Broberg did not play in yesterday's 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning and could miss a second consecutive game on Friday against the Florida Panthers. The 23-year-old Broberg is averaging 21:01 time-on-ice and has 12 points (2G / 10A) in 21 games.

Faksa has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury but could return to the lineup on Friday against the Florida Panthers. In his first season with the Blues, Faksa has seven points (2G / 5A) in 29 games.

Panarin has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury and his status for Friday's game against the Dallas Stars remains up in the air. The Rangers have failed to score more than three goals in five straight (1-4-0) and can ill-afford to be without Panarin's team-leading 36 points (15G / 21A) in 29 games.

Smith has been out of the lineup since suffering an injury in the third period of last Thursday's loss against the New York Islanders. The 35-year-old Smith has 10 points (6G / 4A) in 26 games while averaging 11:47 time-on-ice.

Marchment's tests came back negative, a huge positive for the Stars, but he remains sore and will be a game-time decision on Friday against the New York Rangers. The 29-year-old Marchment has played exclusively alongside Matt Duchene this season and is pacing for the best offensive output of his career, with 27 points (12G / 15A) in 30 games.

Edvinsson suffered an upper-body injury in the first period of Wednesday's victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The 21-year-old defenseman has primarily played on the Red Wings' top defensive unit alongside Moritz Seider, scoring 13 points (3G / 10A) in 30 games.

Eller is battling an illness and will be shut down until after the Christmas break. The 35-year-old Eller has 13 points (6G / 7A) in 33 games this season, including six points (2G / 4A) in 16 games with the Capitals.

Lafferty has not played since November 29th due to a lower-body injury but will return to the lineup on Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lafferty has just one goal and zero assists in 21 games this season.

Ovechkin has skated with the team the last week and was finally upgraded to a full-contact jersey, but will remain out of the lineup for at least one more week. The 39-year-old Ovechkin was well on his way to surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record (894) before his injury this season. He is 27 goals away, a feat that continues to be jeopardized with each game he misses.

Boqvist began the 2024-25 season with high hopes, lining up on the top powerplay unit for Florida, an experiment that quickly dissipated. The 24-year-old defenseman has been in and out of the lineup for the Panthers, limited to 13 games this season, scoring four points (2G / 2A).

Bennett snapped a season-worst three-game pointless skid with an assist on Monday but was sidelined on Wednesday due to an illness and will be a game-time decision on Friday. The 28-year-old Bennett is pacing for a career-best offensive season, with 27 points (13G / 14A) in 31 games while maintaining his rugged style, recording 39 penalty minutes and 71 hits.

Ovechkin has skated with the team the last week and was finally upgraded to a full-contact jersey, indicating his return to the lineup is likely on the horizon. The 39-year-old Ovechkin was well on his way to surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record (894) before his injury this season. He is 27 goals away, a feat that continues to be jeopardized with each game he misses.

Gourde was limited to only 11:32 time on ice in last Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, exiting after suffering a lower-body injury, and has not played since. The 32-year-old Gourde has 14 points (5G / 9A) in 29 games this season and had been playing well lately, scoring 10 points (5G / 5A) in his last 12 contests.

Forbort's return is a timely one as the team is eager to get some fresh legs into the lineup for the tail-end of their back-to-back. Erik Brannstrom will sit in his place.

Lauzon will make his first appearance since suffering a lower-body injury in New Jersey on November 25th. The hard-hitting defenceman has racked up 103 hits in just 22 games this season.

The Predators placed Josi on injured reserve in order to make room for the activation of Jeremy Lauzon. The 34-year-old Josi has 23 points (7G / 16A) in 29 games this season. His next chance to return to action will be on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Cirelli is battling an undisclosed injury that has kept him from practicing the last two days, but he is available after all for Thursday's contest against the St. Louis Blues. The 27-year-old Cirelli is averaging a career-high 18:33 time-on-ice and is enjoying the best offensive output of his career with 27 points (12G / 15A) in 28 games.

Broberg was absent at Thursday's morning skate and will ultimately be held out of the Blues lineup due to the illness. Tyler Tucker will draw into the lineup in his place.

Gourde was limited to only 11:32 time on ice in last Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, exiting after suffering a lower-body injury, and has not played since. The 32-year-old Gourde has 14 points (5G / 9A) in 29 games this season and had been playing well lately, scoring 10 points (5G / 5A) in his last 12 contests.

Trenin has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury and has been placed on Injured Reserve retroactive to December 12th. In his first season with Minnesota, Trenin is averaging 13:37 time-on-ice, recording three points (2G / 1A) and 82 hits in 29 games.