Ottawa Senators center Lars Eller (undisclosed) won't play in Thursday's contest against the Anaheim Ducks, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports. The Danish veteran is dealing with an undisclosed injury, prompting the team to recall Stephen Halliday from the minors. In 2025-26, Eller has won a career-high 56.4 percent of faceoffs and boasts six points (two goals, four assists) through 19 appearances. If he enters the lineup on Thursday, Halliday would make his NHL debut. The 23-year-old has been a prolific player in the AHL, posting 16 points (one goal, 15 assists) in 15 outings this season.

Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd (upper body) has not joined the team for Thursday's visit to Montreal, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports. The veteran was a late scratch due to an upper-body injury for Wednesday's contest against the Edmonton Oilers. In 19 appearances, Dowd has registered 33 hits, while chipping in with one goal and four assists on the offensive end. Down was replaced in the lineup by Sonny Milano on Wednesday night, but he was limited to 7:34 of ice time and didn't make a significant impact.

Winnipeg Jets center Adam Lowry has signed a five-year, $25 million contract extension. He is currently on an expiring deal that has a $3.25 million cap hit. Lowry has spent his entire 12-year NHL career with the Jets, becoming the team captain in 2023. He missed the first 12 games this season following offseason hip surgery. In seven outings, Lowry has recorded three points (one goal, two assists), 10 shots, nine blocks, and 16 hits with a plus-four rating. While Lowry doesn't have a lot of fantasy value, he has been an important piece for the Jets roster and will continue to be for several more years.

Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (undisclosed) has been cleared to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Dallas Stars, David Quadrelli of Canucks Army reports. He skipped Monday's loss to the Florida Panthers due to an unspecified health issue. Garland is Vancouver's fifth-highest scorer, with 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 17 appearances. However, he has been quiet in recent weeks, finishing scoreless five times in seven outings. On Thursday, Garland will likely be back in the top six and on the power play. Vancouver's power play gets a good matchup against a team that has managed to kill fewer than 77 percent of its penalties.