NHL Player News

Hughes left Thursday's game versus the Predators after tweaking something in his lower body. Head coach Sheldon Keefe was not overly concerned about Hughes' status, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports.

Hughes retreated to the locker room twice in the first period, and he was unable to come back after his second exit. The 24-year-old center should be considered day-to-day currently. It's unclear if he'll be able to suit up Saturday versus the Senators, but for now, it doesn't seem like his Olympic participation is at risk.

Foligno sustained an undisclosed injury Thursday versus the Penguins, and there was no update on his status after the game, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Foligno logged just two shifts in the contest. The 38-year-old can be considered day-to-day, though he may not be able to play the second half of a back-to-back when the Blackhawks host the Blue Jackets on Friday. Sam Lafferty or Landon Slaggert would likely get into the lineup if Foligno misses time.

Ersson (lower body) won't return to Thursday's game versus the Bruins.

Ersson allowed five goals on 20 shots in two periods of action. It's unclear when the injury occurred. Dan Vladar took over in goal and will likely handle the bulk of the goaltending duties for as long as Ersson is out.

Zacha won't return to Thursday's game against Philadelphia because of an upper-body injury.

Zacha scored a goal at 10:30 of the first period to put Boston ahead 2-0, and he logged 10:46 of ice time before exiting the game. He's up to 15 goals and 37 points in 54 outings, including Thursday's action. If Zacha can't play Saturday in Tampa Bay, then Alex Steeves might draw into the lineup. However, Elias Lindholm (upper body) couldn't play against the Flyers, so it's also possible that Lindholm will draw into the lineup Saturday, which would likely leave Steeves as a healthy scratch even if Zacha is unavailable.

Ekholm (undisclosed) is expected to be in the lineup Thursday versus the Sharks, Bob Stauffer of the Oilers Radio Network reports.

Ekholm was a game-time decision, but he looks to be no worse for wear. The 35-year-old will play in a top-pairing role Thursday. Ekholm has seven points over his last five outings and offers strong all-around production for fantasy.

Kyrou (upper body) is expected to play against Florida on Thursday, per Lou Korac of NHL.com.

Kyrou left Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Dallas, but it seems he won't miss a full game due to the injury. He has 11 goals and 24 points in 43 outings in 2025-26.

Neighbours (lower body) is expected to be in the lineup Thursday versus the Panthers, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.

Neighbours was considered a game-time decision after getting hurt in Tuesday's contest versus the Stars. The 23-year-old winger should be good to go for a second-line role.

Sandin (lower body) is slated to play Thursday versus Detroit, per Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post.

Sandin missed Tuesday's 5-1 loss to Seattle because of the injury. He has two goals and 17 points in 47 appearances in 2025-26. Dylan McIlrath is projected to be a healthy scratch after playing Tuesday.

Roy (lower body) won't play versus the Red Wings on Thursday, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Roy will be out of action for a second straight game. Rasmus Sandin (lower body) is warming up and should be able to return, while Dylan McIlrath or Declan Chisholm will stay in to cover Roy's absence.

Ristolainen (lower body) will play versus the Bruins on Thursday after all, Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Ristolainen was initially expected to be out based on warmups, but it appears he has decided he is able to play. Emil Andrae is slated to come out of the lineup after previously being expected to play.