NHL Player News

Ceci scored an empty-net goal to seal Thursday's 4-1 win over the Kings.

It's Ceci's third goal and 21st point through 71 games this year, but he's not reliably creating offense. Though, he does have a goal and two assists over the last five contests. That's not quite Connor McDavid-level production, but it's a relatively strong showing for Ceci, a defensive defenseman.

Bouchard had a power-play goal and an assist in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Kings.

Bouchard has been on a tear. He has four multi-point nights in his last five games. His torrid pace goes beyond that, though. Over the last nine games, he has one goal, 14 points, 28 shots, and a plus-8 rating. He is making the most of power-play opportunities as well with seven of those 14 points coming on the man advantage.

Ekholm assisted on a Connor McDavid goal in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Kings.

The assist gives Ekholm points in three straight games. He's also put up two goals and eight points over the last six games. It's been an impressive stretch for the defenseman, who has a total of seven goals and 36 points through 69 games this season.

Giordano (concussion) scored a goal Thursday in a 5-1 win over the Capitals.

It was his first game back after missing 12 games with a concussion. Giordano took a pass from Matthew Knies and fired high blocker side from above the left faceoff circle. It ended a 30-game goal drought that dated back to Oct. 28 against the Predators. More touching was Gio's gesture after the goal as he pointed to the sky to honor his father who died last month. Giordano isn't much of a fantasy force, but Thursday was a night to remember.

Liljegren is expected to miss some time with the upper-body injury that kept him out of Thursday's game versus the Capitals, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

A specific timeline for Liljegren's return was not given by head coach Sheldon Keefe. The 24-year-old Liljegren was replaced by Mark Giordano in the lineup Thursday, though Morgan Rielly (upper body) is considered day-to-day and could be back before Liljegren is cleared to play.

Graves is being evaluated for an upper-body injury after leaving Thursday's game versus the Blue Jackets following the first period.

Graves logged just 5:27 of ice time in the contest. If he is unable to play Saturday in a rematch in Columbus, John Ludvig will likely enter the lineup.

Carrier (upper body) isn't available for Thursday's contest against Arizona, per Zach Gilchriest of the Predators' official site.

Carrier is set to miss his second straight game because of the injury. He has four goals, 19 points, 40 PIM, 55 hits and 127 blocks in 66 outings in 2023-24. Spencer Stastney will return from an upper-body injury Thursday, but once Carrier is healthy too, Stastney might not have a spot in the lineup.

Stastney (upper body) will play Thursday versus the Coyotes, Zach Gilchriest of the Predators' official site reports.

Stastney will draw in after missing five games with the injury. The 24-year-old defenseman will take the place of Marc Del Gaizo, who was reassigned to AHL Milwaukee prior to the game. Stastney has one goal, six shots on net, 16 blocked shots and a plus-7 rating through 10 NHL appearances this season.

Hakanpaa (lower body) won't play Thursday versus the Canucks, Mike Heika of the Stars' official site reports.

Hakanpaa will be out for a fifth straight game. There's been no update on his status since he suffered the injury. His next chance to play is Saturday in Seattle.

Evans (lower body) will draw into the lineup Thursday versus Anaheim, Sound of Hockey reports.

Evans missed Tuesday's 4-0 win over the Ducks because of the injury. He has a goal and eight points in 25 outings this season. Evans is projected to serve on the third pairing alongside Justin Schultz on Thursday.