NHL Player News

Cotter completed his two-game suspension Wednesday and is eligible to play in Game 1 of New Jersey's first-round series against Carolina on Sunday.

Cotter finished the regular season with 16 goals, 22 points, 62 PIM and 245 hits in 79 appearances. He'll likely serve in a bottom-six capacity during the playoffs.

Kasper scored an empty-net goal on three shots and added three hits in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Devils.

Kasper has three goals and an assist during his active three-game point streak. The 21-year-old center is up to 19 goals, 36 points, 139 shots on net, 153 hits and 48 blocked shots over 76 outings this season. It's a positive first full campaign for Kasper, who should continue to be in contention for top-six minutes for years to come.

Mercer scored a goal in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Red Wings.

Mercer finished the season having found the back of the net in this last two games. The 23-year-old center has yet to miss a regular-season game in his four-year NHL career, but he failed to reach the 40-point plateau for the second consecutive campaign. He recorded 19 goals, 17 assists, 141 shots, 41 hits and 60 blocked shots during the regular season.

Larkin had a goal and an assist in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Devils.

Larkin is ending the season in style, as this was his second consecutive two-point performance, and he's cracked the scoresheet in five of Detroit's final seven contests. The 28-year-old veteran is up to 30 goals and 40 assists this season with one game to go, and this has been only the third time in his career in which he's reached the 70-point plateau.

Danault (rest) is slated to skip Thursday's tilt versus Calgary, per John Hoven of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio.

Danault is set to finish the regular season with eight goals, 43 points, 83 hits and 73 blocks in 80 appearances with the Kings. He's now surpassed the 40-point mark in four straight seasons and six of his past seven campaigns. Danault should be back in the lineup for Game 1 of the Kings' first-round series against Edmonton on Monday.

Pospisil (rest) is expected to sit out Thursday's clash against the Kings, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

Pospisil played in Calgary's first 81 games of the regular season, but it seems the 25-year-old will take the finale off. He recorded four goals, 25 points, 84 PIM and 301 hits in 2024-25. He'll enter next season in the second half of his two-year, $2 million contract.

Rooney (rest) will not play Thursday in Los Angeles, according to Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Rooney will end the season with five goals, five assists, 109 hits and 39 blocked shots across 70 outings. He's slated to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason.

Huberdeau is slated to miss Thursday's regular-season finale against the Kings due to rest purposes, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

Huberdeau appeared in each of the Flames' first 81 games of the season, racking up 28 goals, 34 assists, 64 blocked shots, 50 hits and 34 PIM while averaging 19:33 of ice time. However, he'll be one of several Calgary players to get a breather in the final game of the regular season. Huberdeau has appeared in at least 79 games in each of his first three years with the Flames, and he should remain heavily involved next season.

Kopitar (rest) is expected to be back in the lineup Thursday versus Calgary, per Noah Sher of Mayor's Manor.

Kopitar took Tuesday's 6-5 win over Seattle off to rest for the playoffs. He has 21 goals and 67 points over 80 appearances in 2024-25. Kopitar will likely serve on the top line and first power-play unit in his return.

Byfield (upper body) is expected to return to the lineup versus Calgary on Thursday, John Hoven of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio reports.

Byfield sat out Tuesday against the Kraken after he was injured Monday by Edmonton's Darnell Nurse via a series of cross-checks. Byfield had four goals and three assists in his four appearances leading up to his one-game absence, giving the 22-year-old 23 goals and 54 points over 80 outings in 2024-25.