NHL Player News

Walman (upper body) is expected to be a game-time decision Thursday, according to Max Miller of NHL.com.

Walman has a goal and nine points over 13 appearances in 2024-25. He's missed San Jose's last four games due to the injury. If he draws back into the lineup Thursday, then Jack Thompson would likely be a healthy scratch after dressing in the Sharks' past four games.

Brodin (undisclosed) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Canadiens, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Brodin sustained an undisclosed injury during Sunday's overtime loss to Chicago, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be available Thursday. Over his last five appearances, he's logged a goal, six blocked shots and two hits while averaging 20:50 of ice time.

Reilly (upper body) was designated for injured reserve Wednesday, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports.

The news shouldn't come as a surprise after Reilly was ruled out indefinitely Saturday due to his upper-body injury. Despite averaging 1:59 of ice time with the man advantage this season, the 31-year-old blueliner has yet to register a point this season in 11 appearances. At this point, Reilly's offensive upside doesn't warrant stashing him in season-long formats even if you have an available IR spot.

Hakanpaa (knee) has been taken off long-term injured reserve and is expected to draw into the lineup Wednesday versus Washington, per James Mirtle of The Athletic.

Hakanpaa hasn't played yet for the Maple Leafs after signing a one-year, $1.47 million contract with Toronto in September. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the spring. Hakanpaa had two goals, 12 points, 33 PIM, 196 hits and 123 blocks over 64 regular-season outings with Dallas in 2023-24. The 32-year-old will likely serve on the third pairing in his Leafs debut.

Bogosian missed Wednesday's practice for personal reasons, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Bogosian might still be an option Thursday versus Montreal, but that remains to be seen. He has two goals, four points, 14 hits and 16 blocks over 15 appearances in 2024-25. If Bogosian can't play Thursday, then Daemon Hunt or Declan Chisholm would draw into the lineup. There's a scenario where both Hunt and Chisholm play because Jonas Brodin (undisclosed) is also questionable for the upcoming tilt.

Samuelsson (lower body) is considered week-to-week, the Sabres announced Wednesday.

Samuelsson isn't facing a short-term absence after head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters the blueliner would be out "weeks," according to Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News. Given his timeline, fantasy players can probably expect Samuelsson to be designated for injured reserve in the coming days in order to free up a roster spot. In his stead, look for Dennis Gilbert to see the biggest uptick in opportunities -- though Henri Jokiharju should also be in the mix.

McAvoy scored a goal and added an assist in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Blues.

The 26-year-old defenseman played a big role in the Bruins' third-period comeback from a 2-0 deficit, scoring the tying goal midway through the final frame before setting up David Pastrnak for the game-winner with 1:47 left on the clock. McAvoy had just one point -- an assist -- over the prior 14 games, so Tuesday's performance could signal that he's finally ready to emerge from hibernation.

Hamilton picked up two assists in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Panthers.

The veteran blueliner helped set up tallies by Jack Hughes in the first period and Paul Cotter in the third, giving Hamilton his third multi-point performance in the last eight contests. After an injury-shortened 2023-24, Hamilton has been healthy and productive to begin the current campaign, racking up a goal and 14 points in 19 games.

Schneider notched two assists, two shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Jets.

Schneider earned his second multi-point effort of the season with helpers on goals by Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko. The 23-year-old Schneider looks to have some job security on the Rangers' third pairing. He's up to seven points, 24 shots on net, 24 blocked shots, 14 hits and a plus-12 rating through 14 appearances this season.

Hughes notched a power-play assist and two shots on goal in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Flames.

Hughes has a goal and seven assists during his five-game point streak. The defenseman has earned three of those helpers on the power play. He's now at 16 points (five on the power play), 51 shots on net, 17 blocked shots and a plus-5 rating through 14 appearances. Hughes is a sure thing in fantasy -- managers should deploy him with confidence.