NHL Hockey Player News

Lucic missed the last two games but will return to the Oilers lineup vs. the Devils. Lucic will skate on the Oilers second line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Sam Gagner.

Klefbom was forced to leave Monday’s game vs. the Rangers but will play Wednesday vs. the Devils. Klefbom recently moved back to the Oilers top power-play, making him a great daily fantasy option against a struggling Devils squad.

Eriksson Ek suffered a lower-body injury vs. the Sharks on Tuesday and will not play Thursday vs. the Stars. Head coach Bruce Boudreau said that he “hopes” it doesn’t keep him out for no longer than a week. Luke Kunin will replace Eriksson Ek in the lineup on Thursday.

Kunin missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but will replace Joel Eriksson Ek (lower-body) in the lineup tomorrow. Kunin will skate on the second line with Jason Zucker and Ryan Donato and has 14 points (5G / 9A) in 37 games this season.

Duszak will actually join the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on an AHL tryout so that his entry-level contract won’t start until next season. Duszak wrapped up his junior season at Mercyhurst College, where he led them team in goals (16), assists (31) and points (47) as a defenseman.

Lehner missed the last three games with an upper-body injury that he suffered last Tuesday, but was back on the ice for practice on Wednesday. Thomas Greiss, who shutout the Blue Jackets on Monday, will likely start Thursday vs. Montreal but Lehner could be back for this weekend’s back-to-back (Sat. @ DET / Sun. @ MIN).

Chabot blocked a shot in the second period of Monday’s loss to the Flyers and played in the third period despite suffering a broken toe. This is a huge loss for the Senators but will help them in their efforts to give the Avalanche the No.1 overall pick this summer. With Chabot hurt, Christian Wolanin and Cody Ceci skated as the Senators top-pairing in Wednesday’s practice.

Teves finished his senior season at Princeton University and signed immediately with the Canucks. The 24-year-old led all Princeton defensemen with 20 points (3G / 17A) in 30 games. He has good vision and playmaking ability and can contribute in all three zones. We're excited to see him play at the professional level,” Canucks GM Jim Benning said.

Hirose was one of the two college free agents that the Red Wings signed on Tuesday. Hirose had an outstanding junior campaign, leading Michigan State with 50 points (15G / 35A) in 36 games. Hirose will report to the Red Wings and is expected to play through the final five weeks of the season.

Kapanen missed Monday’s game with what was called an “illness” but the Maple Leafs listed him as “out” due to a concussion. With Kapanen out, William Nylander moved up to play with Auston Matthews on Monday and is expected to skate there again tonight.

Kuffner just finished his senior season at Princeton University, where he led the team in goals (22) and points (44) in 31 games this season. The 22-year-old is expected to report to the Red Wings where he could see some NHL action down the stretch.

Veronneau was born in Ottawa and signed with the Senators after finishing his senior year at Princeton University. The 23-year-old forward was first on the team in assists (24), second in goals (13) and points (37) in 31 games. Signing with the depleted Senators could mean that Veronneau could get an opportunity to play in the NHL right away.

Kurashev was a fourth-round pick (No.120) in 2018 and is in his third year in the QMJHL. The 19-year-old centre will remain in Quebec (QMJHL), where he leads the team in goals (28), assists (34) and points (62).

Arvidsson missed Monday’s practice and skated on the “fifth line” in Tuesday’s morning skate, so don’t expect him to play Tuesday in Anaheim. Luckily for he Predators, Filip Forsberg is expected to draw back into the lineup for Arvidsson.