NHL Player News

Schmaltz logged two assists and a plus-3 rating in Wednesday's 7-0 win over the Ducks.

Schmaltz put an end to his eight-game point drought in this contest. The 29-year-old has been centering the top line over the last two games, playing between Clayton Keller and JJ Peterka. There's a lot of scoring potential for that trio, and Schmaltz has some experience down the middle despite mainly playing as a winger. For the season, he's logged 10 goals, 14 helpers, 66 shots on net and a minus-1 rating over 28 appearances.

Strome scored a goal and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 7-1 win over the Sharks.

Strome had gone 11 games without a goal prior to Wednesday. He had six assists and 10 shots on net, which isn't exactly the level of production he's known for. The 28-year-old center is now at six goals, 22 points, 42 shots on net and a plus-15 rating across 26 outings this season. Strome's top-line role should allow him to stay productive, but he may not match last year's career high of 82 points in 82 regular-season contests.

Zegras scored a power-play goal on four shots in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Sabres.

Zegras extended his point streak to four games (three goals, two assists) with his first-period go-ahead goal. The 24-year-old also took a rough hit from Rasmus Dahlin in the second period, but Zegras was able to stay in the game. For the season, Zegras is at 10 goals, 26 points (11 on the power play), 65 shots on net, 20 PIM and an even plus-minus rating through 26 appearances, mainly in a top-six role.

Point (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

Point's move to injured reserve simply frees up a roster spot for the Lightning, should they need it. The 29-year-old is eligible to return at any time. He has already missed five games and does not have a timeline to return at this point.

Wennberg (upper body) will be in the lineup versus the Capitals on Wednesday, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Wennberg was labeled a game-time decision, but he'll avoid missing any game action after skipping Tuesday's practice. Wennberg will be alongside Adam Gaudette and William Eklund on the second line for Wednesday's contest.

Rakell's (hand) return timeline was updated Wednesday, and he is expected to return in 3-4 weeks.

Rakell is trending toward the latter half of his initial 6-8 week timeline, which came after he underwent surgery in late October. At this point, don't expect Rakell to be back prior to the holiday break. Once healthy, he'll likely fill a top-six role with ice time in all situations.

Dowd (upper body) was activated from injured reserve Wednesday.

Dowd appears ready to return after missing eight contests due to the injury. He'll likely slot back into a fourth-line role with ample time on the penalty kill. Bogdan Trineyev was reassigned to AHL Hershey in a corresponding move.

Hayton will not be in the lineup against Anaheim on Wednesday, Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports.

The reason behind Hayton's absence was immediately available, though it's possible he is serving as a healthy scratch, considering he has just one point in his last 15 outings. Regardless, with the 25-year-old center out of the lineup, Daniil But is expected to make his NHL debut versus the Ducks.

Granlund (lower body) might be able to return by the end of Anaheim's current homestand, according to Derek Lee of The Hockey News on Wednesday.

The Ducks' final home game in their current stretch is Sunday against Chicago. If Granlund isn't ready for that game, then head coach Joel Quenneville is leaving the door open for him to make his return on the road instead. Anaheim will begin a five-game road trip Tuesday in Pittsburgh. Granlund should serve in a top-six capacity once he's ready to play.

Misa (lower body) has been moved from regular IR to long-term injured reserve and loaned to AHL San Jose for a conditioning stint, the team announced Wednesday.

Misa has a goal and three points in seven appearances this season. He hasn't played since Nov. 1 because of the injury. Heading to the minors will be a good chance for Misa to shake off the rust and log big minutes as he continues his development.