NHL Player News

Zaitsev (upper body) won't be in the lineup Tuesday versus the Islanders, per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Zaitsev will miss his second straight contest. He has provided seven points, 30 shots on goal, 69 blocked shots and 68 hits in 36 appearances this season. Jarred Tinordi has been playing during Zaitsev's absence.

Ludvig (illness) is not expected to be in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Devils, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Vensel reports the Penguins are projected to use the same lineup that they had Monday versus the Rangers, which would mean a second straight absence for Ludvig. The 23-year-old defenseman was a game-time call, so it seems likely he'll be ready to play by Thursday's tilt against the Capitals, though he's no lock to be in the lineup.

Jiricek was brought up from AHL Cleveland on Tuesday.

Jiricek joins the Blue Jackets on an emergency basis after the team returned Jake Christiansen to the minors earlier in the day. The 20-year-old Jiricek has one goal, nine points, 33 shots on net and 39 blocked shots in 36 NHL outings this campaign. He will probably be in the lineup Thursday versus the Islanders because it's still unclear when Adam Boqvist (upper body) will be available to return.

MacDermid (lower body) is not expected to play Tuesday against Pittsburgh, according to Sam Kasan of the Devils' official site.

Despite being close to returning to the lineup, MacDermid will miss his fourth consecutive contest. He has picked up two goals, one assist, 53 PIM and 67 hits in 39 games this season between New Jersey and Colorado.

Siegenthaler (concussion) will play Tuesday versus the Penguins, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

Siegenthaler has contributed one goal, eight assists, 57 shots on net, 79 blocked shots and 69 hits across 49 appearances this season. His return from a nine-game absence may bump Brendan Smith to the press box.

Ludvig (illness) will be a game-time decision for Tuesday's matchup with the Devils, Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports.

Considering coach Mike Sullivan firmly ruled out Tristan Jarry, who is also dealing with an illness, there seems to be a chance Ludvig is healthy enough to play Tuesday. In 33 games this season, the 23-year-old Ludvig has generated just three goals and two assists but has delivered 72 hits and 33 blocks. If Ludvig does play, it would likely mean a return to the press box for Ryan Shea or Jack St. Ivany.

Fleury was reassigned to AHL Coachella Valley on Tuesday.

Fleury had been serving as an emergency depth option during the absence of Vince Dunn, who returned to the lineup in Monday's 4-2 win over San Jose from an upper-body injury. With Dunn back in the fold, Fleury should remain in the AHL to see game action. The 25-year-old Fleury has six goals and 32 points in 60 minor-league outings this season.

Scanlin was reassigned to AHL Hartford on Tuesday.

Scanlin's demotion would seem to be a good indication that Erik Gustafsson (upper body) will be ready to return to action versus the Devils on Wednesday. For his part, the 24-year-old Scanlin appeared in one NHL game back on March 26 in which he saw 10:46 of ice time and recorded one hit.

Tanev (upper body) practiced fully Tuesday and is expected to be available for Wednesday's matchup with Edmonton, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Tanev was evaluated for an injury after exiting Saturday's win over Seattle early, but it appears whatever forced him from that contest wasn't overly serious. The 34-year-old vet has picked up two points through 12 games since joining the Stars in a trade with the Flames.

Rielly (upper body) is expected to be available Wednesday when the Leafs host the Lightning, per Jonas Siegel of The Athletic.

Rielly has been a consistent producer for Toronto in 2023-24, picking up seven goals and 44 assists in 65 games played. The 30-year-old should slot into his usual spots on the top pairing and No. 1 power-play unit versus Tampa Bay.