NHL Player News

Trocheck scored a goal on three shots, went plus-3 and blocked two shots in Wednesday's 6-0 win over the Penguins.

The Rangers' second line took no time to get up to speed, as Trocheck, Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere combined for two goals and five points in the season opener. The 31-year-old Trocheck had a career year in 2023-24 with 77 points in 82 regular-season contests and another 20 points in 16 playoff outings. His upside may be limited if he stays on the second power-play unit, but Trocheck offers well-rounded production for fantasy purposes.

Jenner underwent shoulder surgery Wednesday and could return before the end of the season, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

That's more bad news for the Blue Jackets, as Jenner is expected to miss 5-6 months. General manager Don Waddell said Thursday that the team hopes Jenner will be able to return for the Blue Jackets' outdoor game against Detroit on March 1, per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic. Jenner was expected to see first-line action this season, as the veteran center registered 22 goals, 13 assists, 155 shots on goal and 119 hits in 58 regular-season contests in 2023-24.

Dach registered a power-play assist and three hits in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Maple Leafs.

Dach was limited to two games last season after tearing his right ACL and MCL in his knee. While still just 23, he's been limited to 130 games out of a possible 246 over the last three years, though he has 66 points in that span. As long as he can stay healthy, he has upside as the Canadiens' second-line center, and his potential is further heightened by his spot on the top power-play unit.

MacKinnon picked up two assists in Wednesday's 8-4 loss against Vegas.

MacKinnon fired four shots on net and went minus-2 in 21:33 of ice time Wednesday. The superstar center is coming off his most productive season in the NHL -- he racked up 140 points while skating in all 82 regular-season games in 2023-24. MacKinnon's role and usage is like few other players in the league, so if you have the three-time All-Star, enjoy the ride.

Eichel compiled four assists in Wednesday's 8-4 victory over the Avalanche.

Three of Eichel's four assists came at even strength in Wednesday's win. The 27-year-old added three shots, three blocks and a plus-3 rating in 20:37 of ice time. Eichel is centering Vegas' top line and No. 1 power-play group, so he should be able to shatter the 68 points he registered last season so long as he can stay healthy. Eichel and the Golden Knights will be back in action Friday night versus the Blues.

Poitras (undisclosed) practiced in a regular jersey Thursday and is getting close to returning to the lineup, Conor Ryan of The Boston Globe reports.

Poitras will not play Thursday versus Montreal as he sits out his second straight game. The 20-year-old sophomore had five goals and 10 assists in 33 regular-season appearances with the Bruins last season. Look for Poitras to grab a bottom-six role upon his return, which could come as early as Saturday against the Kings.

Ivan was reassigned to AHL Colorado on Thursday.

Ivan logged 9:44 of ice time in the season opener against Vegas on Wednesday, registering one hit. This figures to be a temporary shift to the minors as a cap-saving measure, and fantasy players should expect Ivan to be recalled ahead of Saturday's matchup with Columbus.

Raty logged an assist in Wednesday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Flames.

Raty made the NHL roster out of training camp and got to play right away due to Pius Suter's (upper body) absence. Raty didn't make an NHL appearance last year, but he was excellent with 52 points in 72 regular-season outings for AHL Abbotsford. The Finnish forward, acquired from the Islanders in the Bo Horvat deal in January of 2023, may not be a full-time NHL option this year. Even if he does stick around with the big club, he'll likely be limited to bottom-six minutes.

Heinen produced a power-play assist and two PIM in Wednesday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Flames.

Heinen helped out on a Daniel Sprong tally in the first period. The 29-year-old Heinen was listed on the Canucks' top line, but he saw just 14:00 of ice time in this contest. The winger signed a two-year deal with the Canucks after posting 36 points in 74 regular-season games with the Bruins last year, his most productive campaign in six years. While he has a good assignment to start 2024-25, he could slip into a middle-six role if his offense gets cold at any stage of the season.

Pettersson notched a power-play assist in Wednesday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Flames.

Pettersson helped out on the first of Brock Boeser's two goals in the game. Last season, Pettersson earned 31 of his 89 points on the power play, so it figures to remain a large part of his production in 2024-25. The Swedish center added 125 hits, 68 blocked shots and 207 shots on net in 2023-24, with the added physical play helping to offset some of his step back on offense from a 102-point campaign in 2022-23.