NHL Player News

Point (lower body) could still be an option against the Penguins on Tuesday after head coach Jon Cooper told reporters the center was "trending in the right direction," per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

Point certainly seems to be getting close to play after working with the No. 1 power-play unit at Monday's practice. Fantasy managers should probably expect the Calgary native to be deemed a game-time decision ahead of puck drop, but look for him to fill a first-line role whenever he is given the green light to return to the lineup.

Matthews (upper body) won't play Wednesday against Vegas, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

Matthews will miss his seventh straight game, and he hasn't been skating. Still, head coach Craig Berube insisted during Monday's media availability that the star center isn't getting worse while remaining in a holding pattern for his recovery. Matthews has compiled five goals, 11 points, 56 shots on net, 19 blocked shots and six hits in 13 appearances this season. His next chance to return comes Sunday against Utah. John Tavares and Max Domi have been serving as Toronto's top two centers during Matthews' absence.

Jarnkrok had surgery to repair a sports hernia and is now considered month-to-month, the Leafs announced Monday.

At this point, Jarnkrok should probably be considered a long shot to play again in 2024, with a season debut more likely in January or beyond. Considering the 33-year-old center still managed 21 points in 52 regular-season appearances last year, the 20-point threshold may still be achievable depending on when he is able to get back on the ice -- though stashing him in fantasy leagues for minimal offensive output doesn't really make sense.

According to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site, Johnson (shoulder) won't play Monday versus Boston, but he is getting close to returning to the lineup.

Johnson will miss his 14th straight game after suffering a shoulder injury against Buffalo on Oct. 17. He started the 2024-25 campaign with two goals, five points and eight shots on net in four appearances. Once healthy, Johnson could slot into a top-six role and see power-play time, making him an intriguing fantasy option.

Kastelic (lower body) won't be in the lineup versus the Jackets on Monday but could be ready for Thursday's game versus Utah, Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald reports.

Kastelic's lower-body injury doesn't appear to be serious if he is only going to miss one full game after leaving Saturday's matchup with the Blues. Through 19 games this season, the 25-year-old center has managed three goals and four helpers without the benefit of power-play ice time. Without Kastelic in the lineup, Boston recalled Jeffrey Viel from AHL Providence and will slot him into a fourth-line role against Columbus.

Kyrou notched an even-strength assist in Sunday's 4-1 loss to Carolina.

Kyrou set up Jake Neighbours' fifth goal of the season to open the scoring in the loss. The 26-year-old Kyrou had a six-game point streak snapped against Boston on Saturday, and that's the only time he's been held off the scoresheet through eight contests in November. The right-shot winger has produced steady offense, but he hasn't delivered a multi-point outing since Oct. 24 against Toronto. Through 19 games, Kyrou leads the Blues in scoring by a margin of five points -- the Ontario native has provided five goals, 11 assists and a plus-2 rating.

Kotkaniemi notched an assist and went plus-3 in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Blues.

Kotkaniemi didn't enjoy the offensive success of his linemates -- Martin Necas had two goals and two assists while Eric Robinson added a goal and two helpers. Still, Kotkaniemi has three points over his last four games and may be getting back to a more acceptable level of offense after struggling early in November. The 24-year-old is at two goals, nine assists, 40 shots on net, 14 PIM, 13 hits and a plus-10 rating through 17 outings overall.

Heinen notched two assists, three shots on goal and two blocked shots in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Predators.

Heinen continues a strong November despite playing in a fourth-line role lately. He has a goal and five assists over his last eight appearances, giving him a total of 10 points through 17 contests this season. The 29-year-old has added 18 shots on net, 20 hits and a plus-5 rating. Heinen's production is on the fantasy fringe, though he can help in deeper formats that reward his slight physical edge.

Raty scored a goal on two shots in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Predators.

Raty also won 10 of 13 faceoffs, leading the team with a 76.9 percent win rate in the game. The goal was his first point since his season debut Oct. 9. The 22-year-old center can help his own cause by being strong at the dot in a fourth-line role. He's also added a physical element with 27 hits, eight shots on net, four PIM and a minus-2 rating in addition to his two points over 10 appearances.

Pettersson scored a power-play goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Predators.

Pettersson scored on the power play for the second game in a row. His goal gave the Canucks a short-lived 2-1 lead in the middle of the second period. Pettersson is rolling with five goals and two assists over his last seven contests, a level of offense his fantasy managers are more familiar with from the talented center. Overall, he has six goals, five assists, 38 shots on net, 27 hits and 23 blocked shots through 17 appearances.