NHL Player News

Gudbranson (shoulder) is not expected back until sometime in April, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports Tuesday.

Gudbranson has started skating, but his shoulder needs time to heal fully after surgery back in October. At this point, the defenseman might not even play in 10 regular-season contests this year and will be hoping his teammates can hold onto at least a wild-card spot and make the postseason.

Thompson scored a goal in Monday's 3-2 shootout win over the Maple Leafs.

Thompson scored a goal for the first time since Nov. 11, and the Sharks have won two of the three games in which he's found the back of the net this season. That said, he has only six points in 22 games and is unlikely to play a significant role going forward, nor does he have a lot of fantasy upside, due to his role in the lineup.

Kulak is dealing with an illness and did not skate Monday, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports.

Edmonton recalled Cam Dineen from AHL Bakersfield on an emergency basis Monday, so Kulak's availability for Tuesday's game against the Ducks is in question. Kulak has yet to miss a game this season. If the left-shot blueliner can't suit up Tuesday, Troy Stecher or Dineen will fill his spot in the lineup.

Dineen was recalled from AHL Bakersfield on an emergency basis Monday.

Dineen hasn't made an appearance in the NHL since the 2021-22 campaign with the Coyotes. The 26-year-old New Jersey native has supplied five goals and 29 points across 45 games with the Condors this season. Brett Kulak is contending with an illness, so Dineen may have an opportunity to draw into the lineup Tuesday against the Ducks.

Maatta signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension with Utah on Monday.

Maatta has two goals, 14 points, 55 shots on net, 108 blocked shots and 17 hits in 58 games between Utah and Detroit this season. The 30-year-old defender chose to stay with Utah through the 2027-28 campaign rather than test the market as an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

Joseph (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Monday.

Joseph was sidelined versus the Maple Leafs on Sunday and will now miss at least two more games due to his placement on IR. In his 47 games for the Penguins and Blues this season, the 25-year-old blueliner has yet to find the back of the net while chipping in three helpers, 36 hits and 42 shots. With Joseph on the shelf, Ryan Graves should see an uptick in opportunities -- though Vladislav Kolyachonok figures to also be in the mix.

Mitchell was loaned to AHL Providence on Monday.

Mitchell has played in Boston's last two games, posting one hit, two blocked shots and a minus-1 rating. He could return to the NHL before Tuesday's matchup versus Nashville to play again or serve as an extra defender.

Nurse (undisclised) will likely return to the lineup against Anaheim on Tuesday, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reports.

Nurse fully participated in Monday's practice after missing the last two games. He has accounted for four goals, 22 points, 140 shots on net, 94 blocked shots and 110 hits across 55 appearances this season. Nurse could replace John Klingberg or Troy Stecher in Tuesday's lineup.

Orlov has gone nine games without a point following Sunday's 2-1 overtime win over the Flames.

Orlov remains a regular in the Hurricanes' lineup for his shutdown skills on the blue line. The 33-year-old defenseman has 24 points over 61 appearances, so he's still on pace to surpass his 26-point regular season from 2023-24, but he's noticeably slowed down in recent weeks. The blueliner has added 93 shots on net, 87 hits, 47 blocked shots and a plus-15 rating while most frequently lining up on the second pairing.

Slavin scored a goal and recorded an assist in Sunday's 2-1 overtime win over the Flames.

Slavin broke the deadlock for the Hurricanes with a snap shot in the final minute of the second period to give the Hurricanes the lead, and he also set up the game-winning goal, scored by Sebastian Aho, with only 1:44 left in overtime. Slavin has only four points over nine games since the beginning of February, though, so he's not likely to be a regular fantasy contributor going forward.