NHL Player News

Werenski scored the Blue Jackets' only goal in a 1-0 win over the Stars on Thursday.

It was his 19th marker of the season, and it moved him into sole possession of first place in goals among NHL defenders. Werenski is four goals away from equaling his career high of 23, which he set last season, and he's on a 90-point pace. That would also establish a new career-best mark. He delivered 82 points last season. Cale Makar was the only defender to top 90 points last season, and just two -- Quinn Hughes and Makar -- hit 90 the year before. Werenski is an elite defender in elite territory.

Head coach Lindy Ruff said after Thursday's 4-2 win over Montreal that Bryson (upper body) is going to miss some time, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports.

Bryson suffered his upper-body injury during the second period of Thursday's game and was ruled out prior to the start of the third. Zach Metsa will likely play regularly for the duration of Bryson's absence, though the Sabres will probably elevate a defenseman from AHL Rochester in the near future now that they have only six healthy blueliners.

Edvinsson is a late scratch Thursday versus Minnesota because of a lower-body injury.

Edvinsson has six goals, 17 points, 54 PIM, 63 hits and 104 blocks in 48 outings in 2025-26. Travis Hamonic will play Thursday as a result of Edvinsson's absence.

Bryson has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game in Montreal due to an upper-body injury, per Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald.

Bryson logged two blocked shots and a plus-1 rating in 6:17 of ice time prior to exiting. If the 28-year-old defenseman is unable to suit up Saturday on Long Island, Zach Metsa will likely draw back into the lineup.

Wilsby (lower body) won't play Thursday against Ottawa, per Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site.

Wilsby also missed Nashville's past three games. He has a goal and seven points in 36 outings in 2025-26. His next chance to return is Saturday against Utah.

Letang (upper body) won't be an option for Thursday's matchup in Edmonton and is still considered day-to-day, per Josh Yohe of The Athletic.

While Letang won't be available Thursday, the Penguins will get Erik Karlsson (lower body) back in the lineup in Edmonton. Letang's next chance to suit up will be in Vancouver on Sunday, when Pittsburgh concludes its road trip. Letang has generated three goals, 25 points, 77 shots, 65 hits, 60 blocks and a plus-5 rating across 48 appearances in 2025-26.

Karlsson (lower body) was activated off injured reserve ahead of Thursday's game in Edmonton.

Ryan Graves (lower body) was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move. It was reported Jan. 13 that the 35-year-old Karlsson would be out of action for at least two weeks, but the veteran blueliner seemingly made strides in his recovery and is poised to return to the lineup Thursday in Edmonton. If Kris Letang (upper body) isn't able to suit up, Karlsson may have a big workload in store if he's 100 percent healthy.

Graves (lower body) was put on injured reserve Thursday.

The Penguins' announcement didn't specify the nature of Graves' injury, but he's dealing with a lower-body issue, according to Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site. Graves has a goal, eight PIM, 15 hits and 35 blocks in 19 outings in 2025-26. Erik Karlsson (lower body) was activated off injured reserve in a corresponding move. Graves played in Wednesday's 4-1 win over Calgary, so putting him on IR means that he isn't eligible to play Thursday in Edmonton or Sunday in Vancouver.

Kesselring (ankle) is available for Thursday's game in Montreal, according to Heather Engel of NHL.com.

Kesselring has played in just one of Buffalo's last 10 games, but he'll return to the lineup after being deemed a game-time call earlier Thursday. The right-shot blueliner is slated to skate on the third pairing beside Jacob Bryson in Montreal. Zach Metsa will be a healthy scratch as a result of Kesselring suiting up.

Jokiharju (personal) has returned to the Bruins after previously being designated as a non-roster player. He's expected to be a healthy scratch Thursday versus Vegas.

Jokiharju has nine assists in 32 outings in 2025-26. When he eventually draws back into the lineup, it will probably be as a member of the third pairing.