NHL Player News

Pelech scored the game-winning goal and recorded three blocks in Tuesday's 2-1 win over New Jersey.

Pelech delivered in the clutch Tuesday, as he tallied the game-winning goal with just 75 seconds remaining in the contest. With the game-winning twine finder, he is up to two goals, five points, 54 shots on net and 60 blocks across 37 games this season. While the 31-year-old blueliner is having a down year offensively, he has two goals and three points over his last 10 games, which is a vast improvement from the scoreless streak he had in November. Pelech also offers solid category coverage, averaging just under two blocks and shots per game. With his offensive numbers taking a turn in the right direction, he could see some value in deep fantasy category leagues if he can stay the course.

Mahura logged an assist and two blocked shots in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Kings.

Mahura has a chance to play regularly until Brandon Montour (hand) and Vince Dunn (upper body) are healthy. The 27-year-old Mahura will occupy a third-pairing role, so his chances on offense are still going to be sparse. For the year, he's at three points, 12 shots on net, 32 blocked shots, 22 hits, 16 PIM and a plus-9 rating over 20 appearances.

Oleksiak notched an assist, three shots on goal and three blocked shots in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Kings.

Oleksiak ended a 14-game point drought with the effort. The defenseman was scratched twice earlier in December, but he's virtually guaranteed to stay in the lineup while both of Brandon Montour (hand) and Vince Dunn (upper body) are out. Oleksiak has six points, 37 shots on net, 47 hits, 51 blocked shots and a plus-6 rating over 33 appearances in a shutdown role this season.

Korczak recorded two assists in Tuesday's 7-2 win over the Sharks.

Korczak earned his first multi-point effort of the season Tuesday. He helped out on goals by Mark Stone and Reilly Smith. The defenseman is warming up on offense with a goal and four helpers over his last seven outings, and he should continue to be in a position to succeed throughout Shea Theodore's (upper body) absence. Korczak has eight points, 29 shots on net, 53 hits, 55 blocked shots and a plus-9 rating across 35 appearances.

Weegar scored a goal on two shots and racked up 22 PIM in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Oilers.

Weegar was called for unsportsmanlike conduct in the second period, but he stayed hot in the penalty box, which led to him getting a game misconduct as well. The 31-year-old defenseman has turned things around in the last couple of weeks with two goals and five assists over his last seven games, including a tally before his ejection Tuesday. Overall, he's at three goals, 12 points, 87 shots on net, 93 hits, 78 blocked shots, 57 PIM and a minus-18 rating over 37 appearances. Weegar's non-scoring production should keep him on the radar in fantasy, though his down year on offense has taken him out of must-have territory in standard formats.

Bouchard notched two assists, including one on the power play, and added two shots on goal and four blocked shots in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Flames.

Bouchard has a goal and six assists over his last seven games. The defenseman is up to 35 points (12 on the power play) with 94 shots, 52 blocks and a plus-2 rating over 38 appearances. Bouchard's offense should continue to surge as long as the Oilers can sustain their recent power-play success.

Sanheim was removed from Tuesday's game versus the Blackhawks by the concussion spotter, Jackie Spiegel of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Sanheim was shaken up after a hit in the third period, but head coach Rick Tocchet indicated the defenseman is likely fine. Still, fantasy managers will want to double-check that Sanheim has been cleared prior to Sunday's game versus the Kraken.

Carlson scored a goal in a 7-3 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday.

He wired a snap shot from the top of the right circle 23 seconds into the second frame and beat Igor Shesterkin stick side. Carlson has a point in each of his last two games (one goal, one assist) and five points, including two goals, in his last four outings. Overall, his 11.4 shooting percentage remains bloated -- his career average over 1,121 regular-season games is a tidy 6.3. However, Carlson's current scoring pace is as good as what he put up in his late 20s, so we'll take everything we can get from this 35-year-old.

Nikishin was seen icing his right ankle in the locker room following Tuesday's game versus the Panthers, and head coach Rod Brind'Amour didn't have an update on the defenseman's status, Cory Lavalette of The North State Journal reports.

Nikishin's injury could complicate things for the Hurricanes, who are also missing Jaccob Slavin (upper body). Nikishin will have some time to rest ahead of Saturday's game versus the Red Wings.

Soderstrom was reassigned to AHL Providence on Tuesday, Belle Fraser of the Bruins' official site reports.

Soderstrom was scratched Tuesday versus the Canadiens after five straight games in the lineup. Without a clear path to the lineup now that Vladislav Kolyachonok is with the Bruins, Soderstrom should get more consistent playing time with Providence after the AHL's holiday break.