NHL Player News

Drysdale posted a short-handed assist, two shots on goal and four PIM in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs.

Drysdale has two points over six contests since returning from a lower-body injury. The defenseman has shuffled around the lineup a bit, but he's firmly in a top-four role. Playing for the Ducks will likely keep his plus-minus rating down, but he's also blocked 13 shots since his return as he does his part in the defensive zone. Drysdale has four points, 15 shots on net, 14 blocks and a minus-1 rating through eight appearances.

Rielly posted two assists, four shots on goal and three blocked shots in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime win over the Ducks.

Rielly helped out on both of the Maple Leafs' goals as they pulled off a comeback win. He has nine helpers, including five on the power play, over the last nine games. The defenseman was projected for a down season in 2023-24, but he's been at his usual level with 29 points (10 on the power play), 86 shots on net, 76 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating through 36 outings. He's on pace to exceed 60 points for the third time in his 11-year career.

Hughes provided a power-play assist in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Capitals.

Hughes stretched his point streak to four games with a man-advantage helper that led to the second goal of the night for captain Nico Hischier. The Devils boast the league's best power-play percentage, converting 30.3 percent of their opportunities, and Hughes is a big reason why they've been so successful. Hughes has seven goals and 15 assists, including 11 points on the power play, through 36 games this season.

Sergachev (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, per CapFriendly.

Sergachev has been out since Dec. 21, and he'll finally land on injured reserve, presumably to give the Lightning an extra roster spot. The team is dealing with an injury crisis on the blue line, as Erik Cernak (upper body) and Haydn Fleury (hand) are also unavailable. Sergachev can be activated whenever he is available to play.

Gudas (illness) won't play Wednesday versus the Maple Leafs.

Gudas had just returned from an ankle injury Sunday, but now he'll be back out of the lineup. Jackson LaCombe will check in alongside Cam Fowler in the top four, bumping Jamie Drysdale down to Gudas' usual second-pairing spot.

Hunt was recalled from AHL Iowa on Wednesday.

Hunt will take the place of Jared Spurgeon (undisclosed), who was placed on injured reserve. Hunt will likely compete with Jon Merrill for playing time in a bottom-four role.

Spurgeon (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

It's unclear if Spurgeon's trip to IR is related to his previous lower-body injury that cost him seven contests in December. The 34-year-old blueliner will be out until at least Jan. 10, though the Wild have not provided a timeline for his return. Daemon Hunt was recalled from AHL Iowa to take Spurgeon's place on the roster.

Balinskis signed a two-year contract extension with Florida on Wednesday.

Balinskis is playing on a one-year, entry-level deal and would have become an unrestricted free agent this summer had he not agreed to this extension. The 27-year-old, who is currently with AHL Charlotte, has two points in 18 contests with Florida as well as seven points in seven minor-league outings this season.

Bortuzzo (lower body) was put on injured reserve Wednesday.

Bortuzzo's placement is presumably retroactive to Tuesday, which would mean he'll be eligible to be activated in time for next Thursday's outing versus Toronto. He has no points, 19 PIM, 16 hits and 20 blocks in 15 contests this season. Sebastian Aho will likely play regularly during Bortuzzo's absence.

Megna was claimed off waivers by Chicago from Seattle on Wednesday.

Megna hasn't gotten into a single game with the Kraken this season, but he has a goal in two contests with AHL Coachella Valley. During the 2022-23 campaign, Megna recorded a goal and 12 points in 54 outings between San Jose and Seattle. The 31-year-old defenseman might see work on Chicago's third pairing, but he'll probably spend most of his time with the Blackhawks serving as a healthy scratch.