NHL Player News

Kulich (ear) has been improving but will likely miss the rest of the 2025-26 season, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports Friday.

Kulich has been out of action since Nov. 1 against the Capitals due to an issue related to fluid in his ears. It was determined later to be a blood clot. As a rookie in 2024-25, he notched 15 goals and nine assists in 62 games. He had three goals and five points in 12 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. Buffalo general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Friday that doctors are hopeful the issue will resolve in time for next season.

Pageau signed a three-year, $14.55 million contract extension with the Islanders on Friday, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

Pageau would've been eligible for unrestricted free agency in the summer, but he has decided to stay with the Islanders. He has compiled 14 goals, 29 points, 60 shots on net, 45 blocked shots and 81 hits across 55 appearances this season.

Pesce (lower body) is considered week-to-week, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports Friday.

Pesce has a goal, seven points, six PIM, 11 hits and 80 blocks in 37 appearances with the Devils in 2025-26. He missed Wednesday's game against Toronto due to the injury. Johnny Kovacevic might play regularly while Pesce is unavailable.

Laughton (not injury related) was traded to Los Angeles on Friday from Toronto in exchange for a conditional third-round pick, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports.

Laughton was limited to just 63 regular-season games for the Leafs over the last two years, logging 10 goals and six helpers along the way. The veteran forward should offer the Kings some depth down the middle but will likely remain in a bottom-six role. As such, he's unlikely to produce more than mid-range fantasy value down the stretch.

Koivunen is being recalled ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Flyers, Wes Crosby of NHL.com reports.

Koivunen could be immediately pressed into service for the Penguins' upcoming back-to-back, depending on how long Evgeni Malkin is suspended. In his previous 27 games with Pittsburgh this year, the 22-year-old winger notched two goals and three assists, including a trio of power-play points.

Reichel was brought in by Boston from Vancouver on Friday for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

Reichel has played the bulk of his games in the minors this season, logging 23 contests for AHL Abbotsford in which he tallied six goals and seven helpers. Still, the 23-year-old German has plenty of NHL experience, having suited up in 188 regular-season games for the Blackhawks and Canucks. For now, Reichel will remain in the minors but could be called up for the stretch run.

St. Louis acquired Drouin, a 2026 first-round pick (Colorado), a 2026 third-round selection and Marcus Gidlof from the Islanders on Friday in exchange for Brayden Schenn, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Drouin has registered three goals, 21 points and 73 shots on net through 55 appearances this campaign. He still has one more season remaining on his two-year, $8 million contract. Drouin could serve as a middle- or bottom-six forward for the Blues.

Kampf was traded to Washington from Vancouver on Friday in exchange for a sixth-round pick, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.

Kampf was waived by the Leafs coming out of training camp and eventually given his outright release before signing with Vancouver. In his 38 games with the club, the 31-year-old winger notched two goals and four assists while dishing out 43 hits. None of that amounts to much in terms of fantasy value, and his move to the Capitals is unlikely to come with an increased role.

Byfield (upper body) will join the Kings for their upcoming five-game road trip, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports Friday.

Byfield's recovery timeline will see him remain on the shelf versus the Habs on Saturday, but he at least appears to be trending in the right direction. The Ontario native was heating up offensively prior to getting hurt, racking up four goals and one assist in his last seven outings. Once given the all-clear, Byfield should be in line for a middle-six role with the Kings.

Holl was traded to St. Louis, along with Dmitri Buchelnikov and a 2026 first-round and 2026 third-round pick, from Detroit on Friday in exchange for Justin Faulk.

Holl appeared in 73 games for the Red Wings last season, notching eight points, but hasn't been able to break into the lineup this year. With AHL Grand Rapids, the blueliner has produced two goals and 12 helpers in 41 contests. Per the NHL media site, Holl will start his time with the Blues on the NHL roster.