NHL Player News

Head coach Jim Hiller said Friday that Turcotte (upper body) is "getting closer" to returning but will likely remain sidelined for Saturday's game against the Red Wings, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Hiller specified that there's a "chance" Turcotte returns against Detroit but said that he leaned toward the 23-year-old missing another game. Turcotte has missed the last five games due to his upper-body injury, and if he's ultimately ruled out against Detroit, his next chance to return would be Wednesday against the Sabres.

Frederic notched an assist, two hits and two PIM in Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Stars.

Frederic snapped his eight-game point drought on a Charlie Coyle tally in the first period. The 26-year-old Frederic has not been able to match his pace from 2023-24, which saw him rack up 40 points in 82 regular-season games. He has four points, 22 shots on net, 55 hits, 19 PIM and a minus-12 rating across 18 contests this season, though he remains firmly in a third-line role.

Blackwell notched an assist and two shots on goal in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Bruins.

Blackwell snapped an eight-game slump when he set up Oskar Back's first career tally at 15:56 of the second period. The 31-year-old Blackwell has been a regular on the Stars' fourth line this year, earning four points, 18 shots on net, 21 hits and a minus-1 rating over 15 appearances. While he may be in the lineup consistently, he probably won't put up significant offense, so he's not a strong fantasy option.

Seguin provided two assists and six shots on goal in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Bruins.

Seguin helped out on the first and last goals in the game. His first assist Thursday was the 800th point of his career, a milestone he achieved against the team that drafted him second overall in 2010. He's picked up two goals and two assists over his last four games and now has 13 points, 25 shots on net and a plus-10 rating over 11 appearances this season. Seguin continues to be strong in a second-line role alongside Matt Duchene and Mason Marchment.

Fabbri underwent knee surgery Friday and is expected to be out for approximately six weeks, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Fabbri likely suffered the injury Sunday versus Columbus. The 28-year-old has two goals over 14 games with the Ducks, his first season in Anaheim. Look for Fabbri to return to action around Christmas, barring any setbacks.

Kyrou posted an assist in Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Sabres.

Kyrou extended his point streak to six games (three goals, three assists) when he set up a Pavel Buchnevich tally in the second period. However, Kyrou saw a season-low 14:29 of ice time Thursday, which could be a concern if his role shrinks in the near future. The 26-year-old has been strong with five goals, 10 assists and 51 shots on net through 17 contests, but his fantasy value is dependent on offense. He's also earned just three power-play points after logging 20-plus points with the man advantage in each of the previous two years.

Kostin was scratched for the eighth straight game when he sat out Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Rangers.

Kostin had no points over his first seven appearances of the season, and that has cost him a regular role. It's disappointing after he had 10 points in 19 contests following a deadline deal that sent him from Detroit to San Jose to close out 2023-24. Kostin could have a path to playing time if Nico Sturm (lower body) misses time after exiting Thursday's game, though Givani Smith will also be in the mix to enter the lineup.

Kunin notched an assist and two hits in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Rangers.

Kunin has spent some time on the fourth line recently, though he has received looks in the middle six at times this year. The 26-year-old could be a candidate to move from wing to center after Nico Sturm (upper body) was injured in Thursday's game. Kunin is at six points, 21 shots on net, 38 hits, 29 blocked shots, 15 PIM and a minus-3 rating over 18 outings.

Zibanejad scored a goal and added two PIM in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Sharks.

Zibanejad had a terrible game versus the Jets on Tuesday, but he redeemed himself Thursday with his first goal since Oct. 22. The 31-year-old center has had trouble finding consistency early in the campaign -- he hasn't gotten on the scoresheet in more than two consecutive contests. He's at three goals, nine helpers, 30 shots on net, nine blocked shots and a minus-5 rating over 15 outings, and he remains in a top-line role.

Trocheck scored a goal on two shots, blocked two shots and added seven hits in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Sharks.

Trocheck ended a three-game point drought with his tally in the second period, which was the game-winner. The center started the year hot, but he's earned just three points over his last 10 outings despite maintaining his top-six role and power-play time. Trocheck is at four goals, six assists, 36 shots on net, 52 hits, 14 blocked shots and six PIM through 15 appearances.