NHL Player News

Gregor logged an assist and went plus-2 in Monday's 8-5 win over the Canucks.

Gregor was back in the lineup after a three-game stint as a healthy scratch. The 27-year-old forward has just the one helper to go with seven shots on net, six hits and two PIM over six appearances this season. With Eetu Luostarinen (lower body) and Cole Schwindt (undisclosed) joining the ranks of the injured forwards in Florida, Gregor should get a chance to carve out a more consistent role for a while.

Kunin scored a goal on two shots and blocked three shots in Monday's 8-5 win over the Canucks.

Kunin was a healthy scratch for five of six games between Oct. 25 and Nov. 8, but he's since returned to the lineup for four straight contests. The Panthers have more injuries piling up among their depth forwards, which should help Kunin regain consistent playing time. The 27-year-old has two points, nine shots on net, 22 hits, 19 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over 14 appearances.

Fantilli scored a goal in Monday's 4-3 shootout win over the Canadiens.

Fantilli was unable to score in the 2-1 loss to the Rangers on Saturday, but the 21-year-old is already back in the scoresheet, and he continues to enjoy an excellent start to the season. Fantilli, who showed promise with a 54-point season in 2024-25, is up to 13 points (six goals, seven helpers) across 19 games so far in 2025-26. He should continue to find lots of scoring chances as one of the main playmaking threats in the Blue Jackets' roster, as evidenced by his first-line role both at even strength and on the power play.

Head coach John Hynes said Tuesday that Sturm (back) is "maybe a week or two away" from making his season debut, per Jessi Pierce of NHL.com.

Sturm has yet to play in 2025-26 and is on injured reserve due to a long-term back injury. He is expected to return to the lineup before the end of November. Once he's able to suit up, he'll slot into a bottom-six role, which could see Ben Jones be a healthy scratch or relegated to the minors.

Rodrigues scored a goal on four shots in Monday's 8-5 win over the Canucks.

Rodrigues has scored in two of the last three contests following a three-game dry spell. The veteran forward has provided decent depth offense this season, picking up five goals, 10 points, 45 shots on net, 22 hits and 10 blocked shots across 19 appearances. He should continue to see consistent top-six minutes.

Lundell scored a goal on five shots and added two hits in Monday's 8-5 win over the Canucks.

Lundell has two goals and five helpers over his last six games. The Panthers have upped his ice time -- he's been above 20 minutes in all but two of the last 11 games. For the season, he's posted five goals, 16 points, 38 shots on net, 18 hits, 16 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over 19 appearances while playing in all situations.

Kapanen scored a goal in Monday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets.

Kapanen found the back of the net at 4:47 of the second period with a wrister. That was Kapanen's seventh goal of the season, and that tally also snapped a three-game point drought for the 22-year-old. Kapanen endured a slow start to the season but seems to be turning things around with three goals over Montreal's last six games.

Cirelli (upper body) is expected to be available for Tuesday's home contest against the Devils, per Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site.

Cirelli last suited up Nov. 6 in Vegas but is set to return to game action Tuesday. The left-shot center should resume his usual duties on the second line while seeing time with the man advantage.

Lindholm (lower body) is set to travel with the team for its three-game road trip through California, Conor Ryan of The Boston Globe reports Tuesday.

Lindholm remains on injured reserve and has missed eight consecutive games. However, it seems like he is nearing a return to the lineup when taking into account this latest update. Marat Khusnutdinov and Pavel Zacha have filled the top-two center roles due to Lindholm's absence.

Matthews (lower body) is doubtful to suit up versus the Blue Jackets on Thursday after general manager Brad Treliving told reporters, "I would suspect Thursday's probably not a possibility ... I don't anticipate too, too long," Mark Masters of TSN reports Tuesday.

Based on Treveling's comments, Matthews looks poised to return in time to face the Canadiens on Saturday, though he hasn't been officially given the all-clear. In his 17 outings this year, the world-class center has racked up nine goals and five helpers, but has managed just two power-play points. Matthews will reclaim his spot on the No. 1 power-play unit and top line as soon as he is ready to play.