NHL Player News

Cirelli (undisclosed) isn't expected to play Wednesday versus Toronto or Thursday in Carolina, per Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site.

The Lightning are hoping to get Cirelli back for Saturday's match against Buffalo. Cirelli missed Tampa Bay's past two games and the Olympics because of the injury. He has 15 goals and 35 points in 49 appearances in 2025-26.

Newhook (ankle) will be activated from injured reserve ahead of his return to the lineup versus the Islanders on Thursday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

Newhook will suit up for the first time since Nov. 13 against Dallas, a stretch of 40 games on the shelf due to a fractured ankle. While the 25-year-old center will slot into a bottom-six role, he should also see time with the second power-play unit. Prior to getting hurt, Newhook was having a solid 2025-26 campaign, racking up six goals and six helpers in 17 appearances.

Zibanejad isn't available for Wednesday's practice due to an illness, per Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic.

Zibanejad has 23 goals and 52 points in 56 appearances in 2025-26. His status for Thursday's game against Philadelphia isn't known. If Zibanejad can't play, then Noah Laba might shift into the top six, and Brendan Brisson would probably make his NHL season debut.

Paul (undisclosed) was put on long-term injured reserve Wednesday, per PuckPedia.

Paul hasn't played since Feb. 1 due to the injury, and there is no timeline for his return. The Lightning officially activated Emil Lilleberg (undisclosed) from IR, Charle-Edouard D'Astous (lower body) from IR and Brayden Point (lower body) from LTIR in corresponding moves. Paul has six goals and 12 points in 34 appearances in 2025-26. He'll likely serve in a middle-six capacity once he's healthy.

Carlson (lower body) will not be available versus the Flyers on Wednesday, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Carlson is on pace to reach the 50-point threshold for the third straight year and will likely achieve his highest point total since the 2021-22 regular season, when he racked up 71 points. With the blueliner on the shelf, Dylan McIlrath or Declan Chisholm figures to step into the lineup for Wednesday's clash with Philadelphia.

Wilson is considered a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Flyers due to an illness, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Head coach Spencer Carbery didn't sound too concerned about Wilson's ailment, but the 31-year-old forward will be evaluated again in the hours leading up to puck drop. If Wilson is unable to suit up against Philadelphia, Sonny Milano and Hendrix Lapierre will be candidates to enter the lineup for the Capitals.

Thomas (leg) is taking a leave of absence from the team due to a personal matter and is expected to return Friday.

Thomas will miss Thursday's game against Seattle. He'll be back with the team ahead of Saturday's match versus the Devils, but it's not clear if he'll be an option for that game. Thomas hasn't played since Jan. 10 due to a leg injury, and he is on IR.

Thompson will start Wednesday's home game against the Flyers, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Although Thompson saw some playing time for Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, he won't require additional rest time following the break in the NHL schedule and will start during the Capitals' first game back. Over his six starts leading up to the Olympic break, he went 2-4-0 with a 3.06 GAA and .892 save percentage.

Chinakhov will miss Wednesday's practice because of the birth of his daughter.

Pittsburgh doesn't have a game Wednesday, and it remains to be seen if Chinakhov will play when the Penguins host the Devils on Thursday. The 25-year-old has 11 goals and 18 points in 47 appearances between Columbus and Pittsburgh in 2025-26. Kevin Hayes is projected to be a healthy scratch Thursday, but Hayes will presumably dress if Chinakhov is unavailable.

Allen was the first goalie off during Wednesday's morning skate, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports, indicating that he'll draw the home start against the Sabres.

Allen was somewhat shaky leading up to the Olympic break, going 1-6-0 with a 3.08 GAA and .880 save percentage over his seven appearances since the start of the calendar year. However, he'll draw the start during the Devils' first game back in action after Jacob Markstrom played for Sweden at the Olympics.