NHL Player News

Xhekaj notched an assist, seven hits and two PIM in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to Utah.

Xhekaj helped out on an Alex Newhook tally in the third period. This was Xhekaj's second assist in the last four games, accounting for all of his offense this season. The physical defenseman has added 14 shots on net, 23 PIM, 44 hits, 16 blocked shots and a minus-6 rating over 18 outings. He has limited scoring upside, which in turn puts a cap on his usefulness in fantasy.

Savard provided an assist, two blocked shots and 12 PIM in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to Utah.

Savard ended an eight-game point drought when he helped out on Jayden Struble's second-period tally. The 34-year-old Savard also missed one game due to an injury in that span. Offense has never been his priority as a shutdown defender. He's doing fine with five assists, 12 shots on net, 52 blocked shots, 18 hits, 16 PIM and a minus-4 rating over 20 outings this season, playing mainly in a top-four role.

Matheson (lower body) is expected to travel with the Canadiens to Columbus ahead of Wednesday's game versus the Blue Jackets, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Matheson was a late scratch Tuesday, but his presence on the upcoming three-game road trip is a sign his injury isn't too significant. The 30-year-old blueliner has 13 points, 29 shots on net and 48 blocked shots over 20 appearances this season. He'll resume a top-four role with power-play time once he returns to the lineup.

Struble scored a goal and blocked three shots in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to Utah.

Struble has scored in back-to-back games. The 23-year-old defenseman hasn't lost his place in the lineup since joining Oct. 19, holding down a limited third-pairing role for much of the last month. He's at five points, 21 shots on net, 29 hits, 16 blocked shots, 25 PIM and a minus-2 rating over 16 appearances. There's a little sandpaper in his game for fantasy managers to take advantage of if he can generate somewhat consistent offense.

Sergachev scored the game-winning goal, blocked three shots, logged two hits, added two PIM and went plus-3 in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Canadiens.

Sergachev crashed the net and scored at 4:33 of overtime to secure a win in a game Utah controlled everywhere but the scoreboard. He has scored all six of his goals this season over his last 13 games, adding four assists in that span. Overall, the star defenseman has 15 points, 35 shots on net, 39 blocked shots, 15 hits and a plus-1 rating across 22 appearances.

Bortuzzo (lower body) won't finish Tuesday's game versus the Canadiens.

Bortuzzo was called for a kneeing penalty against Joshua Roy in the second period, but it appears the Utah defenseman got the worst of it. Bortuzzo can be considered day-to-day until further information is available. If he's not ready to play Friday versus the Oilers, Juuso Valimaki or Vladislav Kolyachonok could step into the lineup to replace Bortuzzo on the third pairing.

Broberg (knee) participated in a full practice Tuesday and could return to the lineup as soon as Saturday versus the Flyers, Lou Korac of The Hockey News reports.

Broberg is nearing the front end of his 4-6 week timeline to return from the injury. Given the multi-week absence, he will need more than just one practice, so he won't be in the lineup Wednesday versus the Devils. Saturday versus the Flyers is an option, and if not then, Broberg is expected to return some time during a road trip that begins next Tuesday in Winnipeg.

Matheson (lower body) won't play Tuesday against Utah.

Matheson has registered one goal, 13 points, 29 shots on net and 48 blocked shots across 20 appearances this season. With the 30-year-old Matheson unavailable to play, Jayden Struble will dress against Utah, while Lane Hutson could get time on the top power-play unit.

George recorded an assist in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Red Wings.

George's first point came in his 10th career game, as he earned the secondary helper on a Kyle Palmieri tally in the second period. The 20-year-old George has quickly become a valued part of the Islanders' defense, averaging 19:29 of ice time per game. He's added eight shots on net, 12 blocked shots and a minus-5 rating, though his offense could be limited since the team has scored just 2.45 goals per game, the fourth-worst mark in the league.

Dobson recorded an assist, three shots on goal and a minus-2 rating in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Red Wings.

This was Dobson's 200th career point, a mark he reached in his 339th game. The 24-year-old defenseman hasn't been as good as usual in 2024-25 -- he has just three points over his last six contests and a total of one goal and nine helpers through 22 outings overall. He's added 64 shots on net, 49 blocked shots and a minus-6 rating through 22 appearances in his top-pairing role.