NHL Player News

Staal notched two assists and went plus-2 in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Senators.

Staal has a goal and five helpers over his last five games. The 36-year-old center helped out on goals by linemates Jordan Martinook and William Carrier in Saturday's win. Staal has seven points, 16 shots on net, 19 hits, six PIM and a plus-8 rating through 16 contests in his usual third-line role as a shutdown center. While his offense is humming, Staal could be of interest in deeper fantasy formats.

McMann scored twice Saturday in a 4-3 overtime win over Edmonton.

He's playing up the lineup and making the most of it -- he has three goals in his last two games (11 shots). McMann has speed and skill, and he does the little things right. He forechecks hard, goes to the dirty areas, and he's conscientious in his own zone. McMann won't help fantasy managers on the power play, but he could offer value if he forces his way into a more permanent gig on a scoring line.

Merkulov picked up an assist Saturday in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Blues.

Merkulov got his first NHL point following his recall from AHL Providence on Saturday. The undrafted, 24-year-old winger delivered 30 goals and 35 assists in 67 minor-league outings during the 2023-24 regular season. He has been productive in the AHL again this campaign, contributing two goals and nine assists through 12 appearances. Merkulov is a potential middle-six forward who could offer fantasy value in deep formats if he can stick in the NHL, but don't expect him to replicate his AHL scoring.

Frederic scored twice Saturday in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Blues.

He had gone 17 consecutive games without a goal (Oct. 8 in Florida). His first marker Saturday was off a rebound in tight; the second was a tip of a point shot. Frederic has three points (two goals, one assist) in his last two games, and that microburst has doubled his season point total. Much more was expected after he put up 40 points last season, but Frederic has really struggled so far (three goals, three assists; 19 games), much like the rest of his team. Right now, there are a lot better options for your squad.

Faksa had a goal and an assist in Saturday's 3-2 overtime win over the Bruins.

He redirected a point shot in the first period to put the Blues up 1-0. It was Faksa's second goal of the season, and he has four points (two goals, two assists) in 18 games overall. Faksa is a strong, third-line presence for the Blues, but his offensive contributions are rare. He hasn't delivered 30 points or more since 2018-19 (30).

Couturier (lower body) will play Saturday versus Buffalo, according to Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports.

Couturier will play on the top line after missing Thursday's 5-4 overtime loss to Ottawa. He has accounted for three goals, five assists, 33 shots on net, 14 blocked shots and 16 hits in 16 appearances this season. With Couturier back, Morgan Frost will be scratched versus the Sabres.

Turcotte (upper body) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.

Andre Lee was reassigned to AHL Ontario in a corresponding move. Turcotte will return from a five-game absence versus Detroit on Saturday. He has a goal and five points across 13 appearances in 2024-25. Turcotte will skate on the top line in Saturday's lineup.

Kastelic won't return to Saturday's tilt against St. Louis because of a lower-body injury.

Kastelic recorded one hit in 5:18 of ice time before departing the game. He entered Saturday's action with three goals, seven points and 74 hits in 18 appearances in 2024-25. If Kastelic isn't available Monday versus Columbus, then John Beecher will probably draw back into the lineup to serve in a bottom-six capacity.

Kerfoot provided a power-play assist in Friday's 4-2 loss to the Golden Knights.

Kerfoot ended a four-game slump with the helper. The 30-year-old forward has seen middle-six minutes for most of the season, and he's been on the power play in the last four games. He's produced five points, 28 shots on net, 12 blocked shots and a minus-2 rating through 17 contests overall.

Aston-Reese scored a goal on four shots, added two hits and went plus-2 in Friday's 6-2 win over the Penguins.

Aston-Reese scored against one of his former teams, striking at 2:20 of the first period. He's tallied in back-to-back games and is up to four goals, three assists, 24 shots on net and 32 hits through 15 contests overall. The 30-year-old continues to play in a fourth-line role, but he's been able to see fairly consistent playing time. As he long as he sticks in the lineup, he is poised to reach the 20-point mark for the first time in his career.