NHL Player News

Vatrano scored an empty-net goal on two shots and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Islanders.

Vatrano returned from a 22-game absence due to a shoulder injury and was able to get right back on the scoresheet. Prior to the injury, he had gone nine contests without a goal, adding 14 shots on net and two assists in that span. Vatrano has had a down year with just seven points, 70 shots, 67 hits, 36 PIM and a minus-8 rating over 39 appearances. It's possible he will tone down his physical play to protect the shoulder as well, which reduces his fantasy potential overall.

Sennecke scored a goal on three shots, dished a power-play assist and logged five hits in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Islanders.

Sennecke's helper on a Cutter Gauthier tally in the first period was the former's 50th point of the campaign. Just a few minutes later, Sennecke scored to stretch the Ducks' lead to 3-1, and that was his 20th goal this season. He has earned two goals and five assists over his last five games and is up to 51 points (11 on the power play) through 61 appearances this season. Sennecke has added 139 shots on net, 74 hits, 38 PIM and a minus-6 rating while filling a top-six role.

Gauthier scored twice on four shots and added two PIM in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Islanders.

Gauthier reached the 30-goal mark with a power-play tally in the first period, and he added another goal before the intermission. He's been firing on all cylinders lately with eight goals on 29 shots over his last seven contests. For the season, he's at 31 goals, 55 points (14 on the power play), 231 shots on net, 49 hits, 22 PIM and a plus-4 rating through 60 appearances. Gauthier is a rising star and looks to be a key part of the Ducks' emerging core.

Husso stopped 42 of 43 shots in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Islanders.

Husso was able to pick up his first win since Jan. 17, though this was just his second start in the Ducks' last 13 games since Lukas Dostal continues to handle a heavy workload. The 31-year-old Husso has done a fair job when tasked with the crease, going 7-5-1 with a 3.08 GAA and an .894 save percentage over 13 appearances. The Finnish netminder isn't likely to get a lot of playing time for the remainder of the campaign, but he can be a decent matchup-based streaming option. Look for Lukas Dostal to be back between the pipes Friday versus the Canadiens.

Cihar posted three assists in WHL Kelowna's 5-2 win over Spokane on Wednesday.

Cihar had gone two games without a goal prior to Wednesday. The Kings prospect is up to 21 points in 23 appearances for the Rockets this season. Cihar has impressed so far, but the 18-year-old winger will likely need more development time, either in the WHL or on loan in Europe, before he'll be NHL-ready.

Wright scored twice in AHL Ontario's 4-1 win over Tucson on Wednesday.

Wright was demoted from the Kings' roster earlier in the day, but he looks motivated to work his way back to the NHL. The 23-year-old reached the 30-point mark in the AHL with this effort, a mark he reached in 54 contests. Wright made his NHL debut Monday, and even if he doesn't get back to the big club this season, he should get a long look in the fall during training camp.

Lazar (undisclosed) was placed on long-term injured reserve Wednesday, per PuckPedia.

Lazar was already ruled out for four weeks, so this move doesn't impact his return timeline. It does free up the cap space the Oilers needed to accommodate their acquisitions of Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach in Wednesday's trade with the Blackhawks. Lazar shouldn't be expected back until early April, and if his recovery stalls out, he may be held out until the playoffs.

Pickford scored three goals on eight shots in WHL Medicine Hat's 6-3 win over Brandon on Wednesday.

Pickford is up to 41 goals and 76 points in just 49 appearances this season. He has eight goals and six assists over seven games since he returned from a month-long absence. Pickford has been incredible all season, and the Canadiens prospect earned his entry-level deal in December, paving the way for him to contribute for AHL Laval in 2026-27.

Halverson posted a 16-save shutout in AHL Syracuse's 2-0 win over Laval on Wednesday.

Halverson has a personal-best six shutouts this season in the AHL, collecting them in just 30 games. He's 20-6-3 on the year, the second season in a row he has hit the 20-win mark. He has added a 2.17 GAA and a .912 save percentage. The Lightning have only utilized Halverson as an emergency option. However, his success at the AHL level could help him become an option for Tampa Bay's backup role at some point, given Jonas Johansson's struggles.

Brandsegg-Nygard scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Grand Rapids' 7-3 win over Rockford on Wednesday.

Brandsegg-Nygard has six goals and three assists during his four-game point streak. He's found a groove for the Griffins lately and is up to 16 goals and 37 points over 49 appearances. The Norwegian forward will likely get a chance to compete for a roster spot in Detroit next season, and he could help his own cause by keeping up this strong run of play into the AHL playoffs.