NHL Player News

Matheson (lower body) is expected to miss two weeks, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports Saturday.

Matheson will miss his second stretch of games this season due to a lower-body injury. It remains to be seen whether his current issue is a flare-up of his previous injury. Prior to going down, the 32-year-old defenseman posted a goal, three assists, a plus-1 rating, 15 shots on net, five hits and 13 blocked shots across eight appearances this season. In his absence, the 22-year-old Adam Engstrom should have a chance to earn more playing time over the next two weeks and beyond. If Matheson is ultimately shifted to injured reserve, he's a solid IR stash in deep fantasy leagues.

Tanev (upper body) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, per David Alter of The Hockey News.

After missing the last nine games, Tanev is poised to return to the lineup against Vancouver on Saturday. The 36-year-old blueliner has contributed one assist, one shot on goal, 14 blocked shots and one hit in six appearances this season.

Montembeault (lower body) is considered day-to-day, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports on Saturday.

Montembeault will miss his 11th straight game against Pittsburgh on Saturday, but he participated in the morning skate and appears to be working his way toward a return. He hasn't logged any playing time in the 2026-27 season, and it will be difficult for him to get starts once he's healthy behind Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes.

Schneider (illness) missed Saturday's practice and has been deemed day-to-day, per Peter Baugh of The Athletic.

In order to play in Sunday's clash against the Oilers, Schneider will likely have to log at least a limited session at the Rangers' morning skate. Prior to the illness, the 25-year-old blueliner had posted two assists, 20 shots on net, 31 hits and 16 blocked shots across 14 appearances. If he can't go against Edmonton, Scott Morrow would likely occupy his spot in the lineup.

Durzi (undisclosed) is day-to-day ahead of Sunday's matchup against Edmonton, per Peter Baugh of The Athletic.

Durzi has been taking maintenance days recently and didn't participate in Saturday's practice. He hasn't missed a game yet, but it's unclear if he will be available to play against the Oilers on Sunday. Durzi has two goals, five points, 12 shots on net, 21 blocked shots and nine hits in 14 appearances this season.

Fowler will patrol the home crease against Pittsburgh on Saturday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

Fowler has stopped 165 of 173 shots during his six-game winning streak. He owns a 6-1-0 record, a 1.54 GAA and a .942 save percentage in seven appearances this season. Pittsburgh (5-6-2) ranks 13th in the league with 3.23 goals per game during the 2026-27 campaign.

Shaw was summoned from AHL Iowa on Saturday.

Shaw has registered four goals and 10 points in 10 minor-league outings this campaign. He could make his NHL season debut against Washington on Sunday if Joel Eriksson Ek (undisclosed) is unavailable.

George was recalled from AHL Hamilton on Saturday.

George hasn't earned a point in four AHL outings this season. He had one assist, two shots on goal, three blocked shots and one hit in four regular-season NHL outings with the Islanders in 2025-26. George could play against Edmonton on Saturday if Ryan Pulock (upper body) is unavailable.

Hamilton scored a goal and added three assists in WHL Red Deer's 5-2 win over Calgary on Friday.

Hamilton logged his ninth multi-point effort in 13 games this season. He's up to 11 goals, 14 assists and 63 shots on net, but this was his first multi-point outing in his last four contests. Hamilton continues to be a big performer for Red Deer and should be one of the most consistent scorers in the WHL.

Connors logged three assists in AHL Ontario's 5-4 loss to Tucson on Friday.

Connors logged his first multi-point effort of the season. He's up to one goal, six helpers, 25 shots on net and a minus-8 rating over 10 appearances. He had 41 points over 65 regular-season contests in 2025-26. Connors should be in the mix for call-ups if he finds more consistent offense in the AHL.