NHL Player News

Cirelli (rest) returned to practice Friday, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

Cirelli sat out Wednesday's regular-season finale against the Rangers for rest purposes, but his return to practice a few days later signals that he should be ready for Game 1 against Montreal on Sunday. Cirelli made 71 regular-season appearances and recorded 23 goals, 29 assists, 50 hits, 48 PIM and 47 blocked shots while averaging 17:19 of ice time.

Point (rest) practiced on the first line Friday, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.

The Lightning rested Point in their season finale Wednesday against the Rangers. Point centered Nikita Kucherov and Gage Goncalves during Friday's skate. Point had a relatively disappointing 2025-26 campaign, tallying 18 goals and 32 assists in 63 regular-season games after averaging more than a point a game in each of the previous three seasons.

Kerins was assigned to AHL Calgary on Friday.

Kerins was called up by the Flames on Tuesday and appeared in the team's final two games. In total, he made four appearances for the NHL club during the regular season, and he was held without a point but logged five blocked shots, three hits and two PIM while averaging 15:00 of ice time.

Stankoven (illness) participated in Friday's practice session, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

Stankoven sat out Thursday's practice session due to an illness, but his return to the ice a day later signals that he'll presumably be ready for Game 1 against the Senators on Saturday. He appeared in 81 regular-season games this year and logged 21 goals, 23 assists, 50 hits, 25 PIM and 22 blocked shots while averaging 15:27 of ice time.

Quillan will end the 2025-26 campaign playing for AHL Toronto, the team announced Friday.

Quillan played in 23 games for the Leafs this year, notching one goal, two assists and 14 shots while dishing out 46 hits. Depending on how active the team is during free agency this summer, Quillan could find himself on the Opening Night roster and playing the majority of his games in the NHL next year.

Tverberg was reassigned to AHL Toronto on Friday.

Tverberg made his NHL debut this season, logging two games for the Leafs in which he generated three hits, one shot and two PIM. If the 24-year-old Ontario native can bring the offensive upside he showed in the minors -- 14 goals and 18 assists in 61 games -- he should be capable of earning more NHL opportunities in 2026-27.

Haymes was returned to AHL Toronto on Friday.

Haymes suited up in four NHL games this year, including his debut for the Leafs on April 9. Along the way, the 22-year-old center garnered one assist, three shots and three hits. While Haymes could see increased NHL opportunities next year, he figures to once again play the bulk of his minutes in the minors, continuing his long-term development.

Thomas scored three goals in Thursday's 5-3 win over Utah.

With the Blues down 2-1 midway through the second period, Thomas got rolling by potting two tallies in less than three minutes before wrapping up the scoring late in the third with an empty-netter. It was the second career hat trick for Thomas, both coming in April this season, and through 64 contests on the campaign he delivered 25 goals and 64 points, the third straight season in which he's produced at a point-a-game pace.

Nugent-Hopkins scored a power-play goal on four shots in Thursday's 6-1 win over the Canucks.

Nugent-Hopkins joined the party in the second period, scoring his 20th goal of the season at the 16:46 mark of that frame. The 33-year-old veteran has been skating on the second line, but it wouldn't be surprising if he sees a role change once Leon Draisaitl (lower body) returns to action during the playoffs. Nugent-Hopkins ended the regular season with 20 goals and 56 points across 72 contests, racking up 133 shots on goal, 25 hits and 31 blocked shots as well.

Dach recorded a goal, an assist, five PIM, four hits, two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 6-1 win over the Canucks.

Dach missed 12 games between March 12 and April 4 due to an undisclosed injury, but he appeared in the Oilers' last five regular-season contests, tallying two goals and one assist. As good as the Oilers have been on offense all season long, Dach shouldn't be a reliable fantasy alternative as long as he continues to play in a bottom-six role. He recorded just four points (two goals, two assists) in eight appearances with Edmonton in the 2025-26 regular season after being acquired from the Blackhawks before the trade deadline.