NHL Player News

Connelly scored a goal in Monday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Bruins.

Connelly had gone five games without a goal, picking up a pair of assists in that span. The 20-year-old winger has filled a middle-six role to begin his NHL career, and he's adjusted fairly well so far on a team with high expectations. He's at five goals, five assists, 27 shots on net, eight hits and an even plus-minus rating across 16 outings on the year.

Lankinen will patrol the home paint in Tuesday's clash against the Ducks, per Ben Kuzma of Postmedia.

Lankinen will see his first game action since Oct. 22, as the Canucks are opting to give Leevi Merilainen a night off. The 31-year-old Lankinen has struggled between the pipes this season, as he's posted a 1-7-0 record, a 6.18 GAA and an .807 save percentage across eight appearances this season. He's best left on waivers in all fantasy formats until he can get back in the win column.

Geekie scored a power-play goal on two shots in Monday's 3-2 shootout win over the Golden Knights.

Geekie has scored in consecutive games for the first time this season. The 28-year-old forward has had a bit of a slow start in terms of finishing, though he has been more productive as a playmaker. He's at three goals, eight helpers, 22 shots on net, 24 hits and a plus-2 rating across 16 outings, with five of his 11 points coming on the power play.

Hagens scored a goal on three shots in Monday's 3-2 shootout win over the Golden Knights.

Hagens has four goals and two assists over his last seven games. The 20-year-old forward continues to find consistent offense from a third-line role to help the Bruins to a 11-4-1 record so far. Hagens has six goals, six helpers, 30 shots on net, 19 blocked shots and a plus-7 rating across 16 appearances.

Kulich (concussion) participated in Tuesday's practice and is close to being ready to return, according to Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.

Kulich also participated fully in Monday's practice and could be an option against Ottawa on Wednesday. He has missed the last four games while going through concussion protocol.

Mercer (upper body) will play in Tuesday's road clash against the Canadiens, per Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Mercer won't miss any time after he appeared on Monday's injury report with an upper-body issue. Overall, the 25-year-old center has posted six points, 30 shots on net, 13 hits and 10 blocked shots across 15 outings between New Jersey and Winnipeg this season. Head coach Scott Arniel didn't state where Mercer would draw into Tuesday's lineup, but fantasy managers can likely expect the young winger to see his standard amount of playing time from one of the team's bottom-three lines.

Benson (undisclosed) is expected to play against Ottawa on Wednesday, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.

Benson returned to the ice for Tuesday's practice after sitting out Monday's session with an undisclosed injury. He is projected to play on the top line and first power-play unit against the Senators on Wednesday. Benson has two goals, 13 points, 33 shots on net and 18 hits in 14 appearances this season.

Parayko (upper body) won't play against the Rangers on Tuesday, per Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic.

Parayko remains day-to-day and will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury. He has collected four assists, 19 shots on net, 26 blocked shots and nine hits in 13 outings this season.

Johnston (lower body) will be activated from injured reserve ahead of his return to the lineup against the Rangers on Tuesday, Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reports.

Following a seven-game absence with a lower-body injury, Johnston will replace Aleksanteri Kaskimaki on the fourth line against the Rangers on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Johnston has contributed one assist, three shots on net, four blocked shots and 27 hits in six appearances this season.

Durzi (undisclosed) will not play in Tuesday's home clash against the Blues, per Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic.

Durzi is slated to miss his second consecutive contest with an undisclosed injury. Prior to going down, the 28-year-old defenseman posted two goals, five points, 12 shots on net, nine hits and 21 blocked shots across 14 outings this season. While he remains sidelined, Scott Morrow should continue to see an elevated role. Durzi's next chance to return is Thursday's clash against the Flyers.