NHL Player News

Faber scored a goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Monday's 4-3 win over the Blackhawks.

Faber gave the Wild their first lead of the game at 2:43 of the third period. He'd gone 14 contests without a goal, picking up six assists and 16 shots on net in that span. The 22-year-old defenseman remains a key part of the Wild's defense in a top-pairing role. He's had decent offense with four goals, 18 points, 44 shots on net and a plus-12 rating through 35 appearances. Faber's added 46 blocked shots, 14 hits and nine PIM, so he shouldn't be counted on for big numbers in the physical categories.

Werenski had two even-strength assists and one helper on the power play in Monday's 5-4 win over Montreal. He also led the team with seven shots on net and three blocked shots.

Werenski was dealing with a leg injury heading into the contest but shouldered a big load at 28:44 of ice time, over two minutes more than his season average. The three assists upped his season total to 24 (10 on the power play), and the blueliner is second on the team with 35 points through 35 outings.

Mateychuk was loaned to AHL Cleveland on Monday.

Mateychuk made his NHL debut in Monday's 5-4 win over Montreal, logging one hit in 18:36 of ice time. The left-shot blueliner will link back up with the Monsters -- he's generated nine goals and 25 points through 27 AHL contests in 2024-25.

Mikkola suffered an upper-body injury in Monday's 4-0 loss to Tampa Bay and is considered day-to-day, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

Mikkola went to the locker room late in the second period and ultimately did not return. Head coach Paul Maurice said that Mikkola attempted to return but was not able to. An update on Mikkola's status should surface before Saturday's home game against Montreal.

Hughes (undisclosed) will be in the lineup Monday versus San Jose, Jeff Paterson of CanucksArmy.com reports.

Hughes' status was in question heading into Monday's contest, but he'll avoid missing his first game of the campaign. The 2018 first-round selection will fill his usual role on the top pair and No. 1 power-play unit. The all-world blueliner ranks second among defensemen in the NHL in scoring with eight goals and 40 points through 33 games.

Hughes (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Monday's divisional matchup against San Jose, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

It's unclear what Hughes is dealing with, but he was one of the last Vancouver players on the ice at Monday morning's skate, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News relays. That's a likely indication that Hughes won't be sidelined long term if he's unable to suit up Monday. Erik Brannstrom, who has been a healthy scratch in back-to-back games, would return to the lineup if Hughes is out.

Fabbro (lower body) will play in Monday's game against Montreal, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

Fabbro will return to the lineup after missing two games due to the injury. The right-shot blueliner will serve on the No. 1 defensive pairing beside Zach Werenski against the Canadiens.

Werenski (leg) will be available for Monday's home matchup with the Canadiens, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site.

Werenski is managing an injury to his left leg, but he'll give it a go in the last game before the league's Christmas break. The star defenseman will skate in his usual spot on the top defensive pairing alongside Dante Fabbro.

Edvinsson (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Monday.

The move is retroactive to Dec. 18, meaning Edvinsson could still return to the lineup against Toronto on Friday. Detroit recalled William Wallinder from AHL Grand Rapids in a corresponding move to serve as an extra defender in Monday's matchup versus the Blues.

Wallinder was recalled from AHL Grand Rapids on Monday.

Wallinder was drafted by the Red Wings with the 32nd overall pick in 2020, but he hasn't yet made his NHL debut. However, he'll join the Red Wings after Simon Edvinsson (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Monday. Wallinder will presumably serve as an extra defenseman and seems unlikely to have much of a role if he sees any game action.