NHL Player News

Evans logged a power-play assist and two PIM in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Predators.

Evans set up Andre Burakovsky's tally in the third period, which was all the Kraken could put past Juuse Saros. The 22-year-old Evans has two helpers, both on the power play, over his last five games while filling in for Vince Dunn (upper body). For the season, Evans has managed six helpers, 27 shots on net, 33 hits, 21 blocked shots, 10 PIM and a minus-3 rating through 21 appearances.

Rielly picked up two assists in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Both assists were incredible stretch passes that sprung William Nylander and David Kampf on breakaways, Rielly (500) joined Borje Salming (817) and Tomas Kaberle (548) as the only defenders to reach 500 or more career regular-season and playoff points with the Maple Leafs franchise. His 49 points through 61 games this campaign puts him 10th in scoring among blueliners.

McDonagh notched two assists and a plus-3 rating in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Kraken.

McDonagh has three helpers over his last two contests, though he went without a point in the four games prior. The defenseman set up Thomas Novak's opening goal and Roman Josi's insurance tally Saturday. McDonagh has been a pleasant surprise in 2023-24 with 25 points, 75 shots on net, 111 blocked shots and a plus-13 rating over 61 appearances.

Josi scored two goals on four shots, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Kraken.

The Predators' captain again came up big, scoring a go-ahead marker on the power play and an even-strength insurance goal in the third period. Over his last 10 outings, the 33-year-old has six goals and 14 points. Josi is up to 17 goals, 67 points, 218 shots on net, 119 blocked shots and a plus-13 rating through 68 appearances. He had 18 goals and 59 points in 67 outings a year ago, but he's now pushing to reach the 80-point mark for the second time in his career.

Hughes notched an assist and three shots on goal in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Capitals.

What was long expected is now official -- Hughes has set a career high in points for the third straight year. He's picked up seven points over six outings in March and now has 77 points, including 29 on the power play, through 68 appearances this season. The defenseman has added 164 shots on net, 43 blocked shots and a plus-36 rating as one of the top overall blueliners in the league in 2023-24.

Alexeyev notched an assist in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Canucks.

Alexeyev has two helpers over his last five outings. The 24-year-old defenseman saw just 10:16 of ice time Saturday, his lowest total since November. He remains in the mix for third-pairing minutes, sharing a spot in the lineup with Ethan Bear. Alexeyev has a meager three points with 10 shots on net, 38 blocked shots, 20 hits and a minus-5 rating over 23 appearances.

Desharnais will be evaluated for an undisclosed injury sustained Saturday versus the Avalanche, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports.

Desharnais was used sparingly in the third period but didn't retreat to the locker room for treatment. He hasn't gotten on the scoresheet in 13 contests. If Desharnais misses time, Troy Stecher would step into a bottom-four role.

Carlson logged an assist and five shots on goal in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Canucks.

Carlson is up to a goal and four assists over eight outings in March. The 34-year-old defenseman has 39 points, 131 shots on net, 152 blocked shots, 51 hits and a minus-1 rating through 66 contests overall. Carlson continues to see heavy usage on the top pairing and first power-play unit, but the Capitals' low-scoring tendencies in 2023-24 have put a damper on his contributions.

Timmins (illness) was activated from long-term injured reserve Saturday, per CapFriendly.

Timmins missed more than a month with mononucleosis. The 25-year-old will serve as a depth option on defense for the Maple Leafs going forward.

Wotherspoon was reassigned to AHL Utica on Saturday, per CapFriendly.

Wotherspoon was up with the big club for two games, but he served as a healthy scratch both times. He could be an emergency recall again if John Marino (upper body) can't play versus the Golden Knights on Sunday.