net, 33 blocked shots and 60 hits across 35 appearances this season.

Hanley (illness) will miss Saturday's home game against the Hurricanes due to an illness, per Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Hanley was reported to be under the weather Saturday, meaning he'll miss his first game since Nov. 18. The 34-year-old blueliner has seven assists, 34 shots on goal, 38 hits and 76 blocked shots across 58 games this season. In his absence, the newly acquired Olli Maatta is set to make his debut for Calgary and should occupy Hanley's spot on the depth chart. Hanley's next chance to return is Monday's matchup against the Capitals, which marks the start of Calgary's upcoming road trip.

Seeler (lower body) is expected to miss Saturday's game against Pittsburgh.

Seeler was also unavailable for Thursday's 3-0 loss to Utah. He has two goals, eight points, 27 PIM, 95 hits and 112 blocks in 60 appearances with the Flyers in 2025-26. Noah Juulsen is set to remain in the lineup Saturday due to Seeler's continued absence.

Konecny (upper body) will miss Saturday's road matchup with the Penguins, per Bill Meltzer of the Flyers' official site.

While Konecny is set to miss his third consecutive game, he was spotted practicing in a non-contact jersey Friday, which indicates he is on track to return in the near future. The 28-year-old winger has helped carry the load offensively for the Flyers with 23 goals, 34 assists and 130 shots on net to go with 80 hits and 31 blocked shots across 58 games this season. If he continues to progress in his recovery and can ultimately shed the non-contact jersey in practice, he might return to Philadelphia's lineup as early as Monday's home game against the Rangers.

Skinner will protect the home net against Philadelphia on Saturday, according to Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site.

Skinner has gone 0-1-2 in his last three outings while allowing nine goals on 76 shots. Since being acquired from Edmonton on Dec. 12, he has posted a record of 8-5-2 with a 2.62 GAA and an .893 save percentage in 15 appearances for Pittsburgh. Philadelphia ranks 25th in the league with 2.80 goals per game this season.

Metsa was recalled from AHL Rochester on Friday.

Metsa was briefly sent to the minors to maintain his eligibility for the AHL playoffs. He has two goals and four points in 31 outings with Buffalo in 2025-26.