NHL Player News

Kuznetsov (upper body) will miss Sunday's game against the Lightning but is close to a return, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

Kuznetsov has already missed three games and is set to miss a fourth Sunday against the Lightning. However, it seems that the 24-year-old could be ready soon with his next chance to come back being Tuesday against the Kings. He has 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 52 games on the season.

Sorokin will get the start in net Sunday against the Blue Jackets, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports.

Sorokin started Saturday night against the Canadiens, surrendering six goals on 32 shots. Interestingly, the Islanders will turn to him once again on the second of a back-to-back, giving him a chance to instantly rebound. The 30-year-old has a 25-17-2 record on the season with a 2.59 GAA and a .911 save percentage. He faces a hot Blue Jackets team that has gone 8-0-4 in its last 12 games.

Koivunen was loaned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Sunday.

Koivunen has collected two goals, seven points, 32 shots on net and 13 blocked shots in 33 NHL appearances this season. He also has 11 goals and 33 points across 28 AHL outings during the 2025-26 campaign.

Pesce (lower body) is questionable to return to the lineup before the end of the 2025-26 regular season, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports Sunday.

Pesce had been listed as week-to-week and has missed the last eight games. If he doesn't return before the end of the regular season, he will finish with one goal, six assists, 45 shots on net and 80 blocked shots across 37 appearances.

Noesen (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News reports Sunday.

Noesen had surgery on his knee back in January. There was hope that he might make it back in time to contribute this year, but that possibility has been officially ruled out. The 33-year-old will wrap up his 2025-26 campaign with three goals, four assists, 33 penalty minutes, 33 hits and 15 blocked shots in 38 games.

Colton (upper body) isn't in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Capitals, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports.

Colton will miss a sixth consecutive game, as he didn't take the ice for warmups ahead of Sunday's contest. The 29-year-old has 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 60 games on the season. His next chance at a return will be Tuesday on the road against the Penguins.

Greaves will guard the road goal against the Islanders on Sunday, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site.

Greaves will get the second half of the Blue Jackets' back-to-back after Elvis Merzlikins played in Saturday's 5-2 win over Seattle. The 24-year-old Greaves has a 23-12-8 record during the 2025-26 campaign with two shutouts, a 2.61 GAA and a .909 save percentage through 44 appearances. The Islanders rank 22nd in the league this season with 2.87 goals per game.

Comrie will get the start in goal for Sunday's game against the Rangers, Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press reports.

With the Jets sitting just five points back of a playoff spot, Connor Hellebuyck has been getting the vast majority of starts, but he is getting a rare game off Sunday. Comrie has been successful when called upon lately. The 30-year-old Comrie brings a personal five-game winning streak into Sunday's contest that dates back to Jan 9. Overall, he is 11-9-1 on the season with a 2.96 GAA and an .895 save percentage. The Rangers average 2.80 goals per game, which is 25th in the NHL.

Garand will patrol the home crease against Winnipeg on Sunday, per Peter Baugh of The Athletic.

With Jonathan Quick (upper body) unavailable, Garand will make his NHL debut in Sunday's matchup. The 23-year-old Garand has a 16-15-2 record with a 2.83 GAA and an .896 save percentage across 36 appearances for AHL Hartford this season. Winnipeg is tied for 23rd in the NHL this campaign with 2.83 goals per game.

Cooley will start Sunday's game against the Lightning in net, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

Cooley will attempt to build on a strong performance in his previous start, in which he stopped 25 of 26 shots against the Blues on Wednesday. The 28-year-old is 8-9-4 on the season with a 2.47 GAA and a .915 save percentage. It will be a challenge to limit the potent Lightning offense, as they are second in the league at 3.59 goals per game.