NHL Player News

Vlasic (upper body) won't play Thursday versus the Ducks, Max Miller of The Hockey News reports.

Vlasic will miss a third straight game with the injury. The defenseman was a game-time decision Thursday and could be again Saturday versus the Stars.

Struble (lower body) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Panthers, Arpon Basu of The Athletic reports.

Struble is with the Canadiens on their road trip, but he will miss a third straight game. His next chance to play is Saturday versus the Lightning.

Fleury (upper body) is set to return Thursday against Buffalo, according to Gabby Shirley of Bally Sports Florida.

Fleury has a goal and four points in 17 contests this season. He missed three straight games because of the injury. With Fleury back, Emil Martinsen Lilleberg is projected to be a healthy scratch versus the Sabres.

Smith (undisclosed) is considered questionable for Friday's contest against Anaheim, per Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site.

Smith has three goals, nine points, 47 PIM, 81 hits and 55 blocks in 41 outings with New Jersey this season. If he can't play Friday, then perhaps Nick DeSimone will make his Devils debut after being claimed off waivers from Calgary on Jan. 25.

Johnson won't play Thursday versus Tampa Bay due to an illness.

Johnson also missed the morning skate. He has three goals, 24 PIM, 93 hits and 68 blocks in 50 outings in 2023-24. With the 35-year-old defenseman unavailable, Ryan Johnson is likely to draw into the lineup versus the Lightning.

Vlasic (lower body) could return to the lineup Thursday, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Vlasic will be a game-time decision. He has missed the last two games. Vlasic has five goals and seven points in 33 games this season. Should Vlasic play, look for Nikita Okhotyuk to be dropped from the lineup.

Bogosian (upper body) will return to the lineup Thursday against the Predators, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Bogosian is expected to return to a third-pairing role following his three-game absence. The 33-year-old vet has picked up nine points through 44 games split between the Lightning and the Wild this season.

Forbort will sit as a healthy scratch for a second straight contest Thursday versus Vegas.

Forbort is in coach Jim Montgomery's dog house after missing a team meeting prior to Monday's game versus Seattle. The 31-year-old blueliner has managed just four helpers through 34 contests this season, so there's no reason for fantasy managers to track whether or not he's in Boston's lineup on a nightly basis.

Lundkvist (concussion) will return to the lineup against Winnipeg on Thursday, Brian Rea of Bally Sports Southwest reports.

Lundkvist is set to return to the lineup after missing the Stars' last seven games due to his concussion. With the defenseman back, he could be in line for a spot with the second power-play unit while relegating Joel Hanley to a spot in the press box. For his part, Lundkvist has managed just one point in his previous seven contests, so he probably shouldn't be expected to offer much in the way of fantasy value.

Tanev is working through his visa issues, raising doubts regarding his availability versus San Jose on Saturday, Stars radio analyst Bruce LeVine reports.

According to general manager Jim Nill, Tanev should be available and ready to play against the Sharks on Tuesday at the latest, though the situation remains fluid. During his time in Calgary this season, the veteran blueliner generated one goal on 43 shots and 13 assists while averaging 19:50 of ice time through 56 contests. Once available to play, Tanev figures to bump either Joel Hanley or Jani Hakanpaa from the lineup.