NHL Player News

Villalta was reassigned to AHL Tucson, per the NHL media site.

Karel Vejmelka (upper body) was activated off injured reserve in a corresponding move. Villalta didn't end up playing between the pipes for Utah during his latest stint with the team. He has a 2.94 GAA and a .903 save percentage in 15 outings with Tucson in 2025-26.

Allen stopped 33 of 35 shots in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Blue Jackets.

Allen returned to winning ways after dropping his past two starts (0-1-1) against the Sabres and Capitals. Even though the collective results haven't been there, Allen has delivered solid performances between the pipes of late. He's allowed two or fewer goals in four of his last five appearances, as he seems to be sharing time with Jacob Markstrom in the Devils' crease. Over those five games, Allen has posted a 1.97 GAA and an excellent .938 save percentage.

Woll is expected to start at home against Winnipeg on Thursday, per Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press.

Woll has won his past three starts and is coming off a 33-save shutout over New Jersey on Tuesday. He's 8-4-1 with a 2.51 GAA and a .920 save percentage in 13 outings this season. Winnipeg ranks 23rd in goals per game with 2.82.

Rittich will be between the home pipes versus Utah on Thursday, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports.

Rittich will make his sixth straight start, as Ilya Sorokin continues to remain out of action with a lower-body injury. Rittich is 3-1-1 in his last five games, allowing eight goals on 144 shots. He is 10-4-2 with a pair of shutouts, a 2.27 GAA and a .917 save percentage over 16 games this season. The Mammoth are scoring 2.98 goals per game, 19th in the NHL.

Oettinger will defend the road goal in Chicago on Thursday, according to Mike Heika of the Stars' official site.

Oettinger has not allowed more than three goals in his last 14 starts, dating back to Nov. 11. The star netminder is 16-6-3 with a pair of shutouts, a 2.51 GAA and a ,910 save percentage across 25 outings this season. The Blackhawks are tumbling down the NHL standings, going 2-7-1 in their last 10 games.

Vejmelka (upper body) will be a game-time decision versus the Islanders on Thursday, per Stefen Rosner of NHL.com.

Vejmelka is currently on injured reserve and will need to be activated if he is healthy enough to get the start. The 29-year-old is 16-10-2 with a 2.70 GAA and an .894 save percentage across 29 appearances this season. If he is unable to play, Vejmelka will get a chance to start Saturday in New Jersey.

Merilainen will start Thursday's home game against the Capitals, Graeme Nichols of The Hockey News reports.

Merilainen has seen limited playing time in recent weeks, but he'll draw a second consecutive start for the first time this season during Thursday's matchup. Over his last seven appearances, he's gone 1-6-0 with a 3.49 GAA and .870 save percentage.

Dobes will protect the visiting cage in Carolina on Thursday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Dobes will make his first start in four games. He is 12-5-3 with a 2.90 GAA and an .894 save percentage across 20 appearances this season. The Hurricanes are generating 3.23 goals per game, ninth in the NHL.

Knight will defend the home goal versus Dallas on Thursday, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

Knight snapped a five-game losing streak in regulation time Tuesday, with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Islanders. Knight has been terrific this season, posting a 10-11-2 record with a 2.62 GAA and a .910 save percentage across 27 starts. The Stars are second in NHL scoring, producing 3.43 goals per game.

Thompson will get the starting nod on the road against Ottawa on Thursday, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

Thompson has been struggling of late, giving up four or more goals in three of his last four outings while posting a 1-3-0 record and a 4.25 GAA. Despite the recent slump, the 28-year-old backstop remains on pace to reach the 25-win mark for the third straight year.