NHL Player News

Hughes (illness) will fly with the team for Game 1 in Dallas, according to Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Hughes missed Tuesday's game versus Anaheim, as the Wild chose to rest their outstanding defenseman ahead of the postseason. While Hughes flew with the team, his status for Game 1 is up in the air. The defenseman finished the 2025-26 regular season with seven goals and 69 assists in 74 games split between Vancouver and Minnesota. He quarterbacks the first power play and has two goals and 34 points with the man advantage this season. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Spurgeon (rest) was part of the second defensive pairing during Thursday's practice session, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports, indicating that he'll be back in action for the start of the playoffs.

After resting in two of the final three games of the regular season, Spurgeon's participation in Thursday's practice signals that he should officially be back in action for the playoffs. Spurgeon logged six goals, 16 assists, 137 blocked shots and 82 hits while averaging 19:36 of ice time across 79 regular-season appearances this year.

Faber (rest) was part of the top defensive pairing during Thursday's practice session, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports, indicating that he'll be available for the start of the playoffs.

Faber sat out Minnesota's final two regular-season games for rest purposes, but he was fully expected to be back in action for the start of postseason play. Faber appeared in 80 regular-season games this year, racking up 15 goals, 36 assists, 148 blocked shots, 39 PIM and 33 hits while averaging 24:41 of ice time.

York (rest) practiced with the team ahead of Saturday's Game 1 clash with the Penguins, Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports reports.

York was given the night off versus the Canadiens on Tuesday in order to rest up for the playoffs. Considering the defenseman is stuck in a 32-game goal drought, during which he produced six helpers, his return to the lineup is unlikely to significantly impact postseason fantasy pools. Still, York gives the Flyers another shutdown option on the blue line.

Sanheim (rest) will return to the lineup in Game 1 of the playoffs this weekend, Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports reports.

Sanheim was given the night off Tuesday when the Flyers faced Montreal in the final game of the regular season. Sanheim had 11 goals, 26 assists and 152 blocked shots over 81 regular-season games in 2025-26.

Ristolainen was at practice Thursday after he was rested Tuesday in the regular-season finale, Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports reports.

Ristolainen had one goal and 13 assists with 63 blocked shots and 48 hits across 44 regular-season games this season. He will line up alongside Travis Sanheim on the top unit when the Flyers face the Penguins in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Whitecloud (upper body) will suit up in the season finale against the Kings on Thursday, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

Despite taking a puck to the face Tuesday, Whitecloud looks set to play while sporting a full cage versus Los Angeles. Combined with his stint in Vegas, the 29-year-old Manitoba native has logged 77 games this year, notching two goals and 13 helpers. While Whitecloud does offer some category coverage, his offensive contributions are limited, making him a low-end fantasy option in most formats.

Drysdale (rest) was at practice Thursday, per Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports.

Drysdale was given the night off Tuesday against Montreal. He ended the 2025-26 regular season with a career high eight goals and 32 points in 78 games, including one goal and eight assists on the power play.

Wotherspoon (rest) took part in Thursday's practice session, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Wotherspoon sat out two of the Penguins' last three contests while resting up for the playoffs. The 28-year-old defenseman has put together a career year for the Penguins, producing personal bests in games (80), goals (three) and assists (27). While Wotherspoon shouldn't be considered an offensive stud, 30 points would be welcome production for a low-end option.

Letang (rest) should be ready for the playoffs after returning to practice Thursday, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Letang is currently mired in a 25-game goal drought dating back to Jan. 1 versus the Red Wings. During that stretch, the blueliner has registered 14 assists and 38 shots, so he is still managing to produce at a decent clip. While the Montreal native is no longer on the Penguins' No. 1 power-play unit, he should still see plenty of minutes with the second group.