NHL Player News

Smith was traded to the Golden Knights from the Predators on Tuesday in exchange for Christoffer Sedoff and a 2028 third-round pick.

Smith was officially in the lineup Tuesday for Nashville, but logged just one three-second shift. The 30-year-old will now take his talents to Vegas, where he'll reunite with Colton Sissons as a fixture in the Golden Knights' bottom six. Smith fits in well for a physical bottom six in Vegas, and he should also be part of his new team's penalty-killing structure. Smith has just 10 points in 42 outings this season, though he's added 119 hits and 31 PIM, with his toughness being his best asset.

O'Reilly sustained an injury to his face in the third period of Tuesday's game versus the Blue Jackets, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Head coach Andrew Brunette didn't have an update immediately after the game, but he expected to know more later in the night. O'Reilly's status should be updated prior to Thursday's contest versus the Bruins.

Khusnutdinov scored a goal Tuesday in a 2-1 win over the Penguins.

Khusnutdinov was in the right place after Michael Eyssimont dug the puck out of the corner and fed it to Khusnutdinov, who absolutely buried a wrister from the right circle. It was the 23-year-old Khusnutdinov's fifth point (two goals, three assists) in his last seven games (13 shots). He has 13 goals, 14 assists and 62 shots this season. He can help in short-term situations while warm.

Swayman made 34 saves in a 2-1 win over the Penguins on Tuesday.

Swayman gave up a goal on the first shot he saw and then stopped the next 33 to earn the game's first star and the win. He was especially busy in the second and third when he stopped all 28 shots he saw. Swayman is 23-13-3 with a 2.85 GAA and .905 save percentage this season. He is 1-1-0 with three goals allowed in two games since the break and 8-2-1 in 11 games starting Dec. 31, 2025.

Wedgewood will start in goal on the road versus the Ducks on Tuesday, Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports reports.

Wedgewood will make his second start in five games since the Olympic break. He won his last outing with a 28-save effort in a 4-2 win over the Mammoth last Wednesday. The Ducks have scored 11 goals over three games since the schedule resumed.

Matinpalo (undisclosed) won't play Tuesday versus the Oilers.

Matinpalo's status hasn't been updated since the injury was announced coming out of the Olympics, where he represented Finland. Considering he was in a part-time role prior to the tournament, it's possible he won't immediately get back into the lineup once healthy. Matinpalo's next chance to play is Thursday in Calgary.

Lehkonen (upper body) is considered week-to-week, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Lehkonen was hurt Monday versus the Kings and will be out for at least a few games. If the Avalanche are able to make trades before Friday's deadline, Lehkonen could land on injured reserve to clear a roster spot. It remains to be seen when he'll be able to get back into the lineup.

McCarron was traded from the Predators to the Wild in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

McCarron was a late scratch from Nashville's lineup ahead of Tuesday's game prior to the trade being announced. The 30-year-old forward has five goals, 12 points, 86 shots on net, 165 hits and 65 blocked shots across 59 games this season. The 6-foot-6 center will bolster Minnesota's depth up the middle of the ice and will provide physicality from a role anywhere in the Wild's bottom nine. With the Wild making a push towards the top of the Central Division, McCarron is in line to benefit from the team's lethal offense, giving him a slight boost in fantasy formats.

Marner (illness) will play against Buffalo on Tuesday, per the NHL media site.

Marner will not miss any playing time after dealing with an illness Monday. He has amassed 16 goals, 59 points and 118 shots on net across 59 appearances this season. Marner should occupy a top-six role and see time on the top power-play unit in Tuesday's contest against the Sabres.

Theodore (illness) will play Tuesday versus the Sabres, per the NHL media site.

Theodore was considered questionable for Tuesday, but he appears to be healthy enough to handle his usual top-four role. The defenseman has been limited to just one assist over his last 10 outings, so he'll look to get his offense back on track.