NHL Player News

Gross scored a goal and added two hits in Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Avalanche.

Gross was in the lineup because Ryan Strome (illness) was a late scratch. The 23-year-old Gross cashed in a goal to spoil Mackenzie Blackwood's shutout bid with 2:52 left in the third period. Gross put the puck in again after that, but that goal was wiped out for the play being offside. This was his third NHL contest, and he's added three shots on net, three hits, three blocked shots and a minus-2 rating to begin his career. It's unclear if he'll retain a spot in the lineup once Strome and Blake Coleman (personal) are ready to get back in the lineup.

Necas scored a goal on four shots, dished two assists and went plus-2 in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Flames.

Necas has four goals and five assists over his last six outings, though he's picked up just two power-play helpers in that span. The 27-year-old is knocking on the door of the 100-point mark -- he's at 98 (38 goals, 60 helpers) with 196 shots on net, 83 hits, 30 PIM and a plus-46 rating over 75 appearances. He's earned 23 of his points with the man advantage.

MacKinnon scored an empty-net goal on six shots, dished two assists and added two PIM in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Flames.

MacKinnon's empty-netter gave him a new career high with 52 goals this season. He has earned four goals and five assists over his last six outings. The 30-year-old superstar is up to 126 points (30 on the power play), 338 shots on net, 64 hits, 39 PIM and a plus-56 rating over 77 appearances this season, which has been the second-most productive of his career.

Ritchie had a goal and an assist in a 5-3 win over Toronto on Thursday.

Ritchie pushed the score to 5-2 on a 5-on-3 power play in the third period. He has three points (one goal, two assists) in his last two games and points in seven of his last eight games (three goals, six assists). Ritchie, who sits 14th in rookie scoring, has 13 goals, 17 assists and 73 shots in 62 games.

Carrick (arm) won't be ready for the start of the postseason, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports Thursday.

Carrick is still considered week-to-week. The 34-year-old will fill a fourth-line role once he's healthy again, but it's unclear when that will happen, as the Sabres haven't provided a firm timeline for his return.

Joshua (upper body) is doubtful to return to the lineup this season, David Alter of The Hockey News reports Thursday.

Joshua was injured Wednesday versus the Capitals. The 29-year-old's season is likely over, with the winger producing 18 points, 52 shots on net, 195 hits and 49 PIM across 55 appearances. The Maple Leafs haven't revealed if this injury will be a concern for 2026-27.

Strome (illness) isn't in the lineup versus the Avalanche on Thursday.

Strome was a surprise absence for warmups Thursday. Tyson Gross will draw into the lineup, while John Beecher is expected to move up to Strome's spot on the third line. Strome's status for Saturday in Seattle hasn't been determined at this time.

Staal will be rested for Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks.

Staal recently battled an undisclosed injury, and the team once again listed his absence as undisclosed, but this is clearly rest and maintenance since the Hurricanes have secured home ice through two rounds of the playoffs. He'll be questionable to play the rest of the games this season.

Dewar (lower body) won't play Thursday versus the Devils.

Dewar is considered day-to-day at this time. The Penguins could lock up a playoff spot with a win, so Dewar may be eased back into action. The 26-year-old plays a key defensive role, so he'll likely be aiming to be ready for a playoff opener rather than playing in any of the last three regular-season contests.

Cirelli (undisclosed) is expected to play Thursday versus Montreal, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

Cirelli missed Tampa Bay's past two games. He has 23 goals and 52 points in 68 outings in 2025-26. Conor Geekie is projected to be a healthy scratch due to Cirelli's return.