NHL Player News

Werenski scored a goal on three shots in Saturday's 6-4 win over the Avalanche.

Werenski opened the scoring at 6:38 of the first period with his second goal in as many games to begin the year. The 27-year-old blueliner has added 10 shots on net while seeing big minutes on the Blue Jackets' top pairing. When healthy, Werensk is very productive offensively, though he's often a step below the league's elite defensemen. He will be a fixture on Columbus' first power-play unit in 2024-25.

Hutson had two assists, including one on the power play, and two PIM in Saturday's 4-1 win over Ottawa.

Hutson registered the secondary helper on Emil Heineman's first-period power-play marker as well as the primary assist on Alex Newhook's strike early in the third period for Montreal's third goal. The rookie defenseman, who has four points in three games, was not initially credited with his first assist of the game before the scoring play was revised after the contest.

Dumba (lower body) is set to undergo imaging and will be re-evaluated Monday, effectively ruling him out for Sunday's game versus the Kraken, Sam Nestler of DLLS Stars reports.

Dumba was injured in the first period of Saturday's game against the Islanders. With the 30-year-old defenseman out of action Sunday, look for Brendan Smith to take on a third-pairing role, while Thomas Harley could jump onto the first pairing alongside Miro Heiskanen.

Casey registered a goal and added a plus-1 rating during Saturday's 5-3 win over the Capitals.

Casey has two goals in the first four games of his NHL career. The second-round pick from the 2022 NHL Entry Draft could see regular ice time while Luke Hughes (shoulder) and Brett Pesce (lower leg) are on the shelf, and Casey could emerge as another key cog on the Devils blueline as he continues to develop.

LaCombe (illness) will not play in Saturday's contest versus San Jose.

LaCombe is a late scratch for Anaheim's season opener, and Olen Zellweger will draw into the lineup. LaCombe could return as soon as Sunday's contest versus the Golden Knights, so expect an update on his status before then. The 23-year-old logged 17 points in 71 regular-season contests last campaign.

Carlson tallied a power-play goal, an even-strength assist and four shots during Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Devils.

Carlson opened the scoring off the draw during Washington's first power play of the season. The 34-year-old notched 10 goals and 52 points during the 2023-24 regular season and should be in line to lead the team's defense corps in scoring again this season. The arrivals of Matt Roy (lower body) and Jakob Chychrun should help the Capitals spread the ice time around more evenly and help keep Carlson fresh as the season progresses.

Dumba (lower body) is doubtful to return to Saturday's game versus the Islanders.

Dumba suffered the injury in the first period. The Stars play again Sunday versus the Kraken, and if Dumba can't suit up, Brendan Smith would likely draw into the lineup.

Roy won't return to Saturday's contest against the Devils due to a lower-body injury.

Roy appeared to catch a rut in the ice and stumbled as a result, according to Tom Gulitti of NHL.com. The 29-year-old Roy played one shift after that incident before exiting the game. The right-shot blueliner is in the first season of a six-year contract with the Capitals. Expect an update on Roy's status ahead of Washington's contest against the Golden Knights on Tuesday.

Struble (upper body) won't play Saturday against Ottawa.

Struble participated in Saturday's morning skate but will miss his third straight contest. Once healthy, he will be the seventh defender for Montreal's blue line.

Thompson was called up from AHL San Jose on Saturday.

In a corresponding move, San Jose placed Macklin Celebrini (lower body) on injured reserve. The 22-year-old Thompson supplied six goals and 35 assists in 62 AHL contests during the 2023-24 regular season, which he split between San Jose and Tampa Bay organizations.