Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (lower body) practiced on Friday, but head coach Craig Berube labeled him as "doubtful" for Saturday's matchup against the Montreal Canadiens. The Maple Leafs captain is in danger of missing a fifth consecutive game due to a lower-body injury. Health issues and poor form have left Matthews in sixth place on Toronto's scoring charts. The three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has totaled only 14 points (nine goals, five assists) in 17 appearances this season. Matthew Knies (lower body), who has sat out two games, is also considered doubtful for Saturday, meaning Calle Jarnkrok will skate on the top line. Bobby McMann and Max Domi are also penciled in for top-six jobs.

Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (upper body) has rejoined practice and could be available for action on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche. He has missed 12 games due to an upper-body injury. If he is ready to return, Josi is poised to join Nicolas Hague on the first defensive pairing and reclaim his spot on the first power-play unit, bumping Nick Blankenburg to the second unit. Josi has recorded five points (one goal, four assists) and 15 blocks in eight outings this season. The Predators captain leads his team with an average ice time of 24:05.

Calgary Flames left wing Samuel Honzek (upper body) underwent surgery on Thursday and is set to miss six months. This means that Honzek's season is over, unless the Flames make a playoff run. The 21-year-old is expected to make a full recovery from an upper-body injury. Honzek suffered the injury in very unfortunate circumstances, as he was involved in a collision with teammate Mikael Backlund in a loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 15. After making his first five NHL appearances in 2024-25, Honzek became a regular in the Flames lineup this season, recording four points (two goals, two assists) and 35 hits. Connor Zary has taken over Honzek's spot on the third line, but he has been a non-factor in fantasy hockey this term.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (concussion) has been activated from Injured Reserve and is available to join the lineup on Friday against the Winnipeg Jets. Due to a concussion, Chatfield has been forced to sit out seven games. Across 13 outings this season, Chafield has gone goalless with 20 shots, but he does have three assists to his name, along with 14 blocks and 10 hits. Chatfield will likely replace Mike Reillyin the lineup, joining K'Andre Miller on the second defensive pairing. Fantasy managers should ignore Chatfield because he doesn't have enough offensive upside to make a significant impact.