NHL Player News

Couturier notched an assist, two blocked shots and two PIM in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to Utah.

Couturier made his way back to the top line after often toiling in a lower spot in the lineup over the last month. However, it was with second-line wingers when Couturier got on the scoresheet Tuesday, as he set up a Tyson Foerster goal in the second period. The Flyers' forward combinations are almost always in flux, but there's no denying Couturier's ice time has been down. He averaged just 13:07 in January, well under his 16:43 per game for the season. The center is at 25 points, 91 shots on net, 35 hits, 34 blocked shots, 27 PIM and a minus-3 rating over 52 appearances this season. He can still be useful in some fantasy formats, but Couturier is not a must-have player by any means.

Gustafsson notched an assist in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Hurricanes.

Gustafsson has found some success lately with a goal and four assists over his last seven outings. That's all of his offense through 23 appearances this season, and he's added 21 shots on net, 16 hits, 14 blocked shots and a plus-7 rating. Gustafsson fills a fourth-line role and is unlikely to produce enough in any one area to help most fantasy managers.

Appleton notched an assist, three shots on goal and two hits in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Hurricanes.

Appleton set up a Rasmus Kupari tally in the third period. This was Appleton's first assist and second point over seven games since he returned from a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old has resumed his usual third-line role, and he's up to 17 points, 70 shots on net, 43 hits and a plus-9 rating over 44 appearances. He's unlikely to match last year's career-high 36-point output, and his per-game pace is a little behind as well, but the Jets have been good and won't need to mess with his role as long as injuries stay few.

Rakell scored a goal on four shots, blocked three shots and added two hits in Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Devils.

Rakell continues to play well on offense -- he has just two goals over his last eight outings, but he's added six assists and 24 shots on net in that span. The 31-year-old got the Penguins on the board in the second period of Tuesday's game. Rakell is up to 24 goals, 22 assists, 141 shots on net, 91 hits, 63 blocked shots and a minus-14 rating over 54 appearances. He last reached the 30-goal mark in 2017-18 with the Ducks, but it's very much within reach this season if he stays healthy.

Brown scored the game-winning goal in the extra period of Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Blues.

Brown notched the game-winner on a one-timer following the feed from Connor McDavid. The 31-year-old winger is up to seven goals, 21 assists and 77 shots on net across 53 games this season. Following a 10-game drought without a point, Brown has tallied two points in his last four contests. He is well clear of his 14-point debut season with Edmonton a year ago but has work to do if he wants to get back to 30-40 point form.

Frederic scored a goal on two shots and added three hits in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Wild.

Frederic ended a six-game point drought -- his previous contribution on the scoresheet was a goal Jan. 14 versus the Lightning. The 26-year-old has remained in a bottom-six role since returning from missing two contests due to an illness in mid-January. Frederic is at eight goals, 15 points, 73 shots on net, 145 hits, 42 PIM and a minus-11 rating through 53 appearances. It's been a large step back on offense for the forward, though his physicality remains strong.

Geekie scored an empty-net goal on two shots, went plus-2 and added two PIM in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Wild.

Geekie has a goal and a helper over the first two games of February. The 26-year-old forward remains in a top-six role as he continues to offer steady offense and a bit of a physical edge. For the season, Geekie has 16 goals -- one shy of his career high -- and 28 points, as well as 97 shots on net, 80 hits and a plus-1 rating over 50 appearances.

Del Bel Belluz notched an assist and a plus-2 rating in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Sabres.

Del Bel Belluz had struggled in a third-line role recently, going three games without a point. However, with Sean Monahan (wrist) and Kirill Marchenko (jaw) facing long-term absences, Del Bel Belluz was promoted to the second line when Cole Sillinger moved into Marchenko's spot on the first line. Overall, Del Bel Belluz has impressed in his first NHL stint with eight points, 15 shots on net, 10 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating across 13 outings.

Thompson skated ahead of Wednesday's practice but will need to clear the NHL's concussion protocol before he can return to action, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

Thompson should benefit from the Sabres' schedule that has the team off until Saturday's matchup with the Predators. Even if the center is unable to play in that contest, he should be back in time to face the Rangers on Feb. 22 following the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Cozens is dealing with a lower-body injury, per Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald on Wednesday.

Cozens has 10 goals and 26 points in 53 appearances in 2024-25. If he can't play Saturday versus Nashville, then Sam Lafferty might draw back into the lineup.