NHL Player News

Appleton (upper body) is not expected back to return to action versus the Flyers on Thursday, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

Appleton is set to miss his fourth straight game due to his lingering upper-body problem. The 30-year-old forward is running out of time to return to the lineup before the end of the regular season, and could be in danger of seeing his 2025-26 campaign end entirely if the Red Wings fail to secure a playoff spot. He has six goals, eight assists and 63 shots in 65 contests this campaign while averaging 13:31 of ice time.

Thomas scored a goal in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Avalanche.

Thomas got the Blues on the board at the 15:38 mark of the third period with a wrist shot. He has amassed 22 goals and 57 points through 59 appearances this season. Thomas has lit the lamp in four straight games and has 11 points (six goals, five helpers) during his six-game point streak.

Zegras scored two goals, one the game-winner on the power play, and added an even-strength assist in Tuesday's 5-1 win over New Jersey.

The 25-year-old center gave the Flyers a 2-0 lead before the four-minute mark of the first period. He also had a hand in Tyson Foerster's second tally in the middle frame. It was Zegras' first multi-point performance since Jan. 21, but he's failed to get onto the scoresheet only once in the last 10 games. Through 78 outings in his first season with the Flyers, Zegras has produced a career-high 25 goals and tied his previous best with 65 points.

Zacha produced a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Hurricanes.

The 29-year-old center scored the game-tying goal midway through the third period. Zacha has reached career highs this campaign with 30 goals and 64 points through 76 appearances. He is finishing the regular season on a hot streak, having reeled off an impressive 15 goals and 26 points over 20 games since the beginning of March.

Geekie scored three goals in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Hurricanes.

Two tallies in the first period and a third late in the second frame gave Geekie his second career hat trick. The 27-year-old snapped a 17-game goal drought with the performance. Despite the late-season slump, Geekie has still produced career highs with 37 goals and 66 points through 78 contests.

Johnston scored two goals, including one on the power play, while adding five shots, two hits, a blocked shot and an even rating in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Flames.

Johnston scored in the third period when the Stars were down 3-1 and scored the game-winner in overtime on a Dallas power play. He has been the league's top power-play sniper in 2025-26, netting 26 of his 43 tallies with the man advantage. The 22-year-old forward has established career-best marks in both goals (43) and assists (39) this season.

The injury Kadri sustained during Tuesday's game against St. Louis is to his finger, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports Wednesday.

There isn't a firm timetable for Kadri's return yet, but he is likely to miss the next few games. Colorado has no reason to rush him back -- the Avalanche have already secured the best record in the Western Conference, so their primary focus is on getting ready for the playoffs. Joel Kiviranta will likely draw into the lineup Thursday versus Calgary as a result of Kadri's injury.

Larkin tallied a power-play goal, registered an assist, fired five shots on net and put out four hits in Tuesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets.

Larkin found the back of the net midway through the opening period to tie the game at one apiece. With the twine finder, Detroit's captain is up to 31 goals, 61 points, 218 shots on net, 46 hits and 33 blocked shots through 71 games this season. He also recorded an assist Tuesday, which helped him secure his fifth consecutive 30-30 season. Since returning from a leg injury, he has six points and 28 shots on net over his last eight games. Larkin should continue to post a high shot volume across the remainder of the regular season as the Red Wings make a push for the 2025-26 postseason.

Fantilli tallied a goal, put three shots on net and dished out four hits in Tuesday's 4-3 shootout win over Detroit.

Fantilli delivered in the clutch Tuesday, scoring the game-tying goal with just 17 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime. The 21-year-old center has been a steady source of offense for the Blue Jackets, racking up 11 goals and 26 points over his last 28 games. Overall, he has 23 goals, 56 points, 205 shots on net, 134 hits and 48 blocked shots through 78 games this season. He holds strong fantasy value in most league formats while the Blue Jackets make one last push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Haymes was reassigned to AHL Toronto on Wednesday.

Haymes' return to the minors could mean that there aren't any lingering injury concerns among the team's forward group ahead of Wednesday's clash with Washington. In his 63 minor-league games this season, the 22-year-old center has notched 17 goals and 15 helpers. While he is yet to make his NHL debut, Haymes could be in the mix for a roster spot ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.