NHL Player News

Benn scored twice and added a power-play assist in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Blues.

Benn's second goal was the game-winner with 23 seconds left in the third period. He snapped a 15-game goal drought earlier in the contest, putting the Stars ahead 4-2 in the middle frame. The 36-year-old has two goals and six assists over his last four outings and has found a groove alongside Matt Duchene on the third line. Benn is up to nine goals, 13 helpers, 46 shots on net, 47 hits and a plus-10 rating over 35 appearances this season.

Oettinger stopped 14 of 18 shots in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Blues.

Oettinger picked up his sixth straight win, but it was another shaky performance. He has managed to win with less than his best during this streak while posting save percentages under .900 in five of those victories. Oettinger is up to 23-10-4 with a 2.73 GAA and an .897 save percentage through 37 starts. It's unclear if he will be the No. 1 netminder for Team USA at the Olympics, but he's been getting results, which could be enough to take on a starring role on the international stage.

Samanski was reassigned to AHL Bakersfield on Wednesday.

This is functionally a paper move, as Samanski will spend the Olympic break in Italy representing Germany. The 23-year-old will need to play in one AHL game before being recalled to the NHL roster, but that's unlikely to happen until the NHL schedule resumes. Given Germany's underdog status, Samanski should have the time to get back to the Condors and get in a game before the Oilers face the Ducks on Feb. 25.

Patera was recalled from AHL Abbotsford under emergency conditions on Wednesday.

Patera swapped places with Nikita Tolopilo, who will be Abbotsford's primary goalie during the NHL's Olympic break. Patera will likely get some practice time in when the Canucks regroup prior to the end of the break, but he'll probably return to the AHL when games resume.

Tolopilo was reassigned to AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday.

Tolopilo went 1-2-1 with a .909 save percentage over five games during January with Vancouver. The 25-year-old will spend the Olympic break in the AHL. However, he has outplayed both Kevin Lankinen and Jiri Patera, which puts Tolopilo in a good position to return to the big club ahead of the team's Feb. 25 game versus the Jets.

Mancini was reassigned to AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday.

Mancini got into the lineup in just one of the five games he spent on the NHL roster. The 23-year-old defenseman has mostly filled a depth role at the NHL level this season. He'll get steady playing time during the Olympic break while with Abbotsford.

Lekkerimaki was reassigned to AHL Abbotsford on Wednesday.

Lekkerimaki had one goal over five games during his latest stint with Vancouver. The 21-year-old will get steady playing time in Abbotsford during the NHL's Olympic break. He'll likely be back with the big club ahead of its Feb. 25 game versus the Jets.

Brzustewicz was reassigned to AHL Calgary on Wednesday.

Brzustewicz was scratched for a third straight game Wednesday versus the Oilers. The 21-year-old defenseman will get consistent playing time at least through the Olympic break while with the Wranglers, but it's likely he'll be back with the big club when the NHL schedule resumes.

Gridin was reassigned to AHL Calgary on Wednesday.

Gridin had a goal and an assist, both on the power play, in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Oilers. The 19-year-old will get to carry his momentum at a lower level while the rest of the Flames' lineup gets some rest during the Olympic break. More than likely, Gridin will be back with the big club prior to the team's Feb. 26 game versus the Sharks. Gridin has six points in 13 outings for the Flames this season.

Martin logged three assists in WHL Spokane's 7-2 win over Penticton on Wednesday.

Martin has earned five points over his last three games, but that follows a stretch of eight contests where he was limited to two points. He's been streaky all season, and he's now at a total of 29 points in 45 appearances. The Jets prospect has taken a step back from last season, though offense isn't going to be where he makes his money in the long run.