Injuries are causing concern across the NHL as several teams report player updates. Buffalo Sabres forward Jordan Greenway left after blocking a shot, and Coach Lindy Ruff is optimistic it’s not serious. Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Erik Gustafsson is sidelined long-term with an undisclosed injury, potentially sidelining him until the regular season concludes. Elmer Soderblom could return soon, being day-to-day. The Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett is expected to be fine after a scare, while the LA Kings' Trevor Moore is also day-to-day. The Vancouver Canucks' Thatcher Demko is on the verge of returning after a lengthy absence.

The Los Angeles Kings have recalled Samuel Helenius from the Ontario Reign as they struggle with a four-game losing streak and an overall decline in physicality. Despite Helenius' limited offensive output, he brings a physical presence with 80 hits this season, ensuring the Kings won't be easily pushed around. This move raises questions about the future of Tanner Jeannot, who has been ineffective with a 20-game goal drought.

Trevor Lewis, despite slumping metrics, remains in the lineup, indicating the Kings are sticking with veteran experience. Meanwhile, Brandt Clarke's playing time has dwindled since Drew Doughty's return, adding to the ongoing lineup scrutiny. Helenius's recall seems aimed at bolstering the bottom six, but it also highlights the Kings' broader struggles with lineup decisions and performance consistency.

The Los Angeles Kings are at a critical juncture as they navigate what could be the last chapter of a golden era, defined by the contributions of Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Since their debut together in 2008, the duo has led the Kings to two Stanley Cups and numerous franchise records. However, with both players aging—Doughty at 35 and Kopitar at 37—the urgency for a playoff push is palpable, especially as Doughty recovers from an ankle injury and Kopitar nears the end of his contract. Kings president Luc Robitaille remains optimistic that this seasoned core can muster one more championship run, a sentiment echoed after a recent 2-1 victory against the reigning champion Florida Panthers. This win reflected a strong third-period performance, showcasing the team’s potential to compete at the highest level heading into the playoffs.

The New York Rangers have added winger Arthur Kaliyev, recently claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings, as they seek to address their performance struggles this season. The 23-year-old player fills the gap left by Kaapo Kakko, who was traded to Seattle last month. Kaliyev, recovering from a clavicle injury sustained in September, has yet to play in the NHL this season.

With the Kings placing him on waivers to accommodate returning players, the Rangers took advantage of their waiver priority. Kaliyev, who has shown potential with 35 goals and 36 assists over his NHL career, is set to join New York's offensive lineup as the team fights to improve its standings.

The New York Rangers have acquired winger Arthur Kaliyev from the Los Angeles Kings after he was placed on waivers. This move comes as the Rangers look to address their struggles this season, particularly after trading Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. Kaliyev, 23, has yet to see NHL action this season due to a clavicle injury suffered during training camp.

The Kings activated forwards Trevor Lewis and Trevor Moore, leading to the decision to waive Kaliyev. The Rangers were seventh in waiver priority and opted to claim the young player, giving them a low-cost option as they seek to turn around a disappointing season that has seen them lose 16 of their last 22 games.

Born in Uzbekistan and raised in the U.S., Kaliyev is on a league-minimum salary of $825,000 and will be a restricted free agent after this season. Having been a second-round pick in 2019, he brings valuable experience, including power play capabilities, and he is expected to fill a role on one of New York's lower lines.