NHL Player News

McBain (lower body) is expected to be a game-time decision for Game 6 against Vegas on Friday, per Cole Bagley of KSL Sports.

McBain had been dealing with a lower-body injury before playing in Game 1 against the Golden Knights on April 19. However, his return to the lineup was short-lived, and he's missed Utah's past four matches. He had nine goals, 25 points, 84 PIM, 106 shots and 271 hits in 75 regular-season appearances with Utah in 2025-26. If McBain is an option for Friday's matchup, then he might occupy a bottom-six role.

Hayton (upper body) was classified as a game-time decision ahead of Game 6 versus Vegas on Friday, Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports.

Hayton has been managing pain from his upper-body injury. Utah hasn't been forthcoming with injury news, and the 25-year-old could be a game-time call until the team's playoff run is over. During his first postseason appearance in Game 5 on Wednesday, the Ontario native registered two shots, one block and a minus-1 rating in 12:49 of ice time.

Bourque scored a goal on five shots and added five hits in Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Wild in Game 6.

Bourque's second-period tally gave the Stars a brief bit of hope before Vladimir Tarasenko responded 54 seconds later. The goal was Bourque's first career playoff point in 10 appearances, six of which came this year. He's now established as a full-time option in the Stars' lineup. The 24-year-old put up 20 goals, 41 points, 147 shots on net, 78 hits and a plus-6 rating over 82 regular-season contests and could take another step or two on offense in the coming years as he enters his prime.

Johnston scored a power-play goal on three shots in Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Wild in Game 6.

Johnston had four goals and two assists over six games in the Stars' first-round exit. He earned five of those points with the man advantage, but the Stars weren't able to add enough even-strength offense to get past the Wild. While this early exit is disappointing, Johnston has emerged as one of the good young players in the league, though he's just a notch or two below superstar status. He had 45 goals and 86 points over 82 regular-season outings, though his 21.8 shooting percentage could be a slight red flag.

Paul (illness) will rejoin the lineup versus the Canadiens in Game 6 on Friday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

Apparently, Paul wasn't as coy about his availability as head coach Jon Cooper, who previously declined to provide an update on the forward's health. The 31-year-old Paul hasn't earned a point in four appearances this postseason while contributing five shots on net, 13 hits and three blocked shots. Still, his offensive limitations may cause fantasy managers to seek other options for Friday's playoff slate.

Paul (illness) will be a game-time call for Game 6 versus Montreal on Friday, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

Paul was on the ice for the game-day skate, which would seem to indicate he'll be back in action, but the team didn't run line combinations, and head coach Jon Cooper didn't reveal any details regarding his lineup. If Paul does play, it will likely come at the expense of Conor Geekie.

Poehling scored a goal on three shots and blocked three shots in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Oilers in Game 6.

Poehling, best known for his defensive work, racked up four goals over six games to provide some depth scoring as the Ducks won their first-round series 4-2. He added 12 shots on net, five hits, six blocked shots and a plus-1 rating. On a young roster, Poehling's virtually a seasoned veteran at 27 years old, and he plays a critical role even though his work won't always show up in the box score.

Carlsson scored an empty-net goal on two shots, added two assists, logged two hits and went plus-3 in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Oilers in Game 6.

Carlsson set up linemates Chris Kreider and Troy Terry over the first two periods before finishing off this win with the empty-netter. In his first career playoff series, Carlsson racked up three goals, five assists, 28 shots on net and a plus-4 rating across six contests. He'll continue to draw first-line minutes and power-play time in the second round, where the Ducks will face either the Golden Knights or the Mammoth.

Dickinson (lower body) is expected to remain in the lineup for Game 6 against Anaheim on Thursday, per Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels.

Dickinson was regarded as a game-time call for the sixth consecutive match. He did miss Games 2 and 3 of the first-round series due to the injury, but this is set to be his third straight game in the lineup. Dickinson has two goals and three points in three playoff outings this year.

Henrique (lower body) isn't expected to play in Game 6 against Anaheim on Thursday.

Henrique also missed Edmonton's past four games because of the injury. He had three goals and 15 points in 65 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. If the Oilers win Thursday, then Henrique will have another opportunity to return for Game 7 on Saturday.