NHL Player News

Brzustewicz registered four assists in OHL London's 10-2 win over Erie on Friday.

With the effort, Brzustewicz reached the 50-point mark on the season. He has 12 points over 11 contests in February, but he's already earned six points in three games in March. The Kings prospect now has 17 goals, 33 helpers, 212 shots on net, 55 PIM and a minus-13 rating for the Knights this season.

Benak scored twice in OHL Brantford's 5-1 win over Saginaw on Friday.

Benak has found his touch again with three goals and six assists over his last four games. He had been limited to three points in the five contests before that. For the season, the Wild prospect is up to 26 goals, 68 points and a plus-19 rating over 41 appearances as one of Brantford's top forwards.

Ryabkin scored twice and added two assists in QMJHL Charlottetown's 5-3 win over Baie-Comeau on Friday.

Ryabkin has four points in each of his three outings in March, while also going plus-8 with 16 PIM. The 18-year-old forward's toughness is a positive sign, especially given his scoring talent that's clearly on display. He's now at 11 goals, 34 points and 32 PIM through 15 outings with Charlottetown.

Hintz (lower body) was injured in Friday's game versus the Avalanche and won't finish the contest.

Hintz got tangled with Nathan MacKinnon in the second period and ended up getting the worst of the collision. Hintz was just returning after a four-game absence due to an illness, but this injury has the potential to be much more concerning. The 29-year-old could be forced to miss time, beginning with Sunday's game versus the Blackhawks.

Larkin sustained an apparent right leg injury Friday versus the Panthers, but it's not expected to be a long-term concern, Max Bultman of The Athletic reports.

Larkin left the game in the third period due to the injury, which saw his right leg bend awkwardly. He still needs a thorough evaluation, but the initial report suggests he avoided a worst-case scenario. More information should be known prior to the start of the Red Wings' upcoming road trip, which begins Sunday in New Jersey.

Gustavsson will protect the road goal versus the Golden Knights on Friday, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports.

Gustavsson has five wins in his last six NHL games. He's posted a .927 save percentage in that span as well. The Wild look to be leaning on Gustavsson at this point, putting him firmly ahead of Jesper Wallstedt on the depth chart. This is a tough matchup, but Gustavsson's recent play suggests he can keep the Wild in it against anyone.

Binnington will draw the road start versus the Sharks on Friday, Max Miller of NHL.com reports.

Binnington will get the nod in a game that could be challenging for the Blues, who only have five defensemen dressed for the contest. With Justin Faulk traded to Detroit and Colton Parayko (back) out, that's a lot of defensive skill unavailable Friday. Binnington has lost eight straight NHL games, all in regulation, and he has an .844 save percentage in that span.

Parayko (back) won't be in the lineup Friday versus the Sharks, Max Miller of NHL.com reports.

The Blues traded Justin Faulk to the Red Wings on Friday, and they didn't have the time to make a call-up on defense with Parayko still sidelined. As such, they'll dress 13 forwards and just five blueliners in this contest. Parayko's status for Sunday's game in Anaheim has yet to be determined.

Howden (lower body) will be activated from long-term injured reserve prior to Sunday's game versus the Oilers, per SinBin.vegas.

Howden will miss his 20th consecutive game Friday, but that looks to be the end of his absence. The 27-year-old will be a bottom-six option upon his return Sunday. He will need to be activated from long-term injured reserve to officially make his return.

Karlsson (lower body) will need the Golden Knights to make a run in the playoffs to get back into the lineup, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Friday.

The Golden Knights won't put Karlsson on season-ending long-term injured reserve, as there's still a chance he comes back. However, that won't happen in the regular season, and it's unlikely he'll get back in the first round of the playoffs. Once healthy, he may be limited to a bottom-six role given his lengthy layoff and the intensity of the postseason.