NHL Player News

Brodin managed an assist, two shots on goal and two PIM in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Ducks.

Brodin has collected four assists over seven games since he returned from an upper-body injury. His latest came on Kirill Kaprizov's opening tally in the first period Saturday. For the season, Brodin is at 13 points, 61 shots on net, 82 blocked shots and a plus-7 rating through 32 contests. The 30-year-old had just 14 points in 60 outings a season ago, but with Jared Spurgeon (hip/back) out for the season, Brodin figures to be the Wild's No. 2 defenseman behind Brock Faber the rest of the way.

Merrill was credited with a goal on two shots in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Ducks.

Merrill was credited with Minnesota's second goal despite replays that made it look like Mats Zuccarello's shot got through cleanly. If it stands, Merrill has his first point since Dec. 18. He had gone 11 contests without a point and was a healthy scratch over the last six games before drawing in with the Wild turning to seven defensemen Saturday. The 31-year-old Merrill has five points, 18 shots on net, 24 blocked shots, 18 hits, 24 PIM and a minus-3 rating through 33 appearances this season.

McAvoy scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Flyers.

The 26-year-old blueliner helped set up David Pastrnak for the game's first goal before potting the second himself. McAvoy is heading into the All-Star break on a heater, scoring three goals and seven points over the last eight games. He's collected seven goals and 33 points over 41 contests this season.

Vaakanainen notched an assist, four hits and four blocked shots in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Wild.

Vaakanainen helped out on Troy Terry's goal in the third period, which came just after a successful penalty kill. The 25-year-old Vaakanainen has a point in each of the last two games. He was back on the third pairing Saturday, but he'll likely handle top-four minutes defensively while the Ducks work on easing in Olen Zellweger. Vaakanainen is at nine points, 42 shots on net, 45 blocked shots, 20 hits, 14 PIM and a plus-6 rating through 41 outings this season.

Gudas posted an assist, three hits and five blocked shots in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Wild.

Gudas has a helper in two of the last three contests. He set up Ryan Strome's game-tying tally in the third period of Saturday's game. Gudas continues to provide surprising offense in addition to his usual physical play in his first year with the Ducks. He's up to 13 points, 123 hits, 100 blocked shots, 79 PIM, 61 shots on net and a plus-17 rating over 43 appearances. He's got a realistic chance to match his personal best of 23 points from the 2016-17 campaign, which came as a member of the Flyers.

Soderstrom was reassigned to AHL Tucson following Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Hurricanes.

Soderstrom's demotion comes after he filled in for Travis Dermott (lower body) in Saturday's game. During the bye week, Soderstrom will get a chance to stay in a playing rhythm in the minors.

Dillon left Saturday's game versus the Maple Leafs with a back injury, Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press reports.

Head coach Rick Bowness added that Dillon's injury is unlikely to be a long-term issue. The Jets are not expected to practice until Feb. 4 since they are now on their bye week ahead of the All-Star break. Dillon's status for the Jets' next game versus the Penguins will likely be determined closer to that contest's Feb. 6 date.

Lyubushkin (upper body) is not in the lineup for Saturday's game versus the Wild.

Lyubushkin will be out for the third time in the last four games. The 29-year-old defenseman has gone 12 contests without a point, so his absence won't be noticed much in fantasy. He has one chance to return before the Ducks' bye week -- Wednesday at home versus the Sharks.

Dillon (upper body) won't return to Saturday's game versus the Maple Leafs.

Dillon was hurt in the first period Saturday, though the severity of his injury is unknown. He may benefit from the upcoming All-Star break, as the Jets don't play again until Feb. 6 versus the Penguins.

Lindgren (upper body) is not expected to play Saturday versus Ottawa, according to Mollie Walker of the New York Post.

Lindgren will miss at least one game after being injured in Friday's 5-2 loss to Vegas. He has produced seven points, 45 shots on goal, 60 blocked shots and 54 hits in 47 games this season. Connor Mackey and Zac Jones will replace Lindgren and Jacob Trouba (suspension) in the lineup Saturday.