NHL Player News

Carrick (arm) is not expected to be back in time to play in Buffalo's first-round series versus Boston, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

Carrick had already been ruled out for some of the postseason, but this latest update seems to decrease his availability even if Buffalo advances. In 13 games with the Sabres this year, the veteran center has notched five goals and one helper. In his stead, Josh Dunne could continue to see bottom-six minutes.

Kadri (finger) has been ruled out of Thursday's clash with Seattle, according to Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now.

Kadri will sit out his fifth straight game after he was injured in St. Louis on April 7. Kadri had four goals and five assists in 16 games with Colorado after his trade from Calgary at the deadline, where he had 41 points in 61 appearances. His status for Game 1 of the postseason this weekend is up in the air.

Stankoven missed practice Thursday with an illness, according to Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer.

Stankoven ended the season on an eight-game scoring streak, potting seven goals and four assists. Stankoven set career highs in goals with 21 and assists with 23, playing in 81 regular-season games. His status for the first game of the playoffs should become clearer by Saturday.

Eriksson Ek (rest) was on the ice for Thursday's practice session, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Eriksson Ek sat out the final three regular-season games for the Wild, but he should be good to go for Game 1 in Dallas. The Swedish center was rolling offensively prior to his stint in the press box, racking up two goals and five helpers in his last seven appearances. He figures to jump right back into a second-line role and should feature with the man advantage as well.

Necas (rest) will not play Thursday against Seattle, per Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now,

Necas picked up an assist Tuesday in Calgary, giving him 100 points on the season, smashing his former career high of 83 points set last season. He will be back on the top line for the start of the playoffs, alongside Nathan MacKinnon.

Lizotte (upper body) said Thursday that he'll be available for Game 1 of the Penguins' first-round playoff series against the Flyers, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports.

Lizotte has been sidelined since mid-March due to his upper-body injury, but he was on the ice for Thursday's practice session in a regular sweater, and he'll be ready to return to game action for the start of the postseason. Across 55 regular-season appearances this year, Lizotte recorded seven goals, 12 assists, 49 hits, 35 blocked shots and 25 PIM while averaging 13:52 of ice time.

Zegras (rest) will see his first playoff action in six NHL seasons this weekend, according to Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports.

Zegras sat out Tuesday's contest against Montreal. He spent the first five seasons of his NHL career with Anaheim, as the Ducks failed to make the playoffs during his tenure there. Zegras had 26 goals and a career high 67 points in 82 regular-season games this season.

Dewar (lower body) indicated Thursday that he'll be ready to return in time for Game 1 of the Penguins' first-round playoff series against the Flyers, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports.

Dewar missed the final four games of the regular season due to a lower-body injury, but he practiced in a regular sweater Thursday and will be back in action for the start of the postseason. Dewar generated 14 goals, 16 assists, 144 hits, 46 blocked shots and 19 PIM over 78 regular-season appearances, and he should reclaim a fourth-line role now that he's healthy.

Couturier (rest) was back on the fourth line at practice Thursday, Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports reports.

Couturier sat out Tuesday's finale against Montreal. He finished the regular season with 12 goals and 36 points in 78 games.

Staal (undisclosed) was back at practice Thursday, according to Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News,

Staal was given the last two games off to rest for the playoffs. He had 20 goals and 36 points in 75 regular-season games in 2025-26. He is expected to be the Hurricanes' third line center during the playoffs.