Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve on Wednesday. In a corresponding move, the team reassigned Trent Miner to the AHL. Blackwood has been unavailable for six games due to a lower-body injury. He will be an option to return to the crease on Friday versus the Nashville Predators. Blackwood leads all goalies with a 2.07 goals-against average and is tied for first with a .924 save percentage. He has a 13-1-1 record. The New York Islanders and San Jose Sharks are the only teams to beat Blackwood this season.

Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) might rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News Reports. Wilson was cleared for contact on Wednesday and logged a full practice. He has been out for five games with a lower-body injury. If he's ready to play, Wilson is poised to return to a top-six role and the first power-play unit. Despite missing time, Wilson remains Washington's leader in goals scored (22) and points (42). Additionally, he ranks first on the team with 110 hits.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, retroactive to Jan. 13. The move came after Jets head coach Scott Arniel labeled Pionk week-to-week. The 30-year-old aggravated an undisclosed injury during Tuesday's win over the New York Islanders. Pionk has been disappointing on the offensive end this season, posting only eight points (two goals, six assists) in 40 games. Defensively, he has contributed 64 blocked shots and 84 hits. Colin Miller (lower body) and Haydn Fleury (upper body) are also week-to-week, meaning the Jets must currently maneuver without three defensemen.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. The 23-year-old is expected to return from a three-game absence as Cam York's partner on the second defensive pairing. Drysdale is enjoying a good bounce-back campaign in 2025-26, recording 18 points (three goals, 15 assists), 45 shots, and 41 blocks in 41 games, with a plus-one rating. Last season, Drysdale had only 20 points and finished the year with a team-worst minus-32 rating.