NHL Player News

Helenius is expected to be sent down to AHL Ontario on Wednesday, John Hoven of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio reports.

Helenius appears to be the odd man out in Los Angeles, as the team needs a roster spot to activate Drew Doughty (ankle) off long-term injured reserve. In his 27 appearances this season, the 22-year-old Helenius has generated one goal, two assists and 16 shots while dishing out 80 hits. Helenius' demotion could create more opportunities for Akil Thomas -- though the Kings may also decide to deploy seven blueliners instead.

Joshua (leg) is set to be activated off injured reserve and return Wednesday versus Nashville, per Dan Murphy of Sportsnet.

Joshua hasn't been in the lineup since Jan. 3 due to his injury. He has two goals, four points and 83 hits over 24 outings in 2024-25. His return might lead to Max Sasson serving as a healthy scratch.

Cousins (knee) is expected to miss the next 6-8 weeks, per Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia on Wednesday.

That would keep Cousins out of the lineup until at least mid-March. He has five goals, 13 points, 39 PIM and 80 hits over 47 appearances in 2024-25. When Cousins is healthy, he typically serves in a bottom-six capacity.

Head coach Travis Green said Wednesday that Gregor (lower body) skated at practice and is expected to return to game action in a week and a half, TSN 1200 Ottawa reports.

Gregor has been sidelined since early January due to his lower-body injury, but he seems to be progressing in his recovery. His rough return timeline of a week and a half puts him close to the league's break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, so it's unclear whether he'll actually return to game action before the layoff.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe said Wednesday that Hischier (upper body) is considered week-to-week.

Hischier figures to miss at least the Devils' next two games before being re-evaluated by the team, which would make him a decent candidate for injured reserve. At this point, it might make more sense for the team to shut down the 26-year-old center until after the 4 Nations Face-Off. Prior to getting hurt, Hischier was rolling offensively with goals in four of his last six games for a total of five goals and two assists, including five power-play points.

Jones was recalled from AHL Iowa on Wednesday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Jones was sent down by Minnesota in mid-January, but he'll join the Wild on their road trip that has four games remaining and runs through next Tuesday. The 25-year-old has made 26 appearances for the NHL club this year, and he's recorded no points, 51 hits, 11 blocked shots, 10 PIM and a minus-3 rating while averaging 8:23 of ice time.

Pageau collected two assists in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Avalanche.

He helped set up both of Simon Holmstrom's third-period tallies as the Islanders broke open a 1-1 tie in the final frame. It was Pageau's first multi-point performance since Dec. 12, and on the season the 32-year-old center has nine goals and 24 points in 46 appearances while filling a middle-six role.

Necas notched two assists in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Islanders.

Necas has turned in back-to-back multi-point performances, as he's thrived since the trade that sent him west from Carolina. The 26-year-old actually led all Avalanche forwards in ice time Tuesday with 24:42, and with a spot alongside Nathan MacKinnon at even strength and on Colorado's top power-play unit, Necas' production could kick into overdrive. On the season, he's already racked up 16 goals and a career-high 59 points through 52 appearances.

Lindholm notched an assist in Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the Sabres.

Lindholm has a goal and four helpers over his last eight contests. Aside from a strong second half of December, he's enjoying one of his better stretches of the season. The center has eight goals, 17 assists, 85 shots on net, 82 hits, 56 blocked shots and a minus-6 rating over 52 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign.

McLeod produced an assist and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 7-2 win over the Bruins.

McLeod set up a Tage Thompson tally in the second period. This was McLeod's second game back from missing three contests due to an upper-body injury. Just before the injury, he was moved up to the first line, but he's played on the third line since his return, so his fantasy value is likely to remain fairly low. For the season, the 25-year-old center has 10 goals, 15 helpers, 51 shots on net and a plus-7 rating over 47 appearances.