NHL Player News

Beniers scored a goal and blocked two shots in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Jets.

Beniers has two goals over his last three contests, but he was the only Kraken skater who could solve Connor Hellebuyck in this contest. The 22-year-old center has nine goals this season, five of which he's scored over his last 10 outings. Overall, he has 24 points, 81 shots on net, 41 blocked shots and a plus-7 rating through 46 games.

Matthews scored twice, once on the power play, on five shots in a 4-3 overtime win over the Devils on Thursday.

Matthews has put up points in 10 of his last 11 games (eight goals, seven assists), and he has 17 goals and 17 assists in 31 games this season. Matthews' pace is quickening, which spells good things for your second half.

Scheifele scored a power-play goal on two shots in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Kraken.

Scheifele's tally came midway through the second period to tie the game at 1-1. He's scored in four straight contests and has five goals and four helpers during a seven-game point streak. The 31-year-old center is up to 27 goals, 53 points (18 on the power play), 104 shots on net and a plus-6 rating through 46 appearances. His hot streak has helped him stay on track for what's shaping up to be a career year.

Newhook scored the game-winning goal in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Stars. He finished with one shot on net, one block, one hit and two PIM.

Newhook's high tip of a Lane Hutson shot attempt survived a video review and gave Montreal a 2-1 lead midway through the third period. The goal was his first in eight games and seventh through 44 outings. Montreal's second line has been productive of late with the combination of Newhook, Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach accounting for four tallies in the last three games.

Poehling (upper body) won't return to Thursday's game versus the Islanders.

Poehling sustained the injury on a hit from Maxim Tsyplakov in the first period. The 26-year-old Poehling was ruled out quickly after the hit, which is not a particularly encouraging development for his availability moving forward. Olle Lycksell may get a longer look in the lineup if Poehling misses times.

Smith (back) is set to miss Thursday's tilt against Nashville, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Smith also missed the Blackhawks' previous three games. He has six goals and 11 points in 30 outings in 2024-25. His next chance to return will come Saturday versus Vegas.

Gaunce was recalled from AHL Iowa on Thursday.

Gaunce will likely be in the lineup Saturday versus the Predators unless Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) is able to play. Kaprizov was moved to long-term injured reserve to give the Wild enough cap room to bring up Gaunce and Liam Ohgren. Through five NHL games this season, Gaunce has zero points, four shots on net, six hits, four PIM and a minus-3 rating.

Kulich (lower body) is doubtful for Friday's game against Pittsburgh, according to Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald.

Head coach Lindy Ruff said Thursday that Kulich is progressing but doesn't think that he will be an option Friday. The center will miss his fourth straight game after suffering his injury against Washington on Jan. 6. Kulich has seven goals and nine points with 64 shots on goal across 31 games this season.

Sasson was promoted from AHL Abbotsford on Thursday.

The Canucks sent Sasson to the minors Wednesday in what was a paper transaction. Sasson has two goals and six points in 19 games with Vancouver this season. He has been a healthy scratch in his last two games in the NHL and is likely to spend Thursday's tilt against the Kings in the press box.

Namestnikov (lower body) may return to practice in a non-contact jersey Friday, Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press reports.

The news effectively rules Namestnikov out against the Kraken on Thursday and makes him a significant doubt to be ready in time to face the Flames on Saturday. The 32-year-old winger is currently stuck in an eight-game goal drought during which he has managed a meager five shots to go with one assist. Given his offensive struggles of late, Namestnikov may have to settle for a bottom-six role whenever he is cleared to return.