NHL Player News

Carrier (upper body) won't be an option versus the Rangers on Tuesday despite participating in the game-day skate, Robby Stanley of NHL.com reports.

Carrier's absence is compounded by the fact that Roman Josi (lower body) and Jeremy Lauzon (lower body) also remain unavailable heading into Tuesday's matchup. Even once cleared to return, the 28-year-old Carrier probably won't offer much in the way of fantasy value considering he has gone 20 straight games without a goal while recording just 15 shots and three helpers over that stretch.

Josi (lower body) will not be in action against the Rangers on Tuesday, Robby Stanley of NHL.com reports.

Josi will miss his third straight game due to his lower-body injury but appears to be trending in the right direction after participating in the game-day skate Tuesday. Nick Blankenburg and Adam Wilsby should continue to see significant minutes with Josi, Alexandre Carrier (upper body) and Jeremy Lauzon (lower body) all still sidelined.

Pachal signed a two-year, $2.375 million contract extension with the Flames on Tuesday, according to Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Pachal has chipped in one goal and one assist through 31 appearances in a depth role this season. The 25-year-old isn't known for his offensive prowess, but he should continue to provide steady minutes on the third defensive pairing.

Johnson (eye) won't play Tuesday against the Lightning, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

Johnson departed Sunday's game against the Hurricanes after taking a stick to the face in the opening frame. The left-shot blueliner will be replaced in the lineup Tuesday by Jordan Harris.

Moser is considered week-to-week due to a lower-body injury, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports Tuesday.

Moser was already placed on injured reserve, so his recovery timeline shouldn't come as a surprise. The team did recall Declan Carlile from the minors to provide some defensive depth but could get back Victor Hedman (lower body) against the Jackets on Tuesday. For his part, Moser was poised to reach the 25-point mark for the third straight year and still could if he avoids missing too much time.

Hedman (lower body) will be a game-time decision versus Columbus on Tuesday, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Hedman looks poised to return following a two-game stint on the shelf due to his lower-body problem. Prior to his absence, the veteran blueliner was stuck in a 10-game goal drought but racked up nine helpers during that stretch, including four with the man advantage. Look for Hedman to rejoin the No. 1 power-play unit if given the all-clear ahead of puck drop Tuesday.

Carlile was elevated from AHL Syracuse on Tuesday.

With J.J. Moser (undisclosed) on injured reserve and Victor Hedman (lower body) still questionable, the Bolts could be forced to utilize Carlile against the Blue Jackets on Tuesday. In his previous appearance for Tampa this season, the 24-year-old Carlile scored a goal on one shot despite just 11:10 of ice time versus the Kraken on Dec. 14. If he does play Tuesday, Carlile figures to slot into a third-pairing role while Darren Raddysh or Emil Lilleberg could see more minutes.

Pettersson (lower body) was designated for injured reserve Tuesday.

Considering Pettersson was deemed week-to-week by head coach Mike Sullivan on Monday, his placement on IR shouldn't come as a surprise. At this point, the 28-year-old defenseman shouldn't be expected back before the Christmas break, though it could certainly be longer. Owen Pickering should see an uptick in ice time with Pettersson out of the lineup while Nate Clurman was brought up from the minors to provide defensive depth.

Mikkola produced a goal and an assist in Monday's 6-5 win over the Oilers.

Both points came in the third period, as Mikkola tied the game at 4-4 before helping to set up Carter Verhaeghe for the game-winner. It was Mikkola's first multi-point performance since Oct. 15, snapping a slump that has seen him manage just two goals and three points over the prior 16 contests. On the season, the 28-year-old blueliner has three goals and 13 points in 32 appearances with 46 hits, 46 shots on net, 38 blocked shots, 26 PIM and a minus-1 rating.

Harley (illness) will not be in the lineup Monday against the Capitals, according to Sam Nestler of DLLS Stars.

Harley will miss his first contest of the season due to the ailment. Brendan Smith will draw into the lineup in Harley's stead, and Lian Bichsel will skate alongside Miro Heiskanen on the top pair.