Los Angeles Kings winger Andrei Kuzmenko (knee) won't return to action before the end of the 2025-26 regular season. A week ago, the Russian forward underwent meniscus surgery, and it's unclear whether Kuzmenko will have a chance to return when the Kings make the playoffs. Kuzmenko ends his first full campaign in L.A. with 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games. The Kings have also lost Kevin Fiala (lower leg) for the season, and Joel Armia (upper body) will be out for several weeks. This has led to expanded roles for Trevor Moore and Alex Turcotte, while new additions Scott Laughton and Mathieu Joseph could also play an important part down the stretch.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve, paving the way for him to rejoin the lineup on Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks. The talented blue-liner sustained an upper-body injury at the Olympics and has missed five games since the Jets resumed their season. Morrissey's return will mark a boost at both ends of the ice for Winnipeg. He has recorded 42 points, 104 shots, and 94 blocks with a plus-10 rating across 56 contests this season. Ville Heinola will be bumped from the first power-play unit with Morrissey's return, while Dylan Samberg and Haydn Fleury will also see less ice time.

Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (ear) is not expected to return this season, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports. He has been out since Nov. 1 due to a blood clot in his ear. "He's continuing to get treatment," Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Friday. "Our main concern, obviously, is his well-being and long-term health, and second, when he can be back as a hockey player. But he's progressing but most likely he'll be out for the season." Kulich was knocked out of the lineup after recording five points (three goals, two assists) in 12 games.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) didn't finish Friday's 6-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports. He sustained a lower-body injury in the first period and didn't come out for the second. Despite being hurt, Gostisbehere managed to score Carolina's first goal of the night. Gostisbehere has been very productive offensively all season, but health issues have limited him to 47 appearances. He has posted 11 goals and 32 assists. Mike Reilly is set to come into the lineup if Gostisbehere has to sit out another game on Saturday against the Calgary Flames.