MacDonald (lower body) is seeking clearance from team doctors to be able to resume skating next week, Sam Carchidi of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran defenseman has already missed the last seven games with his injury, but returning to the ice in any capacity should count as a significant milestone in his rehab. MacDonald usually reaches triple digits in the blocked shots column over the course of the season -- he had 18 of those in his first eight games -- so that's what fantasy owners can look forward to upon his return.

MacDonald (lower body) will miss 4-to-6 weeks of action, Bill Meltzer of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old blueliner has just one goal in eight games this season, but averages 19:36 of ice time. Despite not being much of a fantasy asset, MacDonald does have 15 shots on goal and 18 blocked shots. While he's out, Brandon Manning will likely slide into a more consistent role for the Flyers.

MacDonald has started 61.9 percent of his five-on-five shifts in the defensive zone and averaged 3:00 of ice time killing penalties per contest through the first six games of the season.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald has struggled to move the fantasy needle -- outside of the blocked-shots column -- for a number of years, and he hasn't received notable power-play time since the 2014-15 campaign. He projects to continue tilting the scales in the peripheral categories, but with a new guard of young defensemen pushing for ice time, MacDonald's role is likely to decline as the season progresses.

MacDonald recorded a plus-2 rating over 25:21 of ice time during Thursday's win over Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran's lone fantasy appeal is in the blocked shots column (137 through 64 games), as his lack of offensive production (two goals, 16 points and 55 shots) don't tilt the scales enough in the majority of seasonal settings. Additionally, he's not receiving many power-play looks and is beginning more five-on-five shifts in the defensive zone this season (52.8 percent). You'll want to aim higher than MacDonald in most formats.

MacDonald picked up an assist and posted two shots in a 4-2 loss to the Penguins at Heinz Field on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old gained a point mostly behind the effort and skill of Jakub Voracek, who worked hard behind Pittsburgh's net to corral a loose puck, shake off a defender and avoid two sticks to score. MacDonald now has two goals and 14 points this season, making him only valuable in deeper leagues, but MacDonald also has just two points and no goals in his last 26 games. It would be best to leave him on the waiver wire.

MacDonald (undisclosed) is back in the rotation Saturday after going to the locker room following a big hit by Melker Karlsson of the Sharks, Adam Kimelman reports.

EDGE Analysis

After heading to the locker room for further evaluation in the second period, MacDonald was back on the bench for the start of the third.

MacDonald left Saturday's contest after getting smashed into the boards by Melker Karlsson of the Sharks, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

MacDonald was hit up high and needed to be assisted to the medical room for further evaluation, departing in the second period after 13:38 of ice time. At this point, there's no word as to whether he'll be able to return, but the Flyers don't have another game until Wednesday so he'll have plenty of time to rest either way.

McDonald has just a single assist through 12 games in January, but he has blocked 27 shots.

EDGE Analysis

With just two goals and 12 points through 42 games, MacDonald's offensive numbers don't move the needle. Additionally, he has just 30 shots on net. His 89 blocked shots are certainly a nice total, but without improved contributions in the other fantasy categories, it's difficult to roster MacDonald in the majority of seasonal leagues.

MacDonald scored a goal and blocked two shots during Monday's shootout loss to Nashville.

EDGE Analysis

With just 15 shots on net, it's amazing MacDonald has collected two goals and 11 points through 26 games this year. He provides most of his fantasy value in the blocked shots column and has 58 for the campaign. There aren't many formats where MacDonald is a viable option, especially since he's likely significantly overachieved offensively.

MacDonald (lower body) was cleared to return to action Thursday against the Jets, Bill Meltzer of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

In a surprise move, MacDonald will rejoin the lineup in favor of Shayne Gostisbehere who will be a healthy scratch. MacDonald missed the Flyers' last six contests due to injury, but should be able to resume his ice time average of 18:53 per night. The 30-year-old doesn't offer the same level of offensive production as Gostisbehere, but should add some defensive stability on the blue line.