NHL Player News

Eriksson Ek scored a power-play goal on four shots and added two PIM in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Mammoth.

Eriksson Ek has three goals and five assists over his last seven games, getting on the scoresheet in all but one of them. The 29-year-old center continues to be a steady source of offense, offering a gritty net-front presence to complement Kirill Kaprizov's elite shot on the first line and top power-play unit. Eriksson Ek is at four goals, seven helpers, 47 shots on net, 18 hits and a plus-8 rating through 14 appearances this season.

Bedard distributed a power-play assist and put three shots on net in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Los Angeles.

Bedard dangled around the right side of the Blackhawks' offensive zone during a second-period power play, where he ultimately set up Roman Kantserov for the game-tying goal. With the crucial helper in Tuesday's comeback effort, the 21-year-old Bedard is up to six points, 14 points and five blocked shots across six appearances this season. Chicago's superstar has been helping another high-caliber scorer emerge on the team's top line, as Kantserov has four goals since Bedard's return. Bedard is on track to contend for another career year in 2026-27, making him an elite fantasy option in all formats for the rest of the campaign.

Helenius scored a goal and dished out three hits in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Chicago.

Helenius placed his first tally of the 2026-27 campaign on Tuesday's scoresheet when he found the back of the net just 151 seconds into the contest. The 23-year-old center has played his part without the puck as the Kings' checking-line center, where he's posted 10 PIM, eight shots on net and 24 hits across nine appearances. He has a safe role for the time being with Alex Turcotte (undisclosed) without a timeline to return from injured reserve. Upon Turcotte's return, however, Helenius could be shifted throughout the lineup, which could affect his fantasy value for better or worse depending how the Kings fare around him. He's best left on waivers outside fairly-deep leagues that value banger stats.

Roy (lower body) is slated to play in Wednesday's home clash against New Jersey, per Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now.

Roy was upgraded to a full participant in Tuesday's practice, which is a strong indication that he's ready to make his return from a six-game absence. The 29-year-old center went down with the lower-body injury during a morning skate in mid-October. Prior to the injury, he posted two goals, four points, 10 shots on net, nine hits and four blocked shots across six appearances. He joined Colorado's second line at Tuesday's morning skate, and while that isn't a sure-fire sign that he's expected to play, the team's lack of urgency to call up a 13th forward is a solid indication that he's good to go.

Joshua (abdomen) was recalled from his conditioning loan with AHL Toronto on Monday.

Joshua didn't earn a point in four AHL outings with the Marlies. He remains on long-term injured reserve for now, and it's unclear when he will make his NHL season debut.

Larkin scored a goal on four shots in Monday's 4-3 shootout win over the Oilers.

Larkin hadn't scored since his season debut Oct. 6 versus the Senators, a span of eight games without a goal. He has two tallies, four assists, 32 shots on net and a plus-3 rating over 10 appearances. Larkin remains heavily involved in a top-six role and on the power play, and he'll look to stay productive to maintain his appeal as the Red Wings continue to search for a trade partner.

Backlund scored a goal and added two PIM in Monday's 5-2 win over the Maple Leafs.

Backlund returned after missing two games due to an upper-body injury. The veteran center has held a top-six role when healthy, earning two goals, one assist, 25 shots on net, seven hits and six PIM over nine outings. Backlund can often produce around a 40-point pace, but at age 37, there's always a risk of decline.

Kindel (vasovagal episode) returned to practice Tuesday and feels normal following his vasovagal episode on Oct. 20, per Wes Crosby of NHL.com.

Kindel is thankfully feeling like himself a week after from his vasovagal episode. His presence at practice Tuesday indicates that he's feeling much better and could be ready to return in the near future. Prior to the incident, the 19-year-old center had compiled two goals, four points and 23 shots on net across nine games this season. If he continues to progress in his recovery, he'll have a chance to return to the Penguins' lineup in Thursday's clash against the Mammoth.

Faksa (lower body) will likely miss another week, according to Owen Newkirk of DLLS Sports on Tuesday.

Faksa will miss his second straight game against New Jersey on Tuesday and is probably still about a week away from returning. He has chipped in one assist, nine shots on net, nine blocked shots and 12 hits in 10 outings this campaign.

Steel (undisclosed) won't play against New Jersey on Tuesday, Owen Newkirk of DLLS Sports reports.

Steel will miss his second straight game, but he might be available to return against Montreal on Thursday. He has contributed one goal, two assists, 13 shots on net, eight hits and three blocked shots in 10 appearances this season.