Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (illness) is considered a game-time call for Tuesday night's action against the Vegas Golden Knights. He could be forced to miss a matchup with his former team due to illness. Tuch has played a major role in Buffalo's rise to the top of the Atlantic Division, producing 28 goals and 29 assists in 65 games. Tyson Kozak (undisclosed) has been cleared to play and might be Tuch's replacement in the lineup. Meanwhile, Josh Doan could land a spot on a scoring line if Tuch isn't available. While Doan has been held off the score sheet for three straight games, he has generally played well and is on track for a 50-point campaign.

Seattle Kraken winger Eeli Tolvanen (undisclosed) is a game-time decision for Tuesday's contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Finnish forward is dealing with an undisclosed injury and might be unavailable for only the second time this season. Tolvanen has improved his form in 2025-26 and only needs two more points to surpass his scoring total from last season. He has registered 12 goals, 22 assists, 119 shots, and 164 hits in 65 outings. If Tolvanen is unable to play, Frederick Gaudreau is expected to take his place on the second line, while Jacob Melanson is ready to step into the lineup.

Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones (upper body) will make his long-awaited return on Tuesday night against the Vancouver Canucks. He has been sidelined since suffering an upper-body injury in the 2026 Winter Classic against the New York Rangers. His return will be a big boost for the team. "He touches all areas. He's a power-play guy, he's a penalty-kill guy, he plays against the other team's best, and he's as good a defender as he is an offensive player," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said about Jones, who has recorded 24 points (six goals, 18 assists), 78 shots, 47 blocks, and 38 hits in 40 appearances this season. He will rejoin the top-four group on defense and quarterback the first power-play unit.

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (undisclosed) will return to action on Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks. He wasn't available for Sunday's matchup with Seattle due to an undisclosed injury. Bennett will rejoin the top six and the first power-play unit. Thanks to averaging a point per game over his last eight appearances, Bennett has come close to his new scoring record. He has accumulated 50 points (24 goals, 26 assists) in 65 games, just one shy of his career-high of 51 points from last season. Vancouver is the worst team in the National Hockey League, so Bennett is in a great spot to set a new career-high on Tuesday night.