NHL Player News

Pinto logged an even-strength assist, two hits and a plus-1 rating in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Panthers.

Pinto registered the primary helper on Jake Sanderson's game-opening goal at 11:21 of the first period. The 24-year-old Pinto has followed up a six-game dry spell with three assists and four points over his last five contests. The New York native is just four goals and four points shy of setting new career highs in those categories. With six games remaining on Ottawa's schedule, fantasy managers in need of depth scoring may want to consider adding Pinto if he's available -- four of those matchups are against teams currently outside of the playoff picture. The right-shot center has generated 17 goals, 32 points and a plus-8 rating through 64 appearances in 2024-25.

Matthews scored a goal on four shots and added an assist in Saturday's 5-0 win over the Blue Jackets.

Matthews' contributions came on the Maple Leafs' last two goals of the game. He reached the 70-point mark with a helper on William Nylander's second tally before hitting the 30-goal threshold with 3:33 left in the contest. Matthews has been excellent lately with seven goals and 15 points over his last 11 contests, though this has been a bit of a down year for him overall. It's certainly not a bad campaign -- in addition to 71 points, he's recorded 244 shots, 80 blocked shots and a plus-5 rating over 61 appearances.

Highmore scored an empty-net goal and went plus-1 in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Panthers.

This was Highmore's first goal since Jan. 12, a span of 33 games between tallies. He had just four helpers, 29 shots on goal, 41 hits, 18 blocked shots, six PIM and a minus-7 rating during that stretch, so he doesn't provide enough value in other categories to warrant much consideration in the fantasy realm. The 29-year-old has contributed two goals and six points while averaging 11:10 of ice time over 36 appearances in 2024-25, mainly in a fourth-line role.

Kotkaniemi tweaked something and didn't play in the third period of Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Bruins, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

The Hurricanes were well behind, but head coach Rod Brind'Amour said Kotkaniemi will be evaluated further Sunday, so this looks to be more than just a precautionary move. The Hurricanes have no extra healthy forwards available, so they'd likely have to dress seven defensemen for Tuesday's game versus the Sabres unless they call up another forward.

Hischier produced one goal and two assists in a 4-0 win against the Rangers on Saturday.

During the second period, Hischier had a hand in a power-play goal by Timo Meier and a shorthanded tally by Jesper Bratt. The 26-year-old Hischier rounded out the scoring with an empty-netter in the third frame. He has five goals and two assists over a three-game point streak. Hischier has amassed 35 goals and 66 points through 71 outings this campaign.

Necas (upper body) won't play Saturday versus the Blues, but there's reportedly been good news about his recovery, Conor McGahey of Altitude TV reports.

Necas will miss a second straight game, but there's no indication this will be a long-term issue for the 26-year-old. While Necas and Jonathan Drouin (lower body) are both out, Jimmy Vesey and Miles Wood are finding more steady playing time. Necas' next chance to play is Tuesday versus the Golden Knights.

Staal (lower body) didn't accompany Carolina on the team's four-game road trip, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports Saturday.

Staal has already missed the last three games and would be out until at least April 12 versus the Rangers if he doesn't join the team on the road. He has collected 12 goals, 33 points, 99 shots on net, 42 blocked shots and 127 hits in 71 appearances this season. Due to Staal's absence, Tyson Jost has occupied a bottom-six spot in the lineup.

Malkin (upper body) will return to the lineup against Dallas on Saturday.

Following a four-game absence, Malkin will return to a top-six role and see power-play time versus the Stars on Saturday. He has generated 15 goals, 46 points and 108 shots on net in 62 appearances this season. Malkin will replace Joona Koppanen in Saturday's lineup.

Aman (undisclosed) will not be available versus Anaheim on Saturday, Ben Kuzma of Postmedia reports.

Aman was injured during practice Friday. He has one goal and five assists across 19 outings this season. The Canucks recalled Max Sasson from AHL Abbotsford on an emergency basis, and he will replace Aman in Saturday's lineup.

Frederic (lower body) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, per the NHL media site.

Frederic appears ready to return from an 18-game absence and make his Edmonton debut against the Kings on Saturday. He had eight goals, 15 points, 76 shots on net, 155 hits and 44 PIM in 57 games with Boston before being traded to the Oilers on March 4.