NHL Player News

Provorov scored twice Saturday in a 7-4 loss to the Kraken.

Provorov gave the Jackets a 1-0 lead early in the first period, ending a 19-game goal drought. He pushed his team up 2-1 at 12:10 of the same frame with a shot from near the blue line that ricocheted off a Seattle player and into the net. Provorov has found it hard to score in Ohio - the goals Saturday doubled his season total to four. However, he's actually on a 44-point pace, which would be a career high for the 27-year-old defender. Provorov might have some sleepy value, especially if this game is the start of a warming trend.

Johnson (lower body) won't return to Saturday's game versus the Maple Leafs, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports.

Johnson was missing from the Avalanche's bench during the third period. With injuries piling up around the lineup for the team, a recall from AHL Colorado may be in order soon. Valeri Nichushkin (illness) was out Saturday, so the Avalanche dressed eight defensemen, which should allow them to at least weather Johnson's potential absence.

Barrie (upper body) isn't available for Saturday's game against the Islanders, according to Nick Kieser of 102.5 ESPN Nashville.

Barrie has a goal and 11 points in 30 outings in 2023-24. He was last in the lineup Dec. 23. When he's ready to return, Barrie could challenge Luke Schenn for a spot on the third pairing. It also wouldn't be a surprise if the 32-year-old Barrie spent some time as a healthy scratch.

Walman (undisclosed) won't play Saturday versus LA, per Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.

Walman has nine goals, 17 points, 16 hits and 110 blocks in 38 outings this campaign. He took a stinger during Thursday's 3-2 overtime loss to Edmonton. Walman was able to stay in the contest, logging 24:19 of ice time, and he practiced Friday, but his absence Saturday might still be related to that incident. With Walman unavailable, Justin Holl is projected to draw back into the lineup after being scratched in the Red Wings' past two games.

Edmundson tallied an assist while logging 10:58 of ice time during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Rangers.

Edmundson's helper on T.J. Oshie's game-winning goal snapped a nine-game scoring drought. The 30-year-old Edmundson has been getting regular ice time since his recovery from a hand injury sustained during the preseason, but with just two points and a minus-4 rating in 24 appearances, he isn't much of a fantasy asset.

Samuelsson (upper body) won't return to Saturday's contest against the Canucks.

Samuelsson appeared to take an elbow to the face from Vancouver's Filip Hronek early in the second period. The 23-year-old Samuelsson went into Saturday's game with seven points, 43 shots on goal, 83 blocked shots and 81 hits over 38 appearances this season.

Drysdale (illness) won't play Saturday against Winnipeg.

Drysdale will be replaced in the lineup by Marc Staal. The 21-year-old Drysdale has two assists, three shots on goal, three blocked shots and three hits in two outings with the Flyers since being acquired from Anaheim on Monday.

Shea was reassigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Saturday.

Pittsburgh promoted Colin White from the minors in a corresponding move. Shea, who was originally called up by the Penguins on Jan. 3, didn't end up playing for Pittsburgh during his latest stint. In 22 NHL contests this season, he has six PIM, 13 shots, 13 hits and 14 blocks. Shea also hasn't collected a point in four outings with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this campaign.

Rafferty was brought up from AHL Grand Rapids on Saturday.

Rafferty has notched one goal and 12 assists in 33 AHL contests this campaign. The 28-year-old blueliner has one assist in three career NHL appearances.

Vegas has put Bjornfot (undisclosed) on injured reserve Saturday, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Sun reports.

Bjornfot was claimed off waivers from LA on Jan. 4, and he was in the Vegas lineup for a pair of games before not playing Thursday. He logged only one contest for the Kings this season, spending most of his time with AHL Ontario where he was pointless in nine outings.