Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk (thumb) is set to return to action on Friday against the St. Louis Blues. The Senators captain announced his plan to return on the "Wingmen" podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother,Matthews Tkachuk (groin)of the Florida Panthers. "We have to check some boxes but everything looks good for Friday," Tkachuk said. Tkachuk underwent thumb surgery on Oct. 16 after making only three appearances this season. On Friday, Tkachuk is likely to land straight back on the top line and the first power-play unit.

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (groin) has resumed skating but is still without a set timeline for his return. Tkachuk provided the update on the "Wingmen" podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother,Brady Tkachuk (thumb)of theOttawa Senators. Before the start of the season, Panthers general manager Bill Zito announced that Tkachuk will be out until"December-ish." Despite being without Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov(knee), the Panthers have remained competitive, averaging over 3 goals per game (3.09). Veteran Brad Marchand is playing out of his skin and is currently on track to record his second career 90-point season.

Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun scored the second goal in Wednesday's 4-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets to push his point streak to nine games. It's the current longest active point streak in the league. Additionally, Chychrun holds a four-game goal streak, becoming only the second Capitals blue-liner in 25 years to score in four consecutive games. Chychrun has finished three of his last five appearances with multiple points. This has boosted his tally for the season to 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) with 24 games played, which places Chychrun tied for third among defensemen in scoring. Chychrun has been in sensational form this month and can match a franchise record for the longest point streak by a defenseman in Friday's meeting with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Boston Bruins winger Matej Blumel (lower body) is expected to be out for "a bit" after he was hurt during Wednesday's 3-1 victory over the New York Islanders, Conor Ryan of The Boston Globe reports. Blumel played only a couple of minutes in the contest, exiting with a lower-body injury. The Czech forward has recently held a top-line spot but is still looking for his first points of the season after making four appearances. Before he made his season debut earlier this month, Blumel averaged a point per game in the AHL. Tanner Jeannot, who posted the game-winning goal on Wednesday, might slot into the top six until Blumel returns.