Buffalo Sabres center Josh Norris (upper body) is expected to rejoin the lineup soon. On Tuesday, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff ruled Norris out for Wednesday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins but hinted that he could be ready to return this weekend. The Sabres have a back-to-back scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Norris has made only one appearance so far this season. Injuries are always a risk with him, but the 26-year-old has been productive when in action. Over 240 career appearances, Norris has averaged almost 0.70 points per game.

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen (personal) will not travel with the team on a four-game road trip. He is currently away from the team for personal reasons. Lankinen has been Vancouver's de facto starting goaltender recently, posting a 4-7-2 record for the season. The team is currently also without the services of Thatcher Demko (lower body), meaning Nikita Tolopilo and Jiri Patera are set to share the goaltending duties for the time being. The Canucks make their first stop on the road trip Wednesday night, facing the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (lower body) is close to returning to the lineup and may make his comeback in Wednesday's contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthews Knies (lower body) and Nicolas Roy (upper body) could also return to give Toronto's attack a big boost. All three players practiced for a second straight day on Tuesday. Matthews has missed five games after getting hurt in a contest against the Boston Bruins on Nov. 11. The Maple Leafs captain has not been at his best in 2025-26, recording nine goals and 14 points in 17 games.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (upper body) could remain in the lineup for Wednesday's tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The star blue-liner suffered an upper-body injury in Monday's loss to the Washington Capitals. However, the issue appears to be minor, which is great news for fantasy managers and the Blue Jackets. Only recently, Werenski produced a three-assist performance against the Maple Leafs in a 3-2 overtime win. He has tallied 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 23 games overall, ranking behind only Cale Makar (29) and Josh Morrissey (22) among defensemen in scoring.