NHL Hockey Player News

Lafferty was a fourth-round pick in 2014 and is in his third season with the Penguins. The 26-year-old winger has picked up just two assists in 10 games this season.

Nylander was the No.8 overall pick in 2016 but was traded to Chicago in 2019 and has spent all of 2022 with Rockford (AHL). Nylander who has 32 points (13G / 19A) in 84 career NHL games, has tallied 12 points (8G / 4A) in 23 AHL games this season. It's unclear whether or not he will report to the Penguins or the AHL.

Schenn has been out since December 12th but was on the ice for Tuesday's practice and is expected to play Wednesday in Pittsburgh. Schenn will return on the wing and will skate with Ivan Barbashev and Pavel Buchnevich on the third line. Schenn had 10 points (4G / 6A) in 19 games before getting hurt.

Kassian has not played since December 18th but is expected to play Wednesday in Toronto. Kassian will replace Derek Ryan, who is now in COVID-19 protocol.

Malkin continues to practice and is nearing his season debut but it will not be Wednesday vs. the Blues. With Jeff Carter also still out, expect Evan Rodrigues to centre the second line again.

Carter will miss his second straight game but it seems likely that he could be available for Thursday's game in Philadelphia.

Barrie will not play against his former team on Wednesday, joining Connor McDavid and Derek Ryan in COVID-19 protocol. With Barrie out, Darnell Nurse will likely quarterback the top power-play unit.

Ryan joins Connor McDavid and Tyson Barrie in COVID-19 protocol and will not play Wednesday. With two centres out, Kyle Turris and Colton Sceviour will likely have to shift to the middle of the ice.

The Oilers are in the middle of a tough stretch and things will get more difficult on Wednesday with McDavid, Tyson Barrie and Derek Ryan all in COVID-19 protocol. Ryan McLeod is expected to move into the top-6 with McDavid out.

Nosek likely will not be available for Thursday's game vs. the Wild. Nosek joins Jake DeBrusk, who was entered COVID-19 protocol yesterday and will likely be replaced by Anton Blidh in the lineup tomorrow.

Kase suffered an undisclosed injury early in the week and will not be available for tonight's game vs. Edmonton. This is a tough break for Kase, who is riding a six-game point streak, posting three goals and five assists (eight points) over that stretch. Pierre Engvall will skate on the third line with Kase out.

Matthews tested positive for COVID-19 early in the week but returned negative tests since and has been cleared to play Wednesday vs. the Oilers. Matthews had a bit of a sluggish start to the season but has scored 19 goals with 12 assists (31 points) in his last 22 games.