NHL Player News

Middleton recorded a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Blues. He also notched three shots on goal, three hits and a blocked shot.

Middleton stepped onto the ice for the first time since Dec. 12 due to a hand injury, and there's no question he made his presence felt on both ends of the ice. He set up the Wild's opening goal, courtesy of Zach Bogosian just 1:23 into the game, and Middleton the back of the net later in the third frame. This was his second multi-point game of the campaign.

Hronek (lower body) was reassigned to AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday for a conditioning stint.

Hronek hasn't played since Nov. 27, so this will give him an opportunity to shake off the rust before playing for Vancouver. He has a goal and nine points over 21 appearances in 2024-25. Once he's healthy, Hronek should serve in a top-four capacity and will probably also feature on the second power-play unit.

Forbort will be a game-time decision against the Capitals on Wednesday with an undisclosed injury, Dan Murphy of Sportsnet reports.

Forbort missed two months of the season due to injuries and illness, so it's not clear if this is a recurrence of one of his previous maladies or a new issue. If the veteran blueliner does miss out, Erik Brannstrom figures to step into the lineup in his stead, though Guillaume Brisebois could also be an option. For his part, Forbort has managed just three points in 13 contests, so his potential absence is unlikely to impact the majority of fantasy players.

Harley scored an even-strength goal and added two power-play assists in Tuesday's 5-4 overtime win over the Rangers.

He also chipped in a team-high six shots on net, two blocked shots and two PIM. Harley has found the back of the net in back-to-back games, and over the last four contests, he's piled up two goals and six points -- an impressive surge considering the 23-year-old blueliner hadn't gotten onto the scoresheet in consecutive games since late October. On the season, Harley has six goals and 21 points over 37 appearances with 85 shots, 44 blocked shots and a plus-19 rating that's tied for third among all NHL defensemen, behind only Brayden McNabb (plus-24) and Jake Middleton (plus-22).

Murphy (groin) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Colorado, Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio reports.

Murphy continues to deal with a groin injury and will be unavailable for a third consecutive matchup. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to action, but his next chance to do so will be Friday in Detroit.

York notched an assist, two blocked shots and two PIM in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Maple Leafs.

York had the secondary helper on Travis Konecny's opening tally in the first period. With five helpers over his last eight games, York has done well to secure his place in the lineup after a healthy scratch Dec. 19 versus the Kings. The 24-year-old blueliner is at 10 points, 26 shots on net, 50 blocked shots, 18 PIM and a plus-1 rating through 27 appearances. He's offering decent category coverage, but a lack of power-play time keeps his ceiling low in fantasy.

Myers notched an assist, five hits and two blocked shots in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Flyers.

Myers has played in seven of the Maple Leafs' last eight games, earning two assists in that span. The 27-year-old earned a two-year contract extension with his play this season, and while he's not a lock for the lineup, he should have some security while Jake McCabe (upper body) is out. Myers is at three assists, 16 shots on net, 39 hits and 21 blocked shots over 14 appearances, offering a physical presence on the blue line.

Burns notched an assist, two shots on goal, three blocked shots and two PIM in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Lightning.

Burns has five points over his last seven outings. He had a shot attempt redirected in by Jordan Staal midway through the third period of Tuesday's game, but the Lightning won with a Brayden Point goal in the final minute. Burns is at four goals, 10 helpers, 89 shots on net, 58 blocked shots and a minus-4 rating through 41 appearances in a top-four role.

Liljegren scored a power-play goal in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Golden Knights.

Liljegren ended a six-game slump with the tally, which was his first goal since Nov. 29. The 25-year-old defenseman was scratched Dec. 19, but he's been in the lineup for the eight games since, so it appears he's regained some security while Shakir Mukhamadullin and Marc-Edouard Vlasic battle for the last spot on the blue line. Liljegren has eight points, 51 shots on net, 39 hits, 42 blocked shots, 18 PIM and a minus-7 rating over 31 appearances between the Sharks and the Maple Leafs in 2024-25.

Theodore logged two assists and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Sharks.

Theodore helped out on goals by Mark Stone and Victor Olofsson, with the latter's tally coming on the power play. With five helpers and a plus-3 rating over his last five contests, Theodore continues to offer solid offense. The 29-year-old blueliner is up to 33 points (13 on the power play), 73 shots on net, 49 blocked shots and a plus-5 rating through 39 outings overall.