NHL Player News

Heinen scored a goal on three shots, logged two PIM and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Blackhawks.

Heinen had gone four games without a point and was scratched three times in that span. He's emerged as a versatile part of the Blue Jackets' lineup while earning three points over 13 games since he was dealt from the Penguins. The forward has a total of five points, 28 shots on net, 37 hits, 16 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating over 26 outings this season.

Thompson (upper body) has been activated off injured reserve and is expected to tend the twine at home against Nashville, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Thompson will suit up for the first time since Jan. 27 against the Kraken, a game in which he gave up five goals on 32 shots in a losing effort. The backstop's return to action Thursday should clear the way for him to join Team Canada in Milan for the Olympics.

Provorov scored a goal and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Blackhawks.

Provorov ended his 18-game goal drought with a first-period tally. The 29-year-old defenseman earned five assists with a plus-9 rating, 38 shots on net and 31 blocked shots in that span. He's up to a total of six goals, 20 points, 111 shots, 94 blocks, 26 PIM, 23 hits and a plus-15 rating over 56 appearances. Provorov's steady defense keeps him in a top-four role, giving him appeal in deeper fantasy formats.

Monahan scored an empty-net goal on four shots and added two PIM in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Blackhawks.

Monahan has four goals and an assist over his last eight games, giving him a little momentum that he'll try to pick up after the Olympic break. The center is at 10 goals, 27 points, 87 shots on net and a plus-2 rating through 52 appearances this season. He should continue to see top-six minutes and power-play time after the break.

Hovorka was recalled from AHL Charlotte on Thursday, per the NHL media site.

Hovorka could make his NHL debut Thursday in Tampa Bay, though it's more likely that he will be a healthy scratch as the Panthers' seventh blueliner. The defenseman had two goals and eight assists in 30 AHL appearances before being called up. The Panthers placed Tobias Bjornfot (undisclosed) on injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Bjornfot (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per the NHL media site.

Bjornfot had already been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lightning after he sustained an injury against the Bruins on Wednesday. However, his move to injured reserve won't impact his return timetable due to the Olympic break, and the transaction allows the Panthers to recall Mikulas Hovorka to provide additional depth against Tampa Bay.

Fisker Molgaard was reassigned to AHL Coachella Valley on Thursday.

Fisker Molgaard was recalled Wednesday and had no stats in 6:42 of action against the Kings. He has one assist in three NHL games this season. Fisker Molgaard had seven goals and 22 points in 36 AHL appearances before his recall.

Lyon will be between the pipes at home against the Penguins on Thursday, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

Lyon is 4-1-0 with a 2.02 GAA and one shutout in his last five outings and has racked up 14 wins this year, matching his 2024-25 total. In fact, the veteran backstop could set a new career-best mark and top the 21 victories he recorded with the Red Wings back in 2023-24, especially if Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen remains sidelined after the Olympic break.

Rakell (lower body) has been ruled out of Thursday's clash in Buffalo, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reports.

Rakell was injured during the morning skate. Rakell has 10 goals and 24 points across 35 games this season. Look for Rutger McGroarty to enter the lineup with Rakell on the shelf.

Acciari is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup against the Sabres due to an illness, Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports.

Acciari hasn't missed a game since early December, but he's a question mark for the Penguins' final game before the Olympic break due to his illness. Even if he's sidelined against Buffalo, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to action when Pittsburgh resumes play against the Devils on Feb. 26.