NHL Player News

Eller logged an assist and three shots on goal in Monday's 6-2 win over Utah.

The helper on a Brandon Duhaime tally in the third period was Eller's first point in three games since the Capitals reacquired him in a trade with the Penguins. Eller is at eight points, 31 shots on net, 19 hits, 10 PIM and a minus-4 rating over 20 appearances this season. The 35-year-old should be a fixture on the Capitals' third line, though he's yet to see any power-play time since the trade, which could limit his offense.

Protas scored a goal on two shots in Monday's 6-2 win over Utah.

Protas tallied midway through the third period for the final goal of the game. The 23-year-old has two goals and four assists over his last five contests, going plus-6 in that span. His lack of a power-play role and a 24.1 shooting percentage are concerning for sustainability, but Protas is at seven goals, 11 helpers, 29 shots on net and a plus-12 rating while seeing top-line usage at even strength. This looks to be his breakout campaign, so he should be rostered in most fantasy formats, at least until his scoring rate drops.

Dowd scored a goal on three shots in Monday's 6-2 win over Utah.

Dowd finished off a quick play at 7:56 of the first period, just 10 seconds after Dylan Strome got the Capitals on the board. The goal ended a six-game slump for Dowd, who has been effective in a fourth-line role this season. The veteran center is at five goals, two helpers, 24 shots on net, 34 hits, 19 blocked shots, 14 PIM and a plus-5 rating through 18 contests. He's averaging a career-high 16:01 of ice time -- by that measure, he's more like a middle-six forward, though his ceiling is likely in the 25-30 point range.

Wennberg registered two assists, including one on the power play, in Monday's 5-4 overtime win over the Red Wings.

Wennberg snapped a five-game point drought when he set up William Eklund's first goal of the contest, and he added another helper on a Tyler Toffoli goal. Through the first 20 games, Wennberg has been extremely streaky in a middle-six role -- he's had two extended droughts sandwiched around a stretch of seven points in seven games. The playmaking center has three goals, six helpers, 27 shots on net, 15 blocked shots, 12 hits and a minus-2 rating.

Strome recorded an even-strength goal and a power-play assist in Monday's 6-2 win over Utah.

Strome evened the score for the Capitals with a wrap-around midway through the first period and later set up Alex Ovechkin's second goal on the power play, giving Washington a 4-1 lead early in the second frame. This was Strome's second straight multi-point effort and also extended his point streak to five games. Furthermore, the 27-year-old center has failed to crack the scoresheet just once in Washington's previous 11 outings, posting three goals and 16 assists in that span.

Bourque recorded an assist and a team-high five shots on goal in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Ducks.

Bourque has been scratched a couple of times this season, though that's just part of the process for a rookie that's trying to find his game at the NHL level. The 22-year-old has been limited to three points, 12 shots on net and a minus-1 rating while averaging 11:07 of ice time over 12 contests. Bourque's offense is likely to be limited in a fourth-line role with minimal power-play time, so his fantasy value is lower in redraft leagues than it is in dynasty.

Bjugstad scored a goal, took two shots and recorded two hits in Monday's 6-2 loss to the Capitals.

Bjugstad notched his third goal of the season, but by the time he found the back of the net, Utah was already losing 4-2 midway through the second period. It's worth noting that all three of Bjugstad's goals have come in his last three appearances.

Miller will take an indefinite leave of absence from the Canucks for personal reasons, the club announced Tuesday.

Per general manager Patrik Allvin, "Right now, our sole focus is making sure that J.T. knows the entire organization is here to support him. Out of respect to J.T., we will have no further comment at this time." In a corresponding move, the team recalled Arshdeep Bains from the minors.

Coyle scored a power-play goal on four shots, added two hits and went minus-2 in Monday's 5-1 loss to the Blue Jackets.

Coyle has scored twice on eight shots over the last three games, though that accounts for nearly half of the Bruins' five goals in that span. The 32-year-old center had a slow start to the season and isn't all the way back, though he has four points over nine contests in November. He's at four goals, one assist, 31 shots on net, 31 hits, 18 blocked shots and a minus-10 rating through 20 outings overall.

Olivier scored a shorthanded goal, racked up nine PIM and added three hits in Monday's 5-1 win over the Bruins.

Olivier has scored twice in his last three games, and he has nine hits and 14 PIM in that span. The 27-year-old is not afraid to play with an edge, producing six goals, two assists, 59 hits, 35 PIM and 22 blocked shots over 18 appearances this season. He's been a good fit on the third line and should have no trouble surpassing his career high of 15 points from the 2022-23 campaign.