NHL Player News

Kozak has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Penguins for an undisclosed reason, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.

While the exact reason for Kozak's absence isn't yet clear, head coach Lindy Ruff said after Thursday's morning skate that the 23-year-old is day-to-day and remained in Buffalo while the Sabres traveled to Pittsburgh. Josh Dunne is slated to take his place in the lineup Thursday, while Kozak's next opportunity to suit up will be Saturday against the Predators.

Roy was dealt to Colorado from Toronto on Thursday in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in 2027 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026.

Roy had five goals and 15 assists across 59 appearances with the Maple Leafs this season, his first in Toronto after the offseason deal that sent Mitch Marner to Vegas. The first-round pick in 2027 is top-10 protected, and the Maple Leafs will receive an unprotected first-round pick in 2028 instead. Colorado has three fifth-round selections in 2026, and Toronto will receive the lowest of the picks.

Vanecek was the first goalie off during Thursday's morning skate, Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports, indicating that he'll draw the road start against Philadelphia.

Vanecek has seen minimal playing time recently, and Thursday's start will be just his third since the start of the calendar year. The Flyers rank 23rd in the NHL with 2.85 goals per game this season.

Tarasov was the first goaltender off the ice at morning practice and is expected to defend the visiting goal in Columbus on Thursday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Tarasov has lost his last three starts, allowing 12 goals and 94 shots (.872 save percentage). Overall, the 26-year-old Russian is 8-9-2 with a 2.80 GAA and a .903 save percentage. The Blue Jackets are 18th in NHL scoring, scoring 3.12 goals per game.

Fabbro is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's game against the Panthers for an undisclosed reason, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

Fabbro was absent from Thursday's morning skate for an undisclosed reason, and the Blue Jackets will monitor his status in the hours leading up to puck drop before determining his status. If Fabbro is unavailable against Florida, Jake Christiansen will likely enter the lineup.

Werenski (illness) will be a game-time decision against Florida on Thursday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Werenski has missed the last two games. He is on a nine-game point streak, tallying two goals and 11 assists. Overall, Werenski has 20 goals and 65 points across 54 appearances this season and should get plenty of Norris Trophy consideration at the end of the season. Head coach Rick Bowness said that Werenski would not return until he is 100 percent, and that could make a return Saturday versus Utah a better scenario.

Jenner (lower body) will return to the lineup Thursday versus Florida, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Jenner sat out Tuesday's clash versus Nashville with the injury. The 32-year-old has eight goals, 19 helpers, 98 hits and 94 shots on goal in 45 games this season. Danton Heinen could be the odd-man out, with Jenner's return.

O'Reilly (face) will miss Thursday's clash versus Boston and is considered day-to-day, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

O'Reilly is having an outstanding season with 22 goals and 37 assists in 61 contests. His name has been bandied about in trade rumors, but it's expected that he will remain in Nashville this season. Filip Forsberg could replace O'Reilly on the top line, between Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault.

Hellebuyck went through his starting routine during Thursday's morning skate, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports, indicating that he's slated to start at home against the Lightning.

Hellebuyck got the night off during the Jets' first game following the Olympic break, but he'll draw a fourth consecutive start Thursday. Across his last three outings -- all of which have gone to overtime -- he's gone 1-0-2 with a 2.89 GAA and .902 save percentage. He made a road start against Tampa Bay on Jan. 29 and allowed three goals on 36 shots (.917 save percentage) in a 4-1 loss.

Seeler (lower body) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Mammoth, Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Seeler was expected to be a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup after suffering his lower-body injury Monday against Toronto, but he was ruled out shortly after the Flyers' morning skate. Noah Juulsen is a candidate to enter the lineup against Utah, while Seeler's next opportunity to return will be Saturday against the Penguins.