NHL Player News

James (leg) left Saturday's game versus the Sabres, and there was no update on his status following the contest, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. He scored his seventh goal of the season prior to the injury.

Per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times, James was hurt late in the third period and couldn't put weight on his right leg after a collision with Michael Kesselring. This could be the type of injury that costs James time, which may force the Lightning to make roster moves to get more center depth. More information should be available prior to Tuesday's game versus the Wild.

Goncalves didn't finish Saturday's game versus the Sabres due to an undisclosed injury, and there was no update on his status from head coach Jon Cooper, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

Goncalves was limited to 8:17 of ice time in the contest. The 25-year-old has been filling a larger role recently as a top-six option at even strength while the Lightning roll with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Curtis Douglas and Scott Sabourin are the extra forwards currently on the roster, though Oliver Bjorkstrand would likely get a bigger bump in usage if Goncalves misses time.

Parent scored three goals in AHL Utica's 5-1 win over Belleville on Saturday.

Parent has four goals over the last two games, which follows a six-game slump for the forward. He's at 13 goals, 24 points and a minus-5 rating over 43 appearances. That's a pace roughly in line with the one that earned him 36 points in 61 regular-season contests a year ago.

Zibanejad scored a power-play goal in a 3-2 shootout win over the Penguins on Saturday.

It was Zibanejad's team-leading 24th goal and 12th on the power play. He has 53 points and 159 shots in 58 games this season. Zibanejad's goal was his 338th in the NHL, which surpassed Henrik Zetterberg for the seventh-most by a Sweden-born player.

Cirelli (undisclosed) is slated to play Saturday versus Buffalo, per Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site.

Cirelli missed Tampa Bay's last four games and his chance to play for Team Canada in the 2026 Winter Games due to the injury. He has 15 goals and 35 points in 49 outings in 2025-26. Cirelli is projected to center the second line with Brandon Hagel and Jake Guentzel as his wingers Saturday.

Eriksson Ek (face) is set to play Sunday versus St. Louis, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Eriksson Ek was originally considered doubtful for that game, but he received good news from the doctor. Eriksson Ek won't end up missing a match after being struck by a high stick during Friday's 5-2 loss to Utah. He has 17 goals and 42 points in 54 appearances in 2025-26.

Dach (undisclosed) will play against Colorado on Saturday, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

After missing Thursday's 4-2 loss to Nashville, Dach will return to the lineup in a fourth-line role. He has contributed three goals, nine points, 51 shots on net, 27 blocked shots and 184 hits across 52 appearances this season.

Wahlberg was loaned to AHL Rochester on Saturday, per Heather Engel of NHL.com.

Buffalo activated Zach Benson (upper body) from injured reserve in a corresponding move. Wahlberg was a healthy scratch for Buffalo's last two games. He has six goals and 25 points in 47 AHL appearances this season.

Namestnikov (lower body) is considered week-to-week, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports Saturday.

Namestnikov has seven goals, 13 points, 28 PIM and 71 hits in 57 appearances in 2025-26. He sustained the injury during Friday's game against Anaheim. Walker Duehr is likely to draw into the lineup Sunday versus San Jose due to Namestnikov's absence.

Strome (illness) didn't participate in Saturday's practice, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports.

Strome also sat out Friday's 5-4 overtime win over Winnipeg because he was under the weather. He has produced three goals, eight points, 35 shots on net and 16 hits across 32 appearances this season. Once he has recovered from his illness, Strome could still be a candidate to be a healthy scratch.