NHL Player News

Shaw was called up from AHL Iowa on Saturday.

Shaw has three goals, nine points and 13 PIM in nine appearances with Iowa in 2026-27. Although the 27-year-old has been an offensive force in the minors, Shaw will likely serve in a bottom-six role if he draws into Minnesota's lineup.

Back was placed on long-term injured reserve on Saturday.

Back's shift to long-term injured reserve was done in tandem with Esa Lindell's retroactive placement on IR. The 26-year-old Back sustained his finger injury during the Stars' clash with the Avalanche on Oct. 14. Prior to going down, the center had posted an assist, two PIM, four shots on net, five hits and nine blocked shots over seven outings. In his absence, Colin Blackwell should continue to see a consistent role.

Merkulov (undisclosed) was placed on waivers Saturday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Merkulov began the 2026-27 campaign on the Avalanche's non-roster injured list. If he clears waivers, he will likely report to AHL Colorado.

Steel (undisclosed) will not play in Sunday's home clash against the Islanders, per Robert Tiffin of NHL.com.

Steel was noted to have received an injection as a part of his treatment process for an undisclosed injury and will be held out of Sunday's lineup. Sunday's outing will be the first he has missed this season. Before sustaining the injury, he had posted a goal, three points, 13 shots on net and eight hits across 10 games this season. In Steel's absence, there's a chance that David Perron makes his debut for Dallas.

Backlund (upper body) won't play against Detroit on Saturday, per Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM.

Backlund will miss his second straight game, but he is close to returning. He has contributed one goal, two points, 24 shots on net and seven hits in eight appearances this season.

Huberdeau (hip) skated with his teammates Saturday, but he isn't close to returning, Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM reports.

Huberdeau is expected to periodically join his teammates for morning skates and practices as part of his return-to-play process. He underwent hip surgery in February and hasn't been in the lineup yet this season.

Kulich (face) is back in Buffalo for evaluation and won't play against Washington on Saturday, according to Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550.

Kulich might join the team in California later in the road trip. He took a puck to the face during Friday's practice. Kulich has one goal, two assists, nine shots on net and seven hits in eight appearances this season.

Malkin (illness) won't play against Nashville on Saturday, Josh Getzoff of SportsNet Pittsburgh reports.

After missing Friday's practice, Malkin returned to the ice for Saturday's optional morning skate. However, he will miss at least one game. He has registered six goals and nine points in 11 appearances this season. Avery Hayes will replace Malkin in Saturday's lineup against the Predators.

Sourdif (illness) will suit up for Saturday's home clash against the Sabres, per Sammi Silber of The District Standard.

Sourdif has been sidelined in the Capitals' last two outings due to an illness. Prior to going down, the 24-year-old center had posted a goal, eight PIM, six shots on net and 13 hits across seven games. He has struggled to begin the 2026-27 campaign after posting 35 points across 78 regular-season games a year ago. He'll likely slot into the fourth-line center role while looking to get things going.

Dubois (illness) will be activated from injured reserve ahead of his return to the lineup against Buffalo on Saturday, Sammi Silber of The District Standard reports.

Following a five-game absence, Dubois will return to a top-six role and see time on the power play. He has collected one goal, three assists, six shots on net, five hits, three blocked shots and six PIM in four appearances this season.