NHL Player News

Kotkaniemi registered a goal, an assist and six shots on goal in Monday's 5-2 win over the Golden Knights.

Kotkaniemi snapped a three-game pointless streak and a four-game scoring drought with his goal and assist in the first period of Monday's win. Kotkaniemi has only two goals this season, but he's been very good as a playmaker with eight helpers across 14 appearances thus far.

Staal recorded a goal and an assist in Monday's 5-2 win over the Golden Knights.

Staal struggled to make an impact in the first few weeks of the season, but he's been playing better of late and has cracked the scoresheet in three games in a row. He's up to one goal and three assists in that span, but his advanced age and role as a bottom-six forward suggest Staal isn't worthy of much fantasy consideration outside of deeper formats.

Eichel recorded an even-strength goal and a power-play assist in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Hurricanes.

The Golden Knights have lost two games in a row and three of the last five, but Eichel has managed to stand out despite the team's recent struggles. He's on a streak of three straight multi-point efforts, notching eight points in that span with two goals and six assists. He already has eight multi-point games in 15 contests and has failed to crack the scoresheet just three times all season long.

Sissons scored a goal in Monday's 3-2 overtime loss to Colorado.

Sissons found the back of the net within the first minute of the third period, and his goal forced the overtime period. It was only his second point of the season, although both have been goals across his last five appearances. Even if he's trending in the right direction, the 31-year-old isn't producing enough to be worth a roster spot in most formats.

Backlund produced a goal and an assist in Monday's 3-1 win over the Kings.

The 35-year-old center opened the scoring midway through the second period en route to his first multi-point performance of the season. Backlund is supplying his usual reliable secondary scoring so far in 2024-25, and through 16 contests he's delivered four goals and nine points. He's also been a little more selective with his shots -- he's on pace to record fewer than 200 shots on net for the first time over a full season since 2019-20, but his 10.5 percent shooting is his highest mark since 2016-17.

Thompson, who suffered a lower-body injury versus the Canadiens on Monday, will be evaluated Tuesday, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.

The Sabres have a scheduled off day Tuesday since they aren't back in action until Thursday's matchup with the Blues, which means that the team won't be providing a real update on Thompson's status. If the No. 1 center does miss out, it could mean more opportunities for Dylan Cozens or moving Jack Quinn to his natural center position. Thompson's off to an impressive start with 11 goals and seven assists, including four power-play points, in 16 games this year.

Ostapchuk was reassigned to AHL Belleville on Tuesday.

Ostapchuk has been bouncing between levels of late but has still played in the Senators' last six contests, registering one assist, eight hits and three shots while averaging 10:25 of ice time. Still, the decision to demote the 21-year-old center ahead of Tuesday's tilt versus Toronto could be an indication that David Perron (personal) is ready to return to action. Ostapchuk figures to remain on the shortlist of potential call-ups throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

Duchene scored an even-strength goal and added two power-play assists in Monday's 7-1 win over the Penguins.

The 33-year-old center opened the scoring just 2:33 into the first period, and the Stars went on to score five more times before the first intermission. Duchene has six multi-point performances in his last nine games, racking up seven goals and 15 points over that stretch as he sets his sights on his first point-per-game campaign since 2021-22.

Granlund notched a goal and an assist in Monday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Flyers.

Both points came in the second period to spark a comeback from a 3-0 deficit. Granlund appears to be headed for a breakout campaign despite the struggles of the team around him, and through the first 17 games of 2024-25, the 32-year-old center has amassed seven goals and 18 points. Granlund has never recorded 200 or more shots in a season, but he's already put 57 pucks on net, putting him on pace to shatter his previous career high of 193 set back in 2017-18.

Tynan was reassigned to AHL Colorado on Monday.

The Avalanche are due to get a few forwards back soon, and Tynan will return to the Eagles as a result. The 32-year-old recorded an assist over six contests with the Avs.