NHL Player News

Hedman picked up an assist, fired five shots on goal and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Bruins.

Hedman missed Sunday's game versus the Ducks due to a lower-body injury, but he was back to his usual self Wednesday. He led the Lightning with 25:49 of ice time and earned his 10th point in nine March appearances with a helper on Nikita Kucherov's empty-net goal. Hedman is up to 70 points (12 goals, 58 assists), 147 shots on net, 93 blocked shots, 62 PIM and a plus-17 rating through 69 contests overall.

Chabot (undisclosed) will be evaluated for an injury Thursday, Murray Pam of Full Press Hockey reports.

Chabot had an assist in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Sabres, but he saw just 14:54 of ice time in the contest. The defenseman should probably be considered a game-time decision for Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks. If he can't play, Travis Hamonic might enter the lineup.

Fleury (lower body) won't play Wednesday versus the Bruins, Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site reports.

Fleury will be out for a sixth straight game. He was reportedly getting closer to a return during the Lightning's road trip, but it's unclear if he'll play immediately after getting the green light since the Lightning currently have eight defensemen on their roster. The team's next game is Saturday versus the Islanders.

Iorio was called up from AHL Hershey on Wednesday.

Iorio's promotion corresponds with Ethan Bear (not injury related) entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Wednesday. The 21-year-old Iorio will give the Capitals some extra defensive depth, but it's unclear how much he'll play while with the big club.

Bear entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Wednesday, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Bear will be away from the Capitals indefinitely while receiving care in the program. He has four points over 24 contests with the Capitals this season.

Balinskis was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Wednesday.

Balinskis has a goal and three points in 22 games with Florida in 2023-24. He also has contributed three goals and 21 points in 35 outings with Charlotte.

Girard is dealing with an illness, according to Brennan Vogt of The-Rink.com, so he's questionable for Thursday's contest versus the Rangers.

Girard has three goals, 18 points, 68 hits and 92 blocks in 51 outings in 2023-24. If the 25-year-old can't play Thursday, then Caleb Jones will likely draw into the lineup for the first time since March 13.

Ceci posted an assist, three hits and three blocked shots in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Jets.

Ceci has two helpers over his last four contests. The 30-year-old defenseman isn't relied on for offense, though he's had mixed results overall in 2023-24. He's at 20 points, 83 shots on net, 100 blocked shots, 77 hits and a plus-5 rating through 70 appearances.

Rielly (upper body) is considered questionable for Thursday's matchup with Washington, Luke Fox of Sportsnet reports.

Rielly missed Tuesday's loss to the Devils due to his upper-body issue, and it looks like his status for Thursday's contest may boil down to a game-time decision. Rielly's racked up seven goals and 51 points through 65 contests this season -- fantasy managers should plan on keeping a close eye on his status ahead of puck drop Thursday.

Ekholm notched an assist, five shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Jets.

Ekholm is on a solid run with two goals and five helpers over his last five contests. The 33-year-old defenseman set up Connor Brown's goal in the second period. Ekholm has 35 points, 149 shots on net, 119 hits, 83 blocked shots and a plus-34 rating through 68 contests. He benefits from a large role that sees him share the ice with the Oilers' top players frequently, though Ekholm's defensive prowess shouldn't be understated.