NHL Player News

Askarov won't return to Thursday's game versus the Blues after sustaining an apparent upper-body injury.

Askarov seemed to indicate an issue with his neck after getting run into in his crease during the second period. He stopped all 11 shots he faced prior to his exit, and Alex Nedeljkovic replaced him between the pipes. Askarov was making his return from a lower-body injury that cost him seven contests. If he is forced to miss more time, Laurent Brossoit is likely to be recalled from AHL San Jose to fill the backup role. The Sharks visit the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

Severson left Thursday's contest versus the Canadiens due to an upper-body injury, and there was no update on his status after the game, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

Severson had the Blue Jackets' lone goal in a 2-1 loss Thursday, but he was hurt in the third period after a hit from Zachary Bolduc. The 31-year-old Severson can be considered day-to-day until his status is updated. If he misses time, Egor Zamula or Jake Christiansen will replace him in the lineup, while Denton Mateychuk or Dante Fabbro will get more ice time. Severson has 32 points in 71 outings this season and will be tough to replace if he's out for any length of time.

Crevier was in the locker room with his teammates after leaving Thursday's game versus the Flyers following a skate to the face, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Crevier had an assist in the contest, but he wasn't able to finish it after appearing to get cut on the face. However, his presence in the locker room after the game -- rather than getting further treatment -- suggests he has avoided a significant injury. He has earned 18 points over 68 outings this season.

Steel (undisclosed) didn't finish Thursday's game versus the Islanders, and head coach Glen Gulutzan had no update on his status after the contests, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Steel left the game in the third period and didn't return. He can be considered day-to-day until more information is available. The Stars have a back-to-back on the weekend, playing in Pittsburgh on Saturday and Philadelphia on Sunday, and it's not clear if Steel will play in those contests. Michael Bunting will check back in if Steel is unavailable.

Harkins (upper body) has left the Ducks' road trip to return to Anaheim for further evaluation on his injury, Derek Lee of The Hockey News reports Thursday.

This suggests Harkins will miss a second game Saturday versus the Oilers, which is the final contest of the trip. Pending further information, Harkins is day-to-day, with his status for Monday versus the Maple Leafs still to be determined.

Kuemper is expected to start on the road against Vancouver on Thursday, per Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site.

Kuemper is looking to get back into the win column after going 0-0-3 with a 2.83 GAA and an .883 save percentage across his past three games. He's 17-13-13 with a 2.66 GAA and an .897 save percentage in 45 appearances this season. Vancouver is a favorable matchup. The Canucks have dropped their past three games to fall to 21-41-8 on the season, and they rank 31st in goals per game with 2.53 this campaign.

Terry won't play Thursday versus the Flames due to a lower-body injury.

Terry has battled a recurring upper-body injury at times this season, but this is a new concern. The 28-year-old doesn't have an established timeline to return from this injury. The Ducks will have Frank Vatrano on the top line in Terry's usual spot for Thursday's game.

Thompson is expected to start on the road against Utah on Thursday, per Mike Vogel of the Capitals' official site.

Thompson has stopped 141 of 150 shots (.940 save percentage) across his past five outings, but a lack of offensive support has resulted in a 2-1-2 record over that stretch. He's 24-20-6 with a 2.37 GAA and a .915 save percentage in 50 outings this season. Utah ranks 14th in goals per game with 3.13 this season.

Zary (upper body) is out of the lineup Thursday versus the Ducks, Ryan Pike of Flames Nation reports.

Zary will miss his third consecutive game. The 24-year-old is still considered day-to-day, but the Flames haven't indicated if he's gotten back on the ice since his injury occurred. Zary's next chance to play is Saturday versus the Canucks.

Rodrigues won't return to Thursday's game against Minnesota after sustaining an upper-body injury.

Rodrigues logged just 49 seconds of ice time before exiting the game. If he can't play Saturday against the Islanders, then the Panthers might need to call up a forward from the minors. However, Sam Reinhart (foot) and Mackie Samoskevich (neck) might both be available Saturday, and if at least one of them can play, then Florida would be able to dress 12 healthy forwards, even if Rodrigues ends up missing the tilt.