NHL Player News

Lafferty was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per the NHL media site.

Lafferty was already considered week-to-week, so this news doesn't alter his timetable. He has a goal, 14 PIM and 27 hits across 22 outings in 2024-25. When healthy, Lafferty might draw back onto the fourth line, which would likely result in Nicolas Aube-Kubel moving to the press box.

Thomas (undisclosed) was in a regular jersey at practice Thursday, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Thomas has missed the last four games and could return to action Saturday versus Minnesota. Thomas has a goal and an assist over 10 games this season.

Dickinson scored a goal on two shots and added two hits in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Bruins.

Dickinson kept the Blackhawks close with his tally late in the second period, but a comeback didn't materialize. He snapped a six-game point drought with the goal. The 29-year-old center has moved around the lineup this season, though his defensive effort typically helps him maintain a hefty amount of ice time. Dickinson is at five goals, three assists, 25 shots on net, 40 hits, 23 blocked shots and 12 PIM through 26 appearances.

Marchessault scored a goal on two shots and added two PIM in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Maple Leafs.

Marchessault snapped a four-game slump with the tally, which was the 500th point of his career. The 33-year-old winger reached that mark in 664 games. He's had an uneven 2024-25 so far, compiling five goals, 13 points, 81 shots on net, 43 hits, 18 PIM and a minus-9 rating over 26 appearances in a top-six role. He's shooting a career-low 6.2 percent, but scoring struggles have been a team-wide issue for Nashville -- the team is shooting a league-worst 7.9 percent.

Hyman (undisclosed) will return to the lineup Thursday versus Columbus, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reports.

Hyman will play on the top line alongside Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and will also see first power-play time. Hyman has struggled this season with only three goals and five assists over 20 contests after striking for a career-high 54 goals in 2023-24. Despite his slow start, he's still worth starting in most fantasy formats.

Sasson was recalled from AHL Abbotsford on Thursday.

Sasson was sent to the minors Wednesday but will rejoin the NHL club a day later. The 24-year-old has made five appearances for the Canucks this season, tallying two assists, five hits and two blocked shots while averaging 8:45 of ice time.

McMann (lower body) is progressing in his recovery but won't play in the Leafs' next two games after head coach Craig Berube told reporters Thursday, "Hopefully if he gets skating here and he feels good, he could be an option for next week, but we'll see," per Mark Masters of TSN.

McMann has already missed three games due to his lower-body problem, so he is eligible to come off injured reserve as soon as cleared to play. Where the natural center fits into the lineup remains to be seen due to the emergence of Fraser Minten, who has racked up four points over six games since being called up. Once given the green light, McMann will need to be activated off injured reserve.

Guentzel (undisclosed) will be in the lineup Thursday versus San Jose, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

There was some concern Tuesday as Guentzel left practice early, but there is nothing to worry about, as the talented winger will start on the top line alongside Brayden Point. Guentzel has 10 goals and 22 points across 23 appearances this season, including three goals and two assists on the power play.

Paul (undisclosed) will be available for Thursday's home game against the Sharks, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports.

Paul missed the Lightning's last six games due to an undisclosed injury, but head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that the 29-year-old will be back in action against San Jose. Paul got off to a hot start this season, tallying five goals, 13 points and 19 hits while averaging 16:24 of ice time over his first 17 appearances.

Geekie scored two goals in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Chicago.

The 26-year-old scored Boston's first and last goals of the night, banging home a rebound on his own initial shot in the first period before converting a clean breakaway in the third. It was Geekie's first multi-goal performance of the season, and after a rough start to the campaign that led to a three-game stint in the press box in early November as a healthy scratch, he's been a little more productive -- all four of his goals, plus two of his four assists, have come in the last 12 contests.