NHL Player News

Malinski (upper body) participated fully in Sunday's practice and is trending toward being ready for Game 1 against Vegas on Wednesday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Following a two-game absence, Malinski could be ready for the beginning of the Western Conference Finals. He has registered one goal, two assists, 14 shots on net, 14 blocked shots and seven hits in seven appearances this postseason.

Manson (undisclosed) was a full participant in Sunday's practice, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

After sitting out Saturday's on-ice session and being listed as day-to-day, Manson should be available for Game 1 against Vegas on Wednesday. Through the first two rounds of the 2026 playoffs, he has contributed two assists, eight shots on net and 13 hits in five appearances.

Xhekaj scored a goal, added 12 PIM and doled out three hits in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Sabres in Game 6.

Xhekaj tied the game at 1-1 with his first career playoff goal. He's up to two points, eight shots on net, 44 hits, six blocked shots, 28 PIM and a plus-4 rating over 12 playoff contests this year. Xhekaj's not a firm lock for the lineup, but he's been active for all but one game this postseason despite a fairly limited role on the third pairing.

Metsa scored a goal in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Metsa made his playoff debut Saturday, replacing Luke Schenn in the lineup. Metsa had six points, 24 shots on net, 31 blocked shots and a plus-16 rating over 43 regular-season appearances in his first taste of NHL action this year. It's a statement that the 27-year-old was trusted over both of the Sabres' big defensive trade acquisitions in an elimination game, and it suggests he'll remain in the lineup for Monday's Game 7.

Dahlin scored a goal on three shots, distributed four assists, added two PIM and went plus-2 in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Dahlin's tally opened the scoring 32 seconds into the game. Three of his four helpers came on the power play as the Sabres' offense erupted in the final two periods. Dahlin has three multi-point efforts over 12 playoff contests. This was the third instance of a Buffalo skater recording a five-point game in the playoffs -- John Tucker did it April 10, 1988, versus the Bruins, and Derek Roy matched that record May 5, 2006, against the Senators. Dahlin has three goals, 10 helpers, 41 shots on net, 20 PIM, 14 hits, 13 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating this postseason.

Manson (undisclosed) was listed as day-to-day ahead of Wednesday's Game 1 against the Golden Knights, per Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports on Saturday.

Head coach Jared Bednar mentioned Manson should resume skating before the team's playoff series against the Golden Knights. The 34-year-old Manson had been dealing with an upper-body injury and didn't participate in Saturday's practice. However, it's unclear if this is the same issue or something new. He has two assists and 13 hits across five appearances this postseason.

Burns (undisclosed) is listed as day-to-day after missing Saturday's practice, Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports reports.

Burns still has plenty of time to return to the ice and prepare to play before Game 1 against Vegas on Wednesday. After the first two rounds of the postseason, he has collected three assists, 14 shots on goal, six blocked shots and 13 hits in nine appearances.

Makar (undisclosed) missed Saturday's practice and is regarded as day-to-day, per Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports.

It is extraordinarily likely that Makar will play in Game 1 against Vegas on Wednesday. Makar is probably playing hurt and getting some much-needed rest in between series, but he won't miss games this important if there is any way at all to avoid being absent. The 27-year-old has four goals and nine points in 11 playoff outings this year while averaging 24:42 of ice time.

Power (undisclosed) is expected to play in Game 6 against Montreal on Saturday, per Justin Alpert and Jourdon LaBarber of the Sabres' official site.

Power briefly exited Game 5 on Thursday after crashing into the boards during the third period. However, he should be fine to play in Saturday's must-win matchup. Power has contributed five assists, seven shots on goal, nine blocked shots and eight hits in 11 appearances this postseason.

McNabb is eligible to play in Game 1 against Colorado on Wednesday after serving his one-game suspension.

McNabb received the ban for interference against Ryan Poehling, who sustained an upper-body injury, in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over Anaheim. Through the first two rounds of the postseason, McNabb has generated one goal, two assists, 16 shots on net, 22 blocked shots and 23 hits in 11 appearances.