NHL Player News

Eriksson Ek (face) is set to play Sunday versus St. Louis, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Eriksson Ek was originally considered doubtful for that game, but he received good news from the doctor. Eriksson Ek won't end up missing a match after being struck by a high stick during Friday's 5-2 loss to Utah. He has 17 goals and 42 points in 54 appearances in 2025-26.

Armia (upper body) won't suit up in Saturday's game versus the Flames, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Armia was hurt Thursday versus the Oilers and will need to miss time. The 32-year-old winger's next chance to play is Monday versus the Avalanche. Samuel Helenius is expected to draw into the lineup in a bottom-six role.

Kiviranta is in the concussion protocol, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports Saturday.

Kiviranta sustained the injury during Thursday's game against Minnesota. He will miss Saturday's match versus Chicago, but being in the concussion protocol means he will probably miss additional time. Zakhar Bardakov will likely play regularly on the fourth line during Kiviranta's absence.

Doughty (lower body) won't play Saturday versus the Flames, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Doughty was injured Thursday versus the Oilers, and it will cost him at least one full contest. Jacob Moverare is expected to enter the lineup Saturday, likely in a third-pairing capacity. It's unclear if Doughty will be ready to go for Monday's game versus the Avalanche.

Rinzel (illness) won't play against Colorado on Saturday, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Rinzel has one goal and one assist in the past three games. He has provided two goals, 10 points, 51 shots on net, 37 blocked shots and 28 hits in 32 NHL outings this season. Kevin Korchinski will replace Rinzel in Saturday's lineup.

Kiviranta (undisclosed) isn't expected to play Saturday versus Chicago, per Colleen Flynn of Colorado Hockey Now.

Kiviranta is considered day-to-day after sustaining the injury during Thursday's game against Minnesota. He has two goals and seven points in 30 appearances in 2025-26. Zakhar Bardakov is expected to draw back into the lineup due to Kiviranta's absence.

Dach (undisclosed) will play against Colorado on Saturday, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

After missing Thursday's 4-2 loss to Nashville, Dach will return to the lineup in a fourth-line role. He has contributed three goals, nine points, 51 shots on net, 27 blocked shots and 184 hits across 52 appearances this season.

Blackwood is expected to start at home against Chicago on Saturday, per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Blackwood has a 16-6-1 record, 2.29 GAA and .916 save percentage in 23 outings with Colorado in 2025-26. He turned aside 31 of 34 shots en route to a 5-2 loss to Minnesota on Thursday. Chicago is 1-5-2 while averaging just 2.13 goals per game across its past eight outings.

Knight will defend the road net against the Avalanche on Saturday, Scott Powers of The Athletic reports.

Knight stopped 22 of 25 shots in Thursday's 4-2 loss to Nashville, with the fourth goal being an empty-netter. He has a 16-17-7 record this campaign with a 2.63 GAA and a .907 save percentage through 40 appearances. Colorado ranks first in the league with 3.81 goals per game during the 2025-26 season.

Sorokin is set to start on the road against Columbus on Saturday, per Andrew Gross of Newsday.

Sorokin has won his last three outings with the Islanders while turning aside 76 of 84 shots (.905 save percentage). He's 21-13-2 with a 2.45 GAA and a .915 save percentage in 36 appearances in 2025-26. Columbus went on an incredible 11-1-0 run across its final 12 games before the Olympic break, but the Blue Jackets suffered a 4-2 loss to Boston on Thursday.