NHL Player News

Steel scored a goal and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Kraken.

Steel stretched the Stars' lead to 3-0 with the middle tally of a three-goal burst in a span of 4:31 early in the second period. The 28-year-old went 13 games without a goal prior to the Olympic break, earning seven assists during that stretch. For the season, he has eight goals, 24 points, 65 shots on net, 59 hits and an even plus-minus rating over 58 appearances. That's in line with his usual full-season production, so it's possible this will be the first year he hits the 30-point mark.

Meier scored a goal on six shots and added four hits in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Sabres.

Meier has two goals over his last four NHL games. The 29-year-old winger has earned just five points while posting a minus-12 rating over his last 18 contests for the Devils, despite taking 68 shots in that span. He's now at 15 goals, 14 assists, 182 shots, 95 hits, 32 blocked shots and a minus-19 rating over 53 appearances. Meier has a lot of fantasy potential as a power forward, but he'll need to build some momentum on offense.

Cates scored a goal on two shots and added three hits in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Capitals.

Cates went into the Olympic break on an 18-game goal drought, adding just four assists in that span. The 27-year-old may have benefited from the break, using it as a reset to get his campaign back on track. He's been fine in a middle-six role in 2025-26, earning 11 goals, 27 points, 90 shots on net, 67 hits, 38 blocked shots, 33 PIM and a plus-16 rating over 57 appearances, production largely in line with where he was at last year.

Edvinsson (lower body) was taken off injured reserve ahead of Thursday's matchup with Ottawa, per the NHL media site.

Edvinsson looks set to return following a seven-game stint on injured reserve due to his lower-body injury. In 48 games this year, the 23-year-old blueliner notched six goals and 11 helpers and may be hard-pressed to get back over the 30-point threshold like last year.

Van Riemsdyk scored a goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Flyers.

Van Riemsdyk's tally at 14:08 of the third period stood as the game-winner. It was his first goal since Oct. 25 versus the Senators. The defenseman has played in most of the Capitals' games this season, but he doesn't offer much upside in fantasy. He's at eight points, 27 shots on net, 67 blocked shots and a minus-5 rating through 46 appearances.

Sundqvist (upper body) isn't expected to play in Thursday's game against Seattle.

Sundqvist underwent surgery during the Olympic break and will be unavailable for at least one matchup following the league's three-week layoff. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to action, but head coach Jim Montgomery suggested last week that Sundqvist could be cleared to play soon.

Ollas was reassigned to ECHL Bloomington on Thursday.

Ollas was a temporary practice fill-in for the Rangers while they waited for Igor Shesterkin (lower body) to be cleared, coming out of the Olympic break. Considering the 23-year-old Ollas is still playing down in the ECHL, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to make an NHL appearance anytime soon.

Berard was assigned to AHL Hartford on Thursday.

Berard was called up for the final week of the Olympic break, and he'll return to the minors ahead of the Rangers' game against Philadelphia on Thursday. Over 34 appearances with Hartford this year, he's recorded six goals, 12 assists and 42 PIM.

Sandin scored a goal on two shots in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Flyers.

Sandin had gone 40 games without a goal, earning 12 assists in that span. The 25-year-old snapped the drought at 13:52 of the second period to open the scoring in a tight contest. He's now at 19 points, 66 shots on net, 85 blocked shots, 61 hits and a plus-5 rating over 53 appearances in a bottom-four role.

Knight will start Thursday's road game against Nashville, Vinnie Parise of The Hockey News reports.

Knight drew three consecutive starts heading into the Olympic break, and he'll tend the twine in the Blackhawks' first matchup following the layoff. Across his last five outings, he's gone 1-3-1 with a 3.18 GAA and .864 save percentage.