NHL Player News

Pearson was acquired by Buffalo from Winnipeg on Friday in exchange for a seventh-round pick, per Darren Dreger of TSN.

Pearson has seven goals, 13 points, 25 PIM, 49 shots, 68 hits and 26 blocks in 52 outings with Winnipeg in 2025-26. Buffalo will likely use Pearson primarily as a fourth-line option, but he also might find himself spending some time as a healthy scratch, especially during times when the Sabres' forward corps is relatively healthy.

Deslauriers (not injury related) won't play Friday in Edmonton or Saturday in Calgary, but he'll join the Hurricanes in Raleigh after those two road games, Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal reports.

Carolina acquired Deslauriers from Philadelphia on Friday. Skipping the remainder of Carolina's road trip will give the 35-year-old some time to adjust before making his Hurricanes debut, which might come Tuesday versus Pittsburgh. Deslauriers has an assist, 33 PIM and 86 hits in 24 outings with Philadelphia in 2025-26.

Liljegren was flipped to the Capitals from the Sharks on Friday in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

Liljegren isn't exactly an offensive stud, so he's far from a replacement for John Carlson, who was sent to Anaheim in a separate deal late Thursday night. Still, there should be an open roster spot on the back end for the 26-year-old Liljegren, where he figures to serve in a shutdown role.

Kochetkov (hip) might be available in time for the playoffs, according to Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News on Friday.

Kochetkov hasn't played since Dec. 20 because of the injury. He was previously expected to miss the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign, so if he ends up playing at all before the end of the regular season, that would be a bit of a surprise. Kochetkov has a 6-2-0 record, 2.33 GAA and .899 save percentage in nine outings this campaign. Brandon Bussi might maintain the starting gig for the rest of the regular season even if Kochetkov returns. However, Kochetkov would eat into Bussi and Frederik Andersen's playing time.

Cholowski was recalled from AHL Utica on Friday.

Cholowski has five assists in 13 AHL outings this season. He also has one helper, 10 shots on goal and 15 blocked shots in 15 NHL appearances during the 2025-26 campaign.

Kulich (ear) has been improving but will likely miss the rest of the 2025-26 season, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports Friday.

Kulich has been out of action since Nov. 1 against the Capitals due to an issue related to fluid in his ears. It was determined later to be a blood clot. As a rookie in 2024-25, he notched 15 goals and nine assists in 62 games. He had three goals and five points in 12 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. Buffalo general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Friday that doctors are hopeful the issue will resolve in time for next season.

Pageau signed a three-year, $14.55 million contract extension with the Islanders on Friday, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

Pageau would've been eligible for unrestricted free agency in the summer, but he has decided to stay with the Islanders. He has compiled 14 goals, 29 points, 60 shots on net, 45 blocked shots and 81 hits across 55 appearances this season.

Pesce (lower body) is considered week-to-week, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports Friday.

Pesce has a goal, seven points, six PIM, 11 hits and 80 blocks in 37 appearances with the Devils in 2025-26. He missed Wednesday's game against Toronto due to the injury. Johnny Kovacevic might play regularly while Pesce is unavailable.

Laughton (not injury related) was traded to Los Angeles on Friday from Toronto in exchange for a conditional third-round pick, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports.

Laughton was limited to just 63 regular-season games for the Leafs over the last two years, logging 10 goals and six helpers along the way. The veteran forward should offer the Kings some depth down the middle but will likely remain in a bottom-six role. As such, he's unlikely to produce more than mid-range fantasy value down the stretch.

Koivunen is being recalled ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Flyers, Wes Crosby of NHL.com reports.

Koivunen could be immediately pressed into service for the Penguins' upcoming back-to-back, depending on how long Evgeni Malkin is suspended. In his previous 27 games with Pittsburgh this year, the 22-year-old winger notched two goals and three assists, including a trio of power-play points.