NHL Player News

Savard had an assist and five blocks in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Capitals.

Savard set up Nick Suzuki's one-timer to the tie it up at 3-3 late in the second period. The blueliner was back on the scoresheet after having a three-game assist streak halted in Tuesday's ugly loss to the Kraken. The blocks are nothing new for Savard, who routinely crosses the century mark in that category. He currently has 31 blocked shots over 11 outings.

Carlson had a power-play assist, two shots on net, three blocks and one hit in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Canadiens.

Carlson combined with Alex Ovechkin on a power play early in the second period that led to Tom Wilson's goal to give the Capitals a 1-0 lead. It was the second consecutive game with an assist for Carlson, who has six apples through nine games to go along with two goals.

Hakanpaa (knee) will link up with AHL Toronto on a conditioning assignment, the Leafs announced Friday.

According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Hakanpaa will be eligible to spend six days and play in up to three games with the minor-league club, though the Marlies have just one contest on the schedule over that six-day period. After suiting up for AHL Toronto against Cleveland on Saturday, don't be surprised to see Hakanpaa recalled to the NHL roster.

Van Riemsdyk logged two assists, two shots on goal and three blocked shots in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Canadiens.

He helped out on goals by Brandon Duhaime and Connor McMichael, with the latter's tally being the game-winner. Van Riemsdyk has six assists this season, all of which have come over the last six games. He's added 19 shots on net, 23 blocked shots and a plus-3 rating. The 33-year-old took on a larger role Thursday since both Matt Roy (lower body) and Jakob Chychrun (upper body) were out. Van Riemsdyk's place in the lineup should be safe once the Capitals' blue line is at full strength.

Murphy recorded two assists and went plus-2 in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Sharks.

Murphy had a hand in goals by Ryan Donato and Tyler Bertuzzi as the Blackhawks took a 2-1 lead in the first period, though it didn't last. This was Murphy's first multi-point effort since Dec. 21, 2022. He's picked up all six of his helpers this season over the last six games, and he's added a plus-3 rating, 12 shots on net, 12 hits, 19 PIM and 21 blocked shots across 11 appearances. Murphy should continue to see top-four minutes on a young blue line, but his scoring productivity won't last.

Ceci logged an assist, two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Ceci has two helpers through 12 contests this season. The 30-year-old has received a big opportunity in San Jose -- he's seeing top-four minutes, to the tune of 22:35 of ice time per game, his largest share since 2018-19. Ceci doesn't have a lot of scoring upside, though he's topped the 25-point mark on four occasions in his first 11 NHL seasons. This year, he's added 17 shots on net, 20 hits, 21 blocked shots and a minus-4 rating.

Walman logged an assist, two shots on goal, two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Walman helped out on an Alexander Wennberg tally in the second period, which tied the game at 2-2. With seven points over his last three games, Walman has exploded on offense as the Sharks have won three in a row. The 28-year-old defenseman is up to nine points, 32 shots on net, 19 blocked shots, 14 hits, 12 PIM and a plus-4 rating over 12 appearances. He's already nearly halfway to his production from 63 games in 2023-24 -- a top-pairing role and power-play spot in San Jose has made Walman a viable option in standard fantasy formats, though he won't sustain his recent scoring pace.

Evans produced an assist and blocked four shots in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs.

Evans is in line for another short-term boost while Brandon Montour is away from the team for the birth of his child. That gives Evans a chance to play on the first power-play unit, in addition to the top-pairing role he took over when Vince Dunn (upper body) landed on long-term injured reserve. Evans is up to seven points, 17 shots on net, 20 hits, 19 blocked shots and a plus-3 rating through 11 appearances. The 22-year-old is definitely worth a look as a streaming and DFS play for the Kraken's back-to-back in Ottawa on Saturday and Boston on Sunday.

Lauzon logged five PIM, three hits and a minus-2 rating in Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Oilers.

Lauzon fought Vasily Podkolzin in the third period, and the Nashville defenseman lost the scrap after a heavy punch from the Edmonton winger. Through 10 contests this season, Lauzon has yet to log a point while seeing steady ice time in a bottom-four role on the Predators' blue line. He has made a physical impact with 54 hits, 13 blocked shots and 11 PIM, but he shouldn't be counted on for offense.

Fabbro was scratched for the fourth time in the Predators' first 10 games when he sat out Thursday versus the Oilers.

Fabbro is often listed on the top pairing, but he's exceeded 15 minutes of ice time in just two of his six appearances. He's added seven shots on net, a minus-3 rating and seven blocked shots, but he's yet to record a point. Fabbro is competing with Marc Del Gaizo for the last spot on the blue line.