NHL Player News

Pelech (jaw) took the ice for the first time Thursday while wearing a non-contact sweater, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports.

Pelech looks to be making strides in his recovery but won't be available to return to the lineup until he is cleared for contact. At that point, fantasy players can probably start considering him day-to-day. In the meantime, Isaiah George should continue to see big minutes for the Islanders while playing alongside Noah Dobson.

Burroughs picked up an assist and three hits in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Stars.

Burroughs dressed as a seventh defenseman and saw just 4:50 of ice time over six shifts. He was able to make an impact in the limited time, setting up Joel Edmundson's game-tying goal in the second period. Burroughs hadn't played since Nov. 7, and he's unlikely to have a role when the Kings use a traditional six-blueliner arrangement. The 29-year-old is up to two helpers, three shots on net, 23 hits, five blocked shots, 20 PIM and a plus-3 rating through nine appearances.

Edmundson scored a goal on two shots in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Stars.

Edmundson has a pair of points over his last four contests. The 31-year-old defenseman's goal at 15:38 of the second period tied the game at 2-2. Edmundson has been unusually productive on offense with eight points (four goals, four assists) over 24 outings after producing just six points in 53 regular-season appearances in 2023-24. He's added 27 shots on net, 39 hits, 39 blocked shots, 14 PIM and a plus-7 rating, providing defensive stability on the Kings' second pairing.

LaCombe scored a goal in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Golden Knights.

LaCombe got the Ducks on the board with 1:59 left in the second period, but it didn't turn into a comeback rally. The defenseman has scored in back-to-back contests to begin November, doubling his goal total for the year, which is at four. The 23-year-old has added two helpers, 27 shots on net, 35 blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating over 18 appearances. LaCombe could see his ice time drop now that Cam Fowler (upper body) is back to handle top-four minutes.

Hague logged an assist and two hits in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Ducks.

Hague snapped a four-game point drought with the helper. He has two assists over seven contests since he returned from an undisclosed injury that cost him eight games. The 25-year-old defenseman has been limited to third-pairing duties and now has three points, 16 shots on net, 26 hits, 15 blocked shots, 11 PIM and a minus-3 rating over 16 appearances this season.

Theodore scored a pair of goals on five shots in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Ducks.

Theodore's second-period tally was the game-winner, and he added an empty-netter in the third. He hadn't scored since Oct. 11 versus the Blues, but Theodore had five helpers over his last seven contests. The star defenseman is up to three goals, 20 points, 54 shots on net, 35 blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating through 26 outings this season in a steady top-four role.

Szuber was reassigned to AHL Tucson on Wednesday.

Szuber spent a few days on Utah's roster but didn't draw into a game. He could be called up again if the team needs more depth on defense, but for now, Utah looks content to let Juuso Valimaki, Robert Bortuzzo and Vladislav Kolyachonok compete for third-pairing minutes.

Vaakanainen (upper body) was put on injured reserve Wednesday.

Vaakanainen hasn't played since Nov. 13, so he can be activated at any time, but it seems safe to believe Anaheim wouldn't have made this move unless he wasn't an option for Wednesday's tilt against Vegas. The 25-year-old has an assist and seven blocks in five appearances in 2024-25. Cam Fowler (upper body) was activated off injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Brodin (upper body) is regarded as week-to-week, per the Wild on Wednesday.

Brodin hasn't been in the lineup since Nov. 25, and this update seems to imply he's not close to returning. He has two goals and eight points in 19 outings in 2024-25. David Jiricek, who was acquired by Minnesota from Columbus on Saturday, might get an opportunity to play during Brodin's absence.

Soucy notched an assist, three shots on goal, two hits and two PIM in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Wild.

Soucy has picked up three helpers over 15 contests since the start of November. He remains in a top-four role for the Canucks, though more as a physical and defensive presence. Overall, the 30-year-old blueliner has three assists, 30 shots on net, 37 hits, 36 blocked shots, 16 PIM and a minus-3 rating through 24 appearances.