NHL Player News

Lauko, Marat Khusnutdinov and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick were traded to the Bruins from the Wild on Thursday in exchange for Justin Brazeau.

Lauko was with the Bruins in the previous two NHL campaigns and was a third-round pick for them in 2018. The 24-year-old has had brutal season for injuries, which apparently was a concern for the Wild going forward. Lauko has just six points over 38 appearances and is unlikely to see anything more than bottom-six minutes if he checks into the Bruins' lineup.

Necas (illness) is available for Thursday's game versus San Jose, according to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.

Necas didn't end up missing a full game due to the illness, but he did see a reduced workload during Tuesday's 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh. The 26-year-old is expected to serve in his regular role on the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen. Necas has 20 goals and 68 points in 62 appearances between Carolina and Colorado in 2024-25.

Bjugstad (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

Bjugstad was previously dealing with an illness, but now he is contending with an injury that will likely keep him out of action for at least the next three games. The 32-year-old may not have a regular role in the lineup once he returns -- he'll probably have to compete with Liam O'Brien and Michael Carcone. Bjugstad is considered day-to-day officially, but doesn't have a firm timeline for his return.

Kunin won't play against the Avalanche on Thursday for roster management, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

It seems Kunin's three-year stint with the Sharks is coming to an end, with the expectation that he will be moved prior to Friday's trade deadline. The 27-year-old center needs just two more points to get back to the 20-point threshold after missing that mark in each of the previous two campaigns. Depending where he lands, Kunin could be shifted to the wing and slot into a middle-six role.

Karlsson (lower body) is getting close to returning, but he won't play Friday versus Pittsburgh, per Jesse Granger of The Athletic.

Karlsson hasn't been in the lineup since Jan. 20 due to the injury. When he is ready to draw back into the lineup, Karlsson might find himself centering the third line, though that says more about Vegas' depth than it does about Karlsson's abilities. He's been limited to seven goals and 18 points across 38 outings in an injury-riddled 2024-25, but he recorded 30 goals and 60 points in 70 regular-season appearances last campaign.

Lavoie (upper body) is considered day-to-day but won't be ready to face Pittsburgh on Thursday, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports.

Lavoie has seen limited action at the NHL level this season, appearing in just nine games for the Golden Knights. In fact, in his 16 career NHL contests, the 24-year-old center has yet to register a point. If Cole Schwindt (lower body) is ready to play Friday, he figures to take the fourth-line spot being vacated by Lavoie.

Athanasiou was reassigned to AHL Rockford on Thursday, per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Athanasiou has a goal in eight appearances with Chicago in 2024-25. He was in the lineup for the Blackhawks' past three games and averaged 10:45 of ice time over that stretch. The 30-year-old has also contributed eight goals and 16 points in 16 outings with Rockford this season.

Brisson and a 2025 third-round pick were acquired by the Rangers from Vegas on Thursday in exchange for Reilly Smith, per Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

Brisson had no points in nine outings with the Golden Knights this season. He also appeared in 45 games with AHL Henderson, scoring five goals and 19 points. The 23-year-old was selected with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. He's expected to report to AHL Hartford.

Smith scored a goal and added four hits in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Senators.

Smith has found a little bit of a groove with three goals and two assists over his last eight games. While he remains on the fourth line, he's also seen some power-play time during this stretch, which follows his return from a back injury Feb. 5. The 35-year-old is at 16 points, 74 shots on net, 30 hits, 20 blocked shots and a minus-7 rating over 40 appearances. Smith is on an affordable $1 million contract this season, and while Ryan Donato is the biggest trade target in Chicago, Smith is a veteran depth forward who could also be on the move before Friday's deadline.

Hebig signed a one-year, two-way contract with Utah on Thursday.

Hebig has been playing for Utah's AHL affiliate Tucson this season on a minor-league only deal. In 48 games for the Roadrunners, the 28-year-old center has notched 20 goals and 17 helpers. With this NHL deal in place, it's possible Hebig makes his NHL debut this season, though it likely won't be a full-time gig.