Los Angeles Kings right wing Mats Zuccarello (undisclosed) is nearing a return, and his comeback might happen in Tuesday's matchup against Washington. "Everything is trending that way," Kings head coach Peter Laviolette said about Zuccarello after Monday's practice. The veteran playmaker has been out for three games with an undisclosed injury. In his first three appearances with the Kings, Zuccarello recorded one assist. He isn't the only player struggling early, as the Kings are the only team that hasn't won a game yet.

New Jersey Devils winger Anthony Mantha (illness) is questionable for Tuesday night's game against Colorado. The Devils have carried an illness bug in the locker room recently, and while Luke Evangelista is set to return to the lineup on Tuesday, the frontline could still be without an important piece. An absence on Tuesday night would add to Matnha's early-season frustration, as he's gone scoreless in seven of eight appearances. The Devils and fantasy managers alike are expecting much more from him after Mantha recorded a career-high 64 points in Pittsburgh last season.

Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (hand) is expected to be in the lineup on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins. According to Robert Tiffin of NHL.com, Hintz wore a regular jersey in Monday's practice, a strong sign he's ready to play despite injuring his hand in Saturday's win over Chicago. Hintz scored his third goal of the season in Saturday's contest. He's also had two assists in eight games. If he's cleared to play, Hintz will work on the first power-play unit and skate alongside Jason Robertson and Tyler Seguin at even strength.

Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha (upper body) is considered a game-time decision for Tuesday's meeting with Dallas, Belle Fraser of the Bruins' official site reports. Last week, Zacha sustained an upper-body injury against Anaheim and wasn't available for Saturday's tilt against L.A. After Monday's practice, Bruins head coach Marco Strum said Zacha was "definitely heading towards the right direction." This suggests that he's likely to return. Before he was hurt, Zacha had heated up with a four-game point streak. He has two goals and three assists in eight games this season.