NHL Player News

Stecher was scratched for Thursday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Red Wings, while John Klingberg (hip) made his Oilers debut.

The signing of Klingberg gives the Oilers a more offense-oriented defenseman who is used to top-four minutes. Stecher has been used sparingly despite being a regular for much of November and January. He has six points, 35 shots on net, 43 blocked shots, 27 PIM and 20 hits over 43 outings this season, but he's averaged just 13:51 of ice time, which would be his lowest mark in a season. Stecher will likely have to push Ty Emberson or Brett Kulak for minutes going forward unless the Oilers decide Klingberg needs occasional rest.

Bouchard provided a power-play assist and six shots on goal in Thursday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Red Wings.

Bouchard has put up between 10 and 11 points in each of the last three months. He had a goal and nine helpers (six on the power play) in January. While it's noticeably below the point-per-game pace he had in 2023-24, Bouchard has been steady on offense, and that should keep most fantasy managers happy. He's at eight goals, 30 helpers, 13 power-play points, 144 shots on net, 76 blocked shots and a plus-17 rating over 51 appearances.

Murphy (groin) will return to the lineup for Saturday's road game against the Panthers, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic reports.

Murphy landed on injured reserve Jan. 11 and hasn't suited up since Dec. 31 due to his groin injury. However, he'll put an end to his 13-game absence Saturday and will replace Nolan Allan in Chicago's lineup. Over 38 appearances this season, Murphy has recorded a goal, 12 assists, 93 blocked shots, 70 hits and 38 PIM while averaging 20:33 of ice time.

Boqvist was claimed off waivers by the Islanders from Florida on Friday, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Boqvist has two goals, six points, six PIM, six hits and 10 blocks over 18 appearances with the Panthers in 2024-25. He might see time as a member of the Islanders' third pairing, but it wouldn't be surprising if he's primarily used as a depth option, which would lead to Boqvist being regularly sent to the press box.

Anderson will likely miss Saturday's matchup with Carolina due to a finger injury but is considered day-to-day, John Hoven of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio reports.

Anderson appears to have avoided the worst possible outcome, though he could still miss some time. Based on reports, it seems at worst the blueliner will be out until after the 4 Nations Face-Off. Looking ahead to Saturday, Brandt Clarke seems the strongest candidate to slot into the lineup -- though Andreas Englund and Kyle Burroughs should also be in contention.

Slavin scored a goal on three shots, blocked four shots, added two PIM and went plus-2 in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Blackhawks.

Slavin's second-period tally stood as the game-winner, his second such goal this season. The defenseman wasn't a superstar on offense in January, but he amassed three goals, six assists and 20 shots on net over 15 outings for the month. He's up to 19 points, 63 shots, 89 blocks and a plus-10 rating through 52 contests overall.

Bahl was placed on injured reserve Friday, per the NHL media site.

Head coach Ryan Huska said Wednesday that Bahl is considered week-to-week, so the blueliner's placement on injured reserve isn't particularly surprising. It's not yet clear when the 24-year-old will be able to return, but it certainly seems possible that he'll be sidelined until after the 4 Nations Face-Off. Tyson Barrie should see increased playing time while Bahl is sidelined.

Zamula (upper body) was put on injured reserve Friday, per the NHL media site.

Zamula has missed the last four games and is eligible to return at any time. The defenseman has three goals and eight assists with 59 blocked shots across 39 appearances this season.

Stanley notched an assist, two hits, two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 6-2 win over the Bruins.

Stanley ended January with two assists over 14 contests. The 26-year-old added 27 hits, 17 shots on goal and 14 blocked shots and played in all of the Jets' games for the month despite the team's blue line reaching full health. His usage lately suggests he's ahead of Haydn Fleury and Ville Heinola on the depth chart, and he could also have gained some separation from Colin Miller in terms of who might come out when changes are made on defense. Stanley has nine points, 30 shots on goal, 55 hits, 53 blocked shots, 61 PIM and a plus-9 rating through 39 appearances, putting him on track for a career year in most areas.

Heiskanen (knee) has been placed on injured reserve, per the NHL media site Friday.

Heiskanen's placement on IR shouldn't come as a surprise considering he was labeled week-to-week and was ruled out for the 4 Nations Face-Off. The 25-year-old blueliner is still awaiting the results of an MRI to determine exactly how long he will be on the shelf. In the meantime, Thomas Harley is expected to take Heiskanen's spot on the No. 1 power-play unit.