NHL Player News

Hughes logged a pair of power-play assists and three shots on goal in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Ducks.

Hughes earned his first multi-point effort since Dec. 29. The 20-year-old defenseman has been a fine fantasy option so far with 31 points (16 on the power play), 91 shots on net, 35 blocked shots and a minus-19 rating through 60 appearances on the year. Hughes continues to see top-four minutes and ample power-play time, so he should be at least somewhat consistent on offense.

Lindstrom posted an assist and four PIM in Friday's 4-3 win over the Devils.

Lindstrom has a helper in three of his last five outings. The 25-year-old could see steady playing time while Cam Fowler (face) is out of the lineup, but it's unclear which of Lindstrom or Olen Zellweger will get the last spot on defense when the Ducks are at full health. Lindstrom has seven points, 20 shots on net, 35 blocked shots, 12 PIM and a plus-9 rating through 26 appearances between the Ducks and the Canadiens this season, showing solid defensive capabilities with limited offense.

LaCombe recorded an assist, six blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 4-3 win over the Devils.

LaCombe has three helpers over the last two contests. The 23-year-old saw top-four usage Friday with the Ducks' blue line depleted by the trade of Ilya Lyubushkin to Toronto and the absence of Cam Fowler (face). LaCombe has handled those minutes on occasion before, though his defense is still a work in progress. The rookie blueliner has 12 points, a minus-24 rating, 46 shots on net and 98 blocked shots through 53 appearances this season.

Gudas posted an assist, seven hits, five blocked shots and a fighting major in Friday's 4-3 win over the Devils.

Gudas dropped the mitts with Curtis Lazar in the first period and then added his helper on a Frank Vatrano tally in the second. This was Gudas' second straight game with a helper following a nine-game scoring slump. The tough-as-nails defenseman has 15 points, 196 hits, 126 blocked shots, 105 PIM, 75 shots on net and a plus-15 rating over 54 appearances this season. Gudas will likely continue to see significant defensive minutes as long as Cam Fowler (face) is out.

Lajoie was recalled from AHL Toronto on Friday, per CapFriendly.

Lajoie continues to shuffle between the AHL and NHL levels. The 26-year-old has one point in seven NHL appearances this season.

Smith (undisclosed) is in Friday's lineup against the Ducks, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

Smith was a game-time call for Friday's contest but won't be forced to miss any game action. The 35-year-old has nine points in 41 games this season, including four in his last five appearances.

Fowler (face) will not play Friday against New Jersey, per the NHL's media site.

Fowler was injured Thursday against San Jose and will now miss at least one game as a result. The 32-year-old blueliner has four goals and 28 points in 59 contests this season. Olen Zellweger was recalled from AHL San Diego and will suit up versus the Devils.

Sanderson (undisclosed) is in Friday's lineup against Arizona, TSN 1200 Ottawa reports.

Sanderson appeared to suffer a minor injury Tuesday against Nashville but won't be forced to miss any additional time. The 21-year-old has three assists in seven games since returning from a lower-body injury, giving him 27 points in 54 appearances overall.

MacDermind was traded from Colorado to New Jersey in exchange for Zakhar Bardakov and a seventh-round draft pick Friday.

MacDermid has been a healthy scratch for a large chunk of the year with the Avalanche, tallying just two assists in 29 appearances. He should fill a similar depth role for the Devils.

Zellweger was recalled from AHL San Diego on Friday.

Zellweger has 12 goals and 37 points in 44 contests with San Diego as well as an assist in four outings with Anaheim this season. Cam Fowler suffered an upper-body injury in Thursday's 6-4 win over San Jose, so Zellweger would likely draw into the lineup if Fowler is unavailable for Friday's game against New Jersey.