Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi was a late scratch for Thursday's game against Utah. The team confirmed he was held out of the lineup due to an upper-body injury. No further details regarding the severity or timeline of his recovery were immediately provided.
Ilya Sorokin made 13 saves to help the New York Islanders defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3 on Thursday. The win, which snapped a four-game losing streak, featured a record-tying goal from Matthew Schaefer and a goal and an assist from Cal Ritchie. The game marked Peter DeBoer’s first win as the Islanders' head coach.
Kris Letang recorded an assist in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, helping the team clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2022. Letang, along with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, has been a key part of the franchise's success, including Stanley Cup runs in 2009, 2016, and 2017. The win ends a three-year postseason drought for the Penguins.
Evgeni Malkin recorded two points in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, helping the team clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2022. Malkin, along with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, has been a key part of the franchise's success, including Stanley Cup runs in 2009, 2016, and 2017. The win ends a three-year postseason drought for the Penguins.
Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal is set to guard the home goal against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. The starting assignment was confirmed by Ducks PA Announcer Phil Hulett.
Avery Hayes slotted back into the Pittsburgh Penguins' lineup for Thursday's 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Hayes replaced Connor Dewar, who was unavailable due to an undisclosed lower body injury. The win helped the Penguins clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2022.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Connor Dewar is currently sidelined with an undisclosed lower body injury. He is considered day-to-day, and his status will be monitored as the team continues its schedule following their playoff-clinching victory over the New Jersey Devils.
Stuart Skinner returned to action for the Pittsburgh Penguins in Thursday's 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils after being sidelined with an eye injury. His return provided a boost to the team's goaltending as they officially clinched a playoff berth. The win was supported by multi-point efforts from Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, ending the Penguins' three-year postseason drought.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The team has decided to shut him down so he can undergo a medical procedure to address an undisclosed injury. This development is a significant loss for the Devils' blue line as they conclude their schedule. Updates regarding his recovery timeline and status for the upcoming offseason will be provided as they become available.
Calgary Flames defenseman Olli Maatta is set to reach a major career milestone on Thursday night, skating in his 800th National Hockey League game as the Flames face off against the Colorado Avalanche.
Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ville Husso has been nominated for the Masterton Trophy. The nomination recognizes his resilience and renewed confidence after battling back from injuries and time on waivers to make a meaningful impact with the Ducks this season.
Tony DeAngelo recorded an assist on Matthew Schaefer's 23rd goal of the season during the New York Islanders' 5-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. The goal tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season, matching the mark set by Hall of Famer Brian Leetch.
Artur Akhtyamov made his first NHL start for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the New York Islanders on Thursday. The fourth-round pick was called upon to fill in with Anthony Stolarz potentially sidelined for the season and Dennis Hildeby unavailable. Known for his competitive nature, Akhtyamov faced off against the Islanders in a game that saw Matthew Schaefer tie a rookie defenseman goal record.
Yaroslav Askarov will be in the crease for the San Jose Sharks as the starting goaltender for Thursday's road matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. The confirmation comes via Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now. Askarov looks to anchor the Sharks' defense in this upcoming contest.
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Chicago due to a lower-body injury. Chatfield, who has recorded two goals and a career-high 15 assists this season, played only two shifts in the third period of Tuesday's 6-5 overtime win over Boston before exiting. Coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed concern regarding the injury as the team manages his absence.
Anthony Cirelli is set to return to the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup for Thursday's game against Montreal. Cirelli had been sidelined with an undisclosed injury, but per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times, he is expected to be available for action. This return provides a boost to the Lightning's roster as they prepare for their upcoming matchup.
Andrei Svechnikov is expected to be a healthy scratch for the Carolina Hurricanes during Thursday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. According to Adam Gold of The Adam Gold Show, the forward will be rested for this contest. Svechnikov's absence is a tactical decision by the coaching staff as the team manages its lineup for the road matchup in Chicago.
Seth Jarvis will be out of the Carolina Hurricanes' lineup for Thursday's game versus the Chicago Blackhawks. Adam Gold of The Adam Gold Show reports that Jarvis is being rested for the contest. The decision to sit Jarvis is part of the team's roster management strategy for their road game against Chicago.
Sebastian Aho will not be in the Carolina Hurricanes' lineup for Thursday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Adam Gold of The Adam Gold Show reports that Aho is being rested for the matchup. The Hurricanes will be without their star forward as they face the Blackhawks on the road.
New York Rangers coach Mike Sullivan is evaluating defenseman Drew Fortescue following the young player's signing of a three-year, entry-level contract in March. The organization is using this short sample size to assess Fortescue's development and potential impact on the defensive corps.
