NHL Player News

Pionk scored a goal on two shots and added two hits in Wednesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Avalanche.

Pionk got open on the Jets' first rush of overtime and unleashed a slap shot from the circles to beat Mackenzie Blackwood 17 seconds into the extra session. With five points over his last 11 outings, Pionk remains steady on offense while adding physicality in a top-four role. For the season, the 29-year-old defenseman is at seven goals, 31 points, 78 shots on net, 75 hits, 77 blocked shots, 34 PIM and a plus-7 rating through 49 appearances.

Ekblad (upper body) won't play Wednesday against the Kings but is making progress toward a return, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports Ekblad could join practice Friday, which potentially leaves the door open for the defenseman to play either Saturday in San Jose or Sunday in Vegas. His absence will reach seven consecutive games Wednesday, while Tobias Bjornfot continues to fill in on the blue line.

Pettersson was called up from AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday.

Pettersson is likely to serve as an extra defenseman during the remainder of Tyler Myers' suspension, which lasts two more games. Noah Juulsen (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move. Pettersson has 13 points over 36 AHL outings this season.

Juulsen (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, retroactive to Jan. 14.

Juulsen's move to IR opened a roster spot for a call-up to replenish the Canucks' defensive depth, with Elias Pettersson coming up from AHL Abbotsford. Juulsen has already missed the required minimum amount of time, so he can be activated whenever he's healthy enough to play.

Fleury (lower body) is expected to return to the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Avalanche.

Fleury has missed the last 12 games due to a lower-body injury, but he's been trending in the right direction in recent days and should be back on the ice Wednesday. Over 25 appearances this season, he's racked up six assists, 44 blocked shots, 31 hits, four PIM and a minus-7 rating while averaging 17:14 of ice time. Adam Lowry (upper body) was placed on injured reserve to help make room on the active roster.

Jiricek was sent to AHL Iowa on Wednesday.

Jiricek has a goal and three points in 12 appearances between Columbus and Minnesota in 2024-25. It's possible the Wild are sending him down to free a roster spot ahead of activating a player -- Marcus Johansson (concussion), Jonas Brodin (lower body), Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) and Jared Spurgeon (lower body) are all on either IR or LTIR. However, Minnesota doesn't play until Thursday, so the Wild also have the option to simply recall Jiricek or another player before the squad's next game.

Crozier was reassigned to AHL Syracuse on Wednesday.

Crozier has been shuffled between the AHL and NHL in recent days, and he's made his first three appearances for the Lightning during his stint with the club. He's been held without a point but has logged seven hits, six blocked shots and a plus-1 rating while averaging 17:06 of ice time. Whether Crozier rejoins Tampa Bay in the coming days will likely depend on whether Erik Cernak (undisclosed) is cleared to play against Chicago on Friday.

Doughty (ankle) was working in a regular sweater Wednesday and will travel with the Kings for their upcoming five-game road trip, Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period reports.

Doughty looks close to making his 2024-25 season debut, though the team hasn't provided a specific day he will be back in action. Still, it seems likely the veteran blueliner will suit up at some point during the upcoming trip since he is traveling with the team. Once back in the lineup, Doughty should reclaim a spot on the power play in addition to being a top-four option.

Ceci provided two assists and went plus-2 in Tuesday's 7-5 loss to the Predators.

This performance ended a five-game slump for Ceci. He set up the Sharks' first two goals, scored by Macklin Celebrini and Luke Kunin. The 31-year-old Ceci is up to 14 points, 54 shots on net, 49 hits, 92 blocked shots and a minus-5 rating through 50 outings in a top-four role. He won't add much offense, but he can be a one-category specialist in blocks.

Walman scored a goal on three shots, blocked four shots and added two PIM in Tuesday's 7-5 loss to the Predators.

Walman has two points and a plus-1 rating over six contests since he returned from a lower-body injury. His scoring pace has slowed a bit, but he remains in a top-pairing role with power-play time, so he should be fine in the long run. Overall, the 28-year-old defenseman has six goals, 21 assists, 96 shots on net, 62 blocked shots, 32 hits, 24 PIM and a plus-5 rating in 37 appearances.