NHL Player News

Hakanpaa (knee) has no timeline to return, Mark Masters of TSN reports Friday.

It's quickly becoming a lost season for Hakanpaa, who is not on the Maple Leafs' four-game road trip prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off break. The 32-year-old defenseman has played in just two contests this season and is currently on long-term injured reserve. He underwent a minor procedure in early December and has been skating regularly. Hakanpaa remains on Finland's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off, but it remains unclear if he will be available for the tournament.

Brannstrom was traded to the Rangers from the Canucks on Friday, along with J.T. Miller and Jackson Dorrington, in exchange for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini and a protected first-round draft pick, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Considering Brannstrom couldn't stick on the Canucks hodgepodge blue line, it doesn't look good for him getting much playing time with his new NHL club. Expect Brannstrom to report to AHL Hartford following the trade. The 25-year-old has eight points over 28 appearances this season and has played in the NHL in parts of the last seven campaigns, so he represents a veteran option should the Rangers suffer injuries on defense.

Mancini was traded to the Canucks from the Rangers on Friday, along with Filip Chytil and a protected first-round draft pick, in exchange for J.T. Miller, Erik Brannstrom and Jackson Dorrington, Larry Brooks of the New York Post and Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet report.

Mancini is a 22-year-old blueliner who likely has a bright future ahead of him in a shutdown role. He had five points in 15 appearances with the Rangers this season but had been with AHL Hartford since Dec. 18. Mancini added 10 points over 23 outings with the Wolf Pack. He could get a look with the Canucks at some point, as Vincent Desharnais has underwhelmed, but it's unclear exactly where Mancini slots into Vancouver's organizational depth on defense at this time.

Gravel was reassigned to AHL Milwaukee on Friday.

Gravel was called up Tuesday but didn't make an appearance during his stint in the NHL. He was sent down to clear a roster spot for Luke Evangelista (lower body) to return Friday versus the Sabres.

Ginning was sent to AHL Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Ginning made his Flyers season debut Thursday, recording no points, one hit and one block in 12:48 of ice time. He has a goal, five points and 37 PIM over 42 outings with Lehigh Valley in 2024-25.

Klingberg didn't participate in Friday's practice session due to an illness, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reports.

Klingberg made his Oilers debut in Thursday's loss to the Red Wings, recording a shot on goal and a minus-1 rating in 16:39 of ice time. However, he's dealing with an illness a day later, and it's unclear whether the ailment will impact his availability for Saturday's home game against the Maple Leafs.

Ekholm was not on the ice for Friday's practice due to illness, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reports.

Ekholm was questionable to face the Red Wings on Thursday due to his illness but managed to suit up in that contest, so fantasy players can probably expect the blueliner to be in action against the Leafs on Saturday as well. Still, if Ekholm does miss any time, Troy Stecher figures to jump back into the lineup.

Kessel was recalled from AHL Springfield on Friday.

Kessel was sent to the minors in mid-January, but he'll rejoin the Blues ahead of Friday's road matchup against Colorado. The 24-year-old has appeared in 26 games for St. Louis this year, racking up three assists, 21 hits, 19 blocked shots and 10 PIM while averaging 13:00 of ice time.

Schueneman agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract extension with St. Louis on Friday.

Schueneman has appeared in four NHL games for the Blues this season, and he's registered four shots, seven blocks and one hit while averaging 14:03 of ice time. The 29-year-old blueliner was headed for unrestricted free agency this offseason but has instead opted to remain with St. Louis for at least one more year.

George was demoted to AHL Bridgeport on Friday.

George is pointless over his last 12 games with the Islanders, registering 13 shots, eight hits and six blocks while averaging just 12:43 of ice time. With the team claiming Adam Boqvist off waivers Friday, along with the additions of Scott Perunovich and Tony DeAngelo, the 20-year-old George became expendable -- though he figures to be in the mix for a full-time NHL role next season.