NHL Player News

Vlasic registered a goal in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Ducks.

The Sharks were finally able to plug captain Logan Couture (lower body) in the lineup for his season debut, and it paid immediate dividends, as the point-packing pivot fed Vlasic on the rush for the game's first goal. The Sharks rank dead last in scoring at 2.04 goals per game, with Vlasic picking up just three points through 24 games, but Couture being back in the fold should stop the bleeding to a tangible degree.

Weegar found the back of the net in a 3-1 loss to Edmonton on Saturday.

Weeger scored a beautiful goal on an odd-man rush by lifting the puck over Stuart Skinner's glove. It was Weegar's career-high 10th goal of the season, tying him for 4th in the NHL among defensemen. He added six shots on net and played 25:38 TOI, leading his team in both categories. In Weeger's last 11 games, he has put up eight points (three goals and five assists) while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time. He'll look to carry this momentum into Tuesday night's game versus the Blues.

Gilbert returned to action on Saturday night's 3-1 loss to Edmonton.

After missing the last seven games with a concussion, Gilbert returned to the ice on the third pair with Jordan Oesterle. The former played limited time, getting on the ice for 9:49 and producing one blocked shot, two hits and a minus-1 rating.

Edmundson had one hit over 15:50 of ice time in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Blues.

Edmundson (upper body) returned to his usual spot alongside Ethan Bear on the second pairing. The 30-year-old Edmundson played the fewest minutes amongst Washington's defensemen but was able to block two shots against the Blues.

Rielly delivered two assists Saturday in a 6-4 loss to the Canucks.

Rielly is having the second-best season of his career following his 72-point outburst from 2018-19. His 37 points put him in a tie with Rasmus Dahlin for seventh in scoring among defensemen, and it projects to a 69-point campaign. His 118 shots are the fifth-most from defenders this season. Given the Leafs' potent forward corps, Rielly should be a lock for elite output for fantasy managers.

Hughes delivered three assists, including two on the power play, in a 6-4 win Saturday over the Maple Leafs.

And with that, Hughes moves back into the NHL scoring lead from the blue line (46 games; 11 goals, 45 assists, 56 points), ahead of Cale Makar (54 points). Hughes has 10 points, including nine assists, in his last eight games and 17 points in his last 14. Yes, a Norris trophy is within reach, but that will likely be an intense battle with Makar all season long.

Gudas (lower body) will draw back into the lineup Saturday versus San Jose, according to Alyson Lozoff of Bally Sports West.

Gudas missed Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Washington because of the injury. He has six goals, 11 points, 71 PIM, 104 hits and 81 blocks in 38 contests this season. Gudas is projected to serve on the third line alongside Urho Vaakanainen in his return. Robert Hagg, who played Tuesday, will be a healthy scratch Saturday.

MacDonald (lower body) skated Saturday but is a ways away from playing, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

MacDonald was last in the lineup Dec. 23. He has six goals, seven points, 21 PIM, 14 hits and nine blocks in 17 appearances this season. MacDonald might slot into the third pairing once he's healthy, but it also wouldn't be surprising to see him spend time in the press box as a healthy scratch.

Emberson (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, according to Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now.

Emberson, who is considered week-to-week, hasn't played since Jan. 9 against Toronto. In 21 appearances this season, he has seven points, 22 shots on goal, 30 blocked shots and 43 hits.

Bryson was sent to AHL Rochester on Saturday.

Bryson, who has played in only three games this season, hasn't been in the lineup since Nov. 4 against Toronto. If he stays in the minors for a bit, he should get some much-needed playing time. Bryson had nine points, 27 shots on goal, 69 blocked shots and 34 hits in 59 appearances with the Sabres during the 2022-23 campaign.