NHL Player News

Barkov (upper body) will not play against Ottawa on Saturday but could return by the end of next week, per Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

Coach Paul Maurice said Saturday that Barkov could return before Dmitry Kulikov (upper body) but put them on similar timelines. Barkov should be available for the beginning of the playoffs. He has 19 goals and 48 assists in 64 games this season. Due to Barkov's absence, Sam Bennett will take over as the first-line center.

Zibanejad (illness) is expected to play against New Jersey on Saturday, per Vince Z. Mercogliano of USA Today.

Zibanejad won't miss any playing time despite skipping Friday's practice. He has accounted for 16 goals, 51 points and 167 shots on net across 75 appearances this season. Zibanejad has produced only one goal and an assist in his last eight outings.

Rempe (upper body) won't suit up versus New Jersey on Saturday, according to Mollie Walker of the New York Post.

Rempe will miss his fourth straight game. He has two goals, three assists, 63 PIM and 103 hits over 36 NHL games this season. Rempe participated in Friday's practice and could return to the lineup soon.

Sasson was recalled from AHL Abbotsford on Saturday, Jeff Paterson of CanucksArmy.com reports.

Sasson has two goals, four assists and 25 shots on net in 24 NHL games this season. He has 10 goals and 27 points in 39 minor-league appearances this campaign. Sasson could enter the lineup if Nils Aman (undisclosed) sits out Saturday's matchup versus Anaheim.

Minten was recalled from AHL Providence on Saturday, per Scott McLaughlin of WEEI.com.

Minten was part of a package the Bruins received from Toronto at the trade deadline in exchange for Brandon Carlo. Minten exploded for three goals and an assist in his second game with Providence and has seven points in nine games with the AHL Bruins. Boston sent Jeffrey Viel to the minors in a corresponding move. Minten will give the Bruins 13 healthy forwards, and he could enter the lineup as a bottom-six forward or be a healthy scratch against Carolina on Saturday.

Norris (undisclosed) skated on his own Friday, Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey Beat reports.

The Sabres remain hopeful that Norris could be back in the lineup before the end of the regular season. He has missed the last 10 outings due to a mid-body injury and has played only three games in a Buffalo uniform, scoring once and adding an assist since being acquired from Ottawa.

Cizikas scored a goal on two shots in Friday's 3-1 win over the Wild.

Cizikas tied the game at 1-1 just 36 seconds after Mats Zuccarello opened the scoring for the Wild early in the second period. The 34-year-old Cizikas tipped a Noah Dobson shot in for the tally. This was Cizikas' third point in the last five games, and he's up to seven goals, 15 points, 84 shots on net, 197 hits, 45 PIM, 60 blocked shots and a minus-13 rating through 75 outings overall. He continues to fill a bottom-six role.

Moore logged two assists, two shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Capitals.

Moore checked off multiple milestones with his first multi-point effort and first helpers in his third NHL game. He's added four shots on net, one hit, one blocked shot and an even plus-minus rating since making his debut March 30 versus Utah after signing his entry-level deal following the conclusion of his collegiate season with the University of Minnesota. Moore is filling a third-line role for now, and while he has significant long-term upside, fantasy managers in redraft formats can likely find more established depth options.

Kurashev scored a goal in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Capitals.

Kurashev put the Blackhawks ahead 3-2 in the second period, but the lead didn't last. He was in the lineup for just the fifth time since the start of March, though he's earned three points in that span. The 25-year-old will likely compete with Lukas Reichel for playing time for the rest of the season. Kurashev has 13 points, 52 shots on net, 30 hits and a minus-27 rating through 47 appearances in a disappointing follow-up to his 54-point breakout from 2023-24.

Nazar scored a goal on three shots, dished an assist and added two PIM in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Capitals.

Nazar helped out on a Tyler Bertuzzi goal in the first period before scoring one of his own in the second. The 21-year-old Nazar has two goals and two assists over his last five contests as he continues to show a little of his potential in his rookie year. Overall, he's produced eight goals, 20 points, 77 shots on net and a minus-12 rating across 47 appearances.