NHL Player News

Smith scored a goal in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Red Wings.

Smith has two goals and two assists over five games since the Olympic break. He's mostly worked in a second-line spot in that stretch, though he was limited to 9:12 of ice time Wednesday, so it's possible he's dealing with something, though nothing has been revealed by the team. The winger has 11 goals, 20 points, 72 shots on net and a minus-9 rating over 58 appearances this season.

Mangipane's availability against the Canucks on Friday will depend on when his visa application is processed, Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio reports.

Based on similar situations, it seems unlikely Mangipane will be ready to face Vancouver on Friday, though he hasn't been officially ruled out. In 52 games with the Oilers this season, the Toronto native has managed just seven goals and seven helpers. Now with the Blackhawks, Mangipane could see more opportunities than he was getting with Edmonton.

Quillan was summoned from AHL Toronto on Thursday.

Quillan will replace Nicolas Roy on the roster after Roy was dealt to Colorado earlier in the day. Quillan has played four games this season at the NHL level, and he's failed to record a point. Quillan had 12 goals and 33 points in 38 AHL games before being recalled.

Jones (upper body) has resumed taking full contact but won't play in Thursday's game against the Blue Jackets, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Jones has been sidelined since early January due to his upper-body injury, but he's progressing in his recovery. Head coach Paul Maurice said Thursday that Jones' return to game action will be determined based on when he's able to do some harder, basic things with the puck, and it's not yet clear when that will occur. However, the 31-year-old appears to be trending toward a return at some point in the near future.

Cowan logged an assist and went minus-2 in Wednesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Devils.

Bobby McMann was scratched for roster management Wednesday, opening the door for Cowan to claim a top-line assignment. If the Maple Leafs succeed in their sell-off before Friday's trade deadline, Cowan is poised to see significant minutes to close out the campaign. The 20-year-old winger has seven goals, 18 points, 66 shots on net, 48 hits and 23 blocked shots over his first 46 NHL outings.

Kaiser (lower body) will return to the lineup Friday against Vancouver, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic reports.

The defenseman missed four games due to his lower-body injury, suffered in the Blackhawks' final game before the Olympic break Feb. 4. He has five goals and seven assists over 57 games this season. Ethan Del Mastro is expected to come out of the lineup for Kaiser.

Benoit logged an assist and went minus-2 in Wednesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Devils.

Benoit ended a three-month point drought which spanned 28 games. He went minus-9 with 19 shots on net, 81 hits and 46 blocked shots in that span. The defenseman adds grit in a bottom-four role, but he has just four assists to go with 144 hits, 84 blocks and 37 PIM over 54 appearances this season. That lack of offense won't fly in most fantasy formats.

Maccelli scored a goal on three shots in Wednesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Devils.

Maccelli has four goals and two assists over seven games since the start of February. He has 17 shots on net in that span, well over two shots per game, compared to the 1.35 shots per game he's averaging this season. The winger is at 11 goals, 27 points, 69 shots on net and a minus-13 rating over 51 appearances while mainly featuring in a middle-six role.

Knies scored a goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Wednesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Devils.

Knies is filling a middle-six role currently, so he is unlikely to be a major factor on offense. However, he still has a spot on the first power-play unit, so there is upside to his game. He's produced 16 goals, 50 points, 114 shots on net, 120 hits and a minus-15 rating through 59 appearances this season.

Nylander scored a power-play goal on two shots in Wednesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Devils.

Nylander has scored in three straight games, and his last two tallies have come with the man advantage. The 29-year-old winger continues to see plenty of premium ice time, and he's maintained a high standard on offense even as Toronto has struggled overall. Nylander has 21 goals, 57 points, 100 shots on net and a minus-2 rating through 45 appearances this season.