NHL Player News

Mermis scored a goal and blocked four shots in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Kraken.

Mermis capped a run of three goals in 5:49 during the second period. He snapped a six-game point drought with his first goal since Oct. 26. The 30-year-old defenseman has seen steady playing time this season, posting eight points with 36 shots on net, 53 blocked shots, 34 hits, 31 PIM and a minus-2 rating through 40 appearances. That's not enough offense to help in most fantasy formats.

Rutta posted an assist in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Predators.

Rutta snapped a five-game point drought when he set up Filip Zadina's third-period tally. The 33-year-old Rutta has been solid in a top-four role this season, picking up 13 points, 48 shots on net, 54 hits, 78 blocked shots and a minus-13 rating over 50 appearances. However, his offense isn't high enough to carry much value in standard fantasy formats.

Emberson recorded an assist, three hits, two blocked shots and two PIM in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Predators.

Emberson had gone without a point over the previous four games. He snapped the drought by setting up a Mikael Granlund goal in the third period. Emberson has filled a top-four role this season, racking up 10 points, 28 shots on net, 90 hits, 45 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over 28 appearances as a rookie.

Carrier notched an assist and blocked three shots in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Sharks.

This was Carrier's third assist over the last five games. He's also blocked 10 shots with a plus-7 rating in that span, providing steady offense and defense from a third-pairing role. Carrier is at 17 points, 45 shots on net, 108 blocked shots and a plus-5 rating through 53 outings overall.

Josi notched an assist and five shots on goal in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Sharks.

Josi has gone six games without a goal, but he's stayed warm with six assists in that span. He'd also gone a season-high three games without a blocked shot entering Saturday, though he was able to get one in this contest. The defenseman is at 53 points, 184 shots on net, 102 blocks and a plus-1 rating through 58 outings in his usual minutes-munching role on the top pairing.

Forsling netted the game-winning goal in overtime Saturday in a 3-2 victory over Washington.

Forsling, who shook off an undisclosed injury from Thursday, scored on a slap shot from the right face-off circle off a pass from Sam Bennett, who started the play by stealing the puck in the Florida zone. Forsling has six points, including two goals, and seven shots over his last six contests. He's the Panthers' top scorer from the blue line, providing 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 57 outings. The defenseman also possesses an NHL-best plus-40 rating. Forsling appears poised to hit the 40-point mark for the second straight year.

Bogosian (upper body) won't return Saturday against Seattle, per Joe Smith of The Athletic.

Bogosian has a goal, nine points, 37 PIM, 83 hits and 53 blocks in 44 outings in 2023-24. With Bogosian unavailable, Jon Merrill will remain in the lineup.

Dobson picked up two assists, one on the power play, in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Lightning.

The Islanders headed into the third period down 3-0, but Dobson tried to spark a comeback by helping to set up tallies by Anders Lee and Brock Nelson. Dobson has five multi-point performances in the last 13 games, and he's reached 60 points on the season for the first time in his career, compiling seven goals and 53 assists through 57 contests.

Hedman picked up three assists, one on the power play, in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Islanders.

The veteran blueliner had a hand in the Lightning's last three tallies of the afternoon, including the eventual game-winner by Brayden Point with the man advantage in the second period. It was Hedman's first multi-point performance since Jan. 27, and while he's currently riding a 12-game goal drought, he's collected 12 assists over that stretch.

Grzelcyk (lower body) is expected to play Saturday versus the Canucks, Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic reports.

Grzelcyk took rushes during warmups in his usual spot on the top pairing alongside Charlie McAvoy. That bodes well for Grzelcyk to come back after a one-game absence. The 30-year-old blueliner has just seven points through 43 outings this season.