NHL Player News

Skjei scored a power-play goal on three shots, added two PIM and blocked two shots in Friday's 3-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Skjei has a goal and an assist over his last two games. The 30-year-old defenseman had some struggles on defense before making up for those lapses with the game-winning goal at 13:07 of the third period. He's at three points, 24 shots on net, nine blocked shots, eight PIM and a minus-4 rating over seven outings this season. Skjei and Roman Josi were paired together Friday, though head coach Andrew Brunette may occasionally move Skjei back to the second pairing.

Siegenthaler logged an assist and two PIM in Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Islanders.

This was Siegenthaler's first point since the Devils' season opener in Prague. The 27-year-old defenseman doesn't often contribute on offense, and with the Devils' blue line back to full strength, that's likely to remain true. He has two assists, 10 shots on net, 22 hits, 17 blocked shots, six PIM and a plus-2 rating over 11 appearances this season.

Pelech logged an assist, three shots on goal and three hits in Friday's 4-3 overtime win over the Devils.

Pelech is up to four helpers through seven contests, a surprisingly fruitful start to the year for the shutdown blueliner. He's added 11 shots on net, 14 hits, seven blocked shots and a minus-1 rating. Pelech typically plays in a second-pairing role, but he doesn't have a clear path to power-play time, so it's unlikely he's able to continue producing a point roughly every other game.

Pulock notched an assist, three hits, two PIM and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 4-3 overtime win over the Devils.

Pulock had the secondary helper on Bo Horvat's goal in overtime. Playing in a second-pairing role, Pulock has been more of a factor in his own zone than on offense. He has two assists, eight shots on net, seven hits, 14 blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating through seven appearances.

Romanov notched an assist, five hits and three blocked shots in Friday's 4-3 overtime win over the Devils.

Romanov was bloodied by a high hit at one point in the game, but he didn't miss a shift and answered with toughness instead. The 24-year-old defenseman's helper came when Kyle Palmieri tipped in his shot at 11:28 of the second period. Romanov has two assists, 14 hits, 19 blocked shots, 10 shots on goal and six PIM through seven outings this season. He remains in a top-four role, but he's unlikely to chip in much more than 20-25 points.

Dobson logged a power-play assist, four shots on goal, two hits and two blocked shots in Friday's 4-3 overtime win over the Devils.

Dobson set up an Anders Lee tally late in the first period. Through seven contests, Dobson has earned five assists, including three on the power play, offering steady offense as the Islanders' top blueliner. The 24-year-old has added 23 shots on net, 17 blocked shots, six hits and a minus-1 rating. He plays in a large role, which makes him a set-and-forget option for fantasy managers.

Hague (lower body) won't return to Friday's game versus the Senators, Ryan Wallis of Fox Sports Las Vegas reports.

Hague scored his first goal of the season earlier in the contest. He ended the game with 9:44 of ice time. The Golden Knights are back in action Saturday versus the Sharks -- if Hague can't play, Ben Hutton could be in line for his season debut.

Hughes (shoulder) is expected to play versus the Islanders on Friday.

There was a chance the Devils would hold Hughes out to avoid having him play back-to-back games right after returning from his shoulder injury. The 21-year-old defenseman should see top-four minutes and power-play time after earning an assist with the man advantage in his season debut Thursday, a 5-3 loss to the Red Wings.

Pesce (lower leg) is expected to be in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Islanders.

Pesce was considered questionable heading into this game since he just returned from a long-term absence. However, it looks like he's good to play back-to-back days right away. Pesce should continue to see top-four usage in a mainly defensive role.

Phillips was reassigned to AHL Rockford on Friday.

Phillips has yet to play at the NHL level this season. In a corresponding move, goalie Drew Commesso was called up, suggesting there may be an injury concern in Chicago's crease. Phillips could be back with the NHL club at some point, but the 23-year-old's development is better served by playing in the AHL.