NHL Player News

Lindstein was reassigned to AHL Springfield on Thursday.

Lindstein made three appearances to begin the season, but he's been scratched in six of the Blues' last seven games. The 21-year-old defenseman will now head to the AHL to get more consistent playing time in a significant role. He has one assist over four NHL outings this season.

McAvoy had four assists in a 6-0 win over the Predators on Thursday.

McAvoy now has six points (one goal, five assists) in five games since returning from a six-game suspension to start the season. One of Thursday's assists came with the man advantage; it was his first power-play point this season.

Blankenburg (undisclosed) didn't finish Thursday's game versus the Rangers, and no update on his status was offered, Luke Fox of Sportsnet reports.

Injuries continue to mount on the Maple Leafs' blue line, as Blankenburg was already filling in for Marshall Rifai (lower body). The Maple Leafs will likely need to call up one or two defensemen -- Philippe Myers, Dakota Mermis or Cole McWard would be the top candidates. Blankenburg will be considered day-to-day until more information is available.

Forsling was hit up high by a puck in Thursday's game versus the Penguins and did not return, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

Forsling's injury occurred late in the third period, which may explain the lack of an update on his status. The Panthers are off until Sunday in Chicago, so he'll have a couple of days to bounce back if the injury is minor.

Rifai (lower body) will be placed on injured reserve following Thursday's game versus the Rangers, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

Rifai is also considered week-to-week. The defenseman's absence was covered by Nick Blankenburg in Thursday's contest, but the Maple Leafs may want to bring up one of Cole McWard, Dakota Mermis or Philippe Myers for extra defensive depth once Rifai's move to IR is official.

Marino (upper body) won't play Thursday in Seattle.

Marino also missed Monday's 5-4 win against Pittsburgh. He has two goals and five points in nine outings in 2026-27. Nick DeSimone is set to play in his second straight game due to Marino's absence.

Lambos was reassigned to AHL Iowa on Thursday, per the NHL media site.

Lambos was removed from the NHL roster to make room for Jared Spurgeon's (upper body) return. Lambos didn't play for the Wild during this stint with the big club.

Mintyukov (lower body) returned to Anaheim on Thursday and won't play for the last two games of the road trip.

Mintyukov will miss Thursday's game versus the Devils and Saturday's contests against the Flyers. The 22-year-old defenseman is day-to-day beyond that. Tristan Luneau will take over for Mintyukov in a bottom-four role.

Rifai (undisclosed) is expected to miss Thursday's game against the Rangers, according to Terry Koshan of The Toronto Sun.

Rifai was previously considered a game-time call due to the injury. He has a goal in two appearances this campaign. Nick Blankenburg might draw into the lineup due to Rifai's absence.

Heinola was called up from AHL Henderson on Thursday.

Heinola was summoned from the minors on two other occasions in October, but he hasn't made his NHL season debut yet. However, the 25-year-old has excelled in the minors with a goal and five points in five appearances with Henderson in 2026-27.