NHL Player News

Morrissey recorded an assist, four shots on goal and three hits in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Blackhawks.

Morrissey has a goal and an assist over the last two contests after going five games without a point. The 28-year-old helped out on a Gabriel Vilardi goal to tie the game late in the third period. Morrissey has rarely had cold spells this season, racking up 32 points (eight on the power play), 110 shots on net, 64 blocked shots, 29 hits and a plus-24 rating through 41 outings. He's a little behind the pace that saw him rack up 76 points in 78 games a year ago, but he's still among the top overall blueliners in fantasy.

Okhotyuk scored the game-winning goal Thursday in a 3-2 win over the Canadiens.

Okhotyuk pinched in from the left point to take a pass from Mikael Granlund before snapping a shot under Sam Montembeault's right arm. It was his first goal in 29 games. Okhotyuk is often the forgotten man in the Timo Meier trade with New Jersey. He's known for his physical play, not his scoring. But we have to say he showed a scorer's instinct on Thursday's snipe.

Mintyukov (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per CapFriendly.

The Ducks announced Mintyukov would miss approximately six weeks with a separated shoulder sustained Tuesday versus the Predators. The move to injured reserve frees up a roster spot if the team would like to call up another player.

Matheson had two assists in a 3-2 loss to the Sharks on Thursday.

It looked like Matheson had scored on a slap shot from the point at 16:26 of the third period with Sam Montembeault pulled for an extra attacker. But Josh Anderson got his stick on the shot and deflected it past Mackenzie Blackwood. Matheson had gone four games without a point; the assists pushed his overall point total to 29, including 23 helpers, in 41 games. With that, he broke the 200-point barrier for his career (201 points, 506 games). Matheson is now just five points from shattering his career-best 34 points, set last season in 48 games.

Cernak won't return to Thursday's game against New Jersey because of an upper-body injury.

Cernak missed three contests from Jan. 2-6 because of an upper-body injury, but it's not clear if his current issue is related. He recorded one hit on 7:58 of ice time before departing Thursday's game. If Cernak can't play Saturday against Anaheim, then Philippe Myers will likely draw into the lineup.

Cormier was reassigned to AHL Henderson on Thursday, per SinBin.vegas.

Cormier had an assist, a plus-1 rating, three shots and two blocks in two games with Vegas during his NHL stint. With Henderson this year, he's recorded a goal, 12 points and 20 PIM in 27 outings.

Mintyukov sustained a separated shoulder Tuesday versus Nashville and is expected to miss six weeks.

Mintyukov has been a pleasant surprise in his rookie season, but he'll now miss a large chunk of time. He has 19 points over 40 appearances. Robert Hagg and Gustav Lindstrom figure to compete for the newly open playing time, while Cam Fowler should be a steady power-play presence during Mintyukov's absence.

Korczak was called up from AHL Henderson on Thursday, according to SinBin.vegas.

Korczak was activated off the injured reserve after recovering from his lower-body injury and immediately sent to Henderson on Wednesday. He has three assists in five minor-league contests in 2023-24. Korczak has also provided a goal and seven points in 15 outings with Vegas this year.

Robertson was returned to AHL Hartford on Thursday.

Robertson has two goals and 13 points in 30 AHL contests with Hartford this season. The 22-year-old defenseman was called up by the Rangers on Wednesday but didn't make his NHL debut before returning to the minors.

Sandin (upper body) was put on injured reserve Thursday, per Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post.

Sandin last played Jan. 3, so the move can be made retroactive to that date, in which case the defenseman would be eligible to be activated whenever he's healthy. The 23-year-old has 11 assists, 34 hits and 65 blocks in 36 outings in 2023-24. When Sandin is ready to return, Joel Edmundson might serve as a healthy scratch.