NHL Player News

Cernak did not return to Thursday's game versus the Flyers after blocking a shot in the second period, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

There was no update on Cernak's status after the game. The 27-year-old's heavily defensive playing style often leads to him needing attention at times during games. He'll have the benefit of an extended break in the schedule for the Lightning -- their next game is next Thursday versus the Jets.

Siegenthaler scored a goal on three shots, blocked one shot and had two hits in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Canadiens.

Siegenthaler snuck in from the blue line to fill an open area in front of the net and beat Sam Montembeault to the glove side for New Jersey's third goal. The strike was the defenseman's first in 16 outings and matched his goal total over 57 games in 2023-24.

Makar (undisclosed) will play in Thursday's tilt against Winnipeg.

Makar was a game-time decision after exiting Tuesday's 6-3 win over Seattle due to the injury. He registered two assists before leaving that match, and he didn't end up missing a full game, so he'll enter Thursday's action with a chance to extend his season-opening 13-game scoring streak. He has five goals and 23 points in 2024-25.

Nemec was sent to AHL Utica on Thursday.

Nemec has an assist in nine appearances with the Devils in 2024-25, but he's been a healthy scratch in each of New Jersey's past six games. The 20-year-old defenseman, who was taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, will benefit from getting some ice time in the minors.

Dunn (upper body) might start skating in the next few days, according to Mike Benton of the Kraken Audio Network.

Dunn isn't eligible to be activated off long-term injured reserve until Nov. 12, and coach Dan Bylsma believes there's a chance the 28-year-old defenseman will be ready to play by that date. Dunn has a goal and three points in four appearances in 2023-24. When he's healthy, Dunn will likely serve in a top-four capacity and feature on the first power-play unit.

Walman will miss Thursday's game versus Minnesota with an upper-body injury, according to Max Miller of NHL.com.

It will be the second straight game that Walman will miss as he sat out Tuesday for disciplinary reasons. The defenseman has a goal and nine points in 13 games this season, including seven points in his last four games. Look for Jack Thompson to remain in the lineup. Walman could return Sunday when the Sharks are in New Jersey to play the Devils.

Murphy posted an assist, two hits and three blocked shots in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Red Wings.

Murphy had opened November with a pair of scoreless efforts before assisting on a Nick Foligno goal Wednesday. Through 14 contests, Murphy has seven helpers -- putting him one point shy of matching last year's offensive output from 46 games. He's added 18 hits, 31 blocked shots, 21 PIM and 15 shots on net in 2024-25. Murphy is seeing top-four minutes, and while the offense is unlikely to last, his non-scoring production could be useful in deeper formats.

Seider produced an assist, three blocked shots and a plus-4 rating in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Blackhawks.

The pairing of Seider and Simon Edvinsson was on the ice for all four of the Red Wings' goals in the win. Seider is starting to find a groove again with five helpers over his last five contests. The 23-year-old defenseman remains capable of excellent category coverage in fantasy. He has eight points (two on the power play), 23 shots on net, 40 hits, 30 blocked shots, 10 PIM and a plus-3 rating over 12 appearances.

Walman (undisclosed) is questionable for Thursday's game versus Minnesota, Max Miller of NHL.com reports.

Walman missed Tuesday's game versus Columbus for disciplinary reasons. His status for the game could be clarified by coach Ryan Warsofsky after the team's optional skate Thursday. Walman was red-hot before sitting out Tuesday as he had a goal and seven points in his previous four games, giving the 28-year-old a goal and nine points in 13 contests this season.

Coach Jared Bednar said Makar (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision in Winnipeg on Thursday, Marc Moser of Altitude Sports reports.

Makar participated in the morning skate and played on the top power play, so that is encouraging. If Makar is unable to play, the Avalanche's next game is at home versus Carolina on Saturday. Makar is off to an amazing start with five goals and 23 points in only 13 games.