NHL Player News

Middleton had a goal and two assists in a 7-3 loss to the Lightning on Thursday.

His goal was a chip-in late in the second period. Middleton has a strong 17 points, including 11 assists, in 44 games, and he could be poised to pad his pace a bit given Jared Spurgeon's season-ending hip surgery. Check your wire.

Hagg was summoned from AHL San Diego on Thursday, according to CapFriendly.

Hagg has a goal, four points and 16 PIM in 22 games with San Diego this season. With Anaheim, he's recorded no points, four PIM, 10 hits and four blocks in three appearances. Hagg might play Saturday against San Jose if Radko Gudas (lower body) is unavailable.

Hedman scored a goal and added three assists in a 7-4 win over Minnesota on Thursday.

It was Hedman's seventh career four-point game, tied with Roman Josi (Nashville) for second among active defensemen. Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh) has 10 to lead active defenders. Hedman's goal came on a one-timer from the point in the first period to knot the game at 1-1. He's put up eight goals and 44 points this season in just 43 games. That puts him on an 80-plus point pace like he delivered in 2021-22. The 33-year-old has effectively rebounded from a 49-point season in 2022-23.

Barrie (upper body) isn't ready to return for Thursday's game versus LA, per Zach Gilchriest of the Predators' official site.

Barrie has a goal and 11 points in 30 contests this season. He hasn't played since Dec. 23, and it's not clear when he might be available. Barrie will likely get ample power-play ice time once he's healthy, but the 32-year-old will probably be limited to the third pairing at even strength.

Carlo (upper body) will miss Thursday's contest versus Colorado, per Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic.

Carlo was a game-time decision, though, so he's probably nearing his return. Perhaps he'll draw into the lineup Saturday against Montreal. Carlo, who last played Jan. 8, has two goals, 10 points, 51 hits and 71 blocks in 39 contests this season.

Cernak (upper body) isn't expected to play Thursday versus Minnesota.

Cernak has five assists, 90 hits and 63 blocks in 39 outings in 2023-24. This will be his second straight game out of the lineup. With Cernak absent, Max Crozier is projected to serve on the third pairing Thursday.

Edmundson (undisclosed) will miss Thursday's contest against St. Louis, per Tom Gulitti of NHL.com.

Edmundson was regarded as a game-time decision but ultimately didn't join the Capitals for the pregame warmups. He has a goal, three points, 23 hits and 32 blocks in 27 outings in 2023-24. With Edmundson unavailable, Trevor van Riemsdyk is likely to draw into the lineup Thursday.

Theodore (upper body) is projected to return in three-to-four weeks, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports Thursday.

Theodore, who hasn't played since Nov. 22, has four goals and 18 points in 20 contests this season. Once he's healthy, Theodore is likely to serve in a top-four capacity and on the Golden Knights' first power-play unit.

Drysdale (illness) is ready to return Thursday versus Dallas.

Drysdale missed two straight games because of the illness. He has a goal, seven points, nine hits and 19 blocks in 12 contests between Anaheim and Philadelphia in 2023-24. Drysdale is projected to serve on the top pairing alongside Travis Sanheim and be part of one of the power-play units.

Spurgeon is scheduled to undergo left hip surgery Feb. 6 followed by back surgery roughly four weeks later. He will miss the rest of 2023-24 but is expected to be ready for training camp.

Spurgeon, who last played Jan. 2, had five assists, 12 hits and 29 blocks in 16 games this campaign. The 34-year-old is still signed with the Wild at a $7.575 million cap hit through 2026-27. If he can stay healthy next season, there's a decent chance he'll rebound by recording 30-40 points while serving in a top-four capacity.