Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (knee) has been cleared for action and will return from a four-game absence on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. He will return to the top six and work on the first power-play unit. After putting together a 12-game point streak, Marchenko has gone scoreless in each of his last three appearances. Nonetheless, he continues to be Columbus' highest-scoring forward, boasting 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) through 22 appearances. Marchenko has finished four straight outings without a point only twice in 2025.

Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe (personal) has rejoined the team and will play on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. He missed Tuesday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs due to the birth of his son. Verhaeghe is close to becoming the fourth Panther this season with 20-plus points. He has managed four goals and 12 assists in 24 outings. Recently, Verhaeghe has been red-hot, notching six points (two goals, four assists) during a three-game point streak. On Thursday, Verhaeghe will skate on the second line with Sam Bennett and A.J. Greer. He will also rejoin the first power-play unit.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (back) will not dress for Thursday's tilt against the New York Islanders. The veteran netminder exited Tuesday's win over the Vancouver Canucks early due to a back issue, and while Wedgewood is not expected to miss much time, he will have the night off on Thursday. Wedgewood's emergence has been one of the stories of the season in the NHL, as he currently holds a league-best 13-1-3 record. He has allowed 2.07 goals with a .920 save percentage and one shutout. Mackenzie Blackwood, who is 6-0-1 for the campaign, will get the start on Thursday, with Trent Miner providing backup.

Minnesota Wild center Danila Yurov (undisclosed) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Calgary Flames. The 21-year-old was filling in as the first-line center when he suffered an undisclosed injury. He has notched seven points (three goals, four assists) in 21 games during his rookie campaign, including five points (one goal, four assists) in his last seven outings. Marco Rossi (lower body) is expected to miss at least three more games, putting pressure on Ryan Hartman to perform well. He took over the top-line center role on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers.