NHL Player News

Suzuki had an assist, four shots on net and one block in Monday's 3-0 win over Edmonton.

The Oilers pulled their goalie with close to five minutes left and were pressing, but Suzuki was able to break up a pass that led to Jake Evans' empty-net goal to seal the win. The helper was Suzuki's sixth point over his last four games, and the captain leads the team with 19 points (12 assists).

Nugent-Hopkins had a team-high five shots and logged two hits in Monday's 3-0 loss to Montreal.

Nugent-Hopkins' slump continued for an 11th consecutive game without a goal. The longest-tenured Oiler -- Nugent-Hopkins played his 900th career game Monday -- has been caught up in a team-wide offensive funk with just one goal on 38 shots (2.6 shooting percentage) over 19 outings. The silver lining is that he still skates on the top line and first power-play unit.

Evans had a goal on one shot and an assist in Monday's 3-0 win over the Oilers.

Evans scored an empty-netter from his own end, sealing the Canadiens' second consecutive win. He's tallied in both victories. Earlier in the game, he and new linemate Cole Caufield assisted on a Kaiden Guhle goal. Evans has four goals, six assists, 23 hits, 12 blocked shots, 19 shots on net and four PIM over 19 appearances.

Dowling was recalled from AHL Utica on Monday.

Dowling was loaned to the minor-league club Sunday, but he'll rejoin New Jersey a day later. Nathan Bastian (jaw) was placed on long-term injured reserve while Curtis Lazar (knee) landed on IR on Monday, so Dowling could continue to serve in a bottom-six role for the Devils. Over nine NHL appearances this year, he's logged an assist and 11 hits while averaging 8:13 of ice time.

Bowers was recalled from AHL Utica on Monday.

Bowers made just eight appearances for the Devils last year and averaged 9:27 of ice time, so it seems unlikely that he'll have a significant role during his current stint with the NHL club. However, he should provide additional depth for New Jersey while Nathan Bastian (jaw) and Curtis Lazar (knee) are sidelined.

Rasmussen (upper body) is expected to play Monday against San Jose, Jonathan Mills of the Red Wings' official site reports.

Barring a last-minute decision, Rasmussen should return from a one-game absence. He has two goals, two assists, 14 shots on net and 30 hits through 16 appearances this season. Rasmussen could replace Tyler Motte in Monday's lineup.

Sturm (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Monday, per the NHL media site.

Sturm missed Saturday's 3-2 loss to Vancouver, and his placement on the IR list will keep him out for at least another three games. The 29-year-old forward has three goals, three assists, 15 shots on net, 10 blocked shots and 22 hits through 18 appearances this season. The Sharks brought up netminder Yaroslav Askarov from AHL San Jose in a corresponding move due to an injury to Vitek Vanecek (undisclosed).

Eriksson Ek (lower body) is expected back in the lineup Tuesday against the Blues but is still awaiting final medical clearance, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Eriksson Ek retook his first-line role at practice Monday in addition to linking up with the No. 1 power-play unit. If the 27-year-old center does play, he will be looking to end a six-game goal drought during which he managed just one helper. The return of Eriksson Ek will help to bolster a forward group that will be without Mats Zuccarello (lower body) for 3-4 weeks.

Helenius was called up from AHL Ontario on Monday.

It seems Helenius' demotion to the minors Sunday was a paper transaction with the forward now officially back on the NHL roster. Looking ahead to Wednesday's matchup with the Sabres, it will likely come down to Helenius or Akil Thomas for the last spot on the fourth line. In his four appearances for the Kings, the 21-year-old Helenius has garnered two assists, four shots on goal and 12 hits.

Thompson (lower body) practiced with the team Monday and may still be an option against the Kings on Wednesday, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

Thompson's return would see him instantly reclaim a top-six role while also seeing power-play minutes. Prior to getting hurt, the 27-year-old center had scored in four straight contests, giving him 11 goals in 16 contests this season. At that rate, Thompson will cruise to a second 40-goal campaign, having last reached that threshold back in 2022-23.