NHL Player News

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.

Karlsson (rest) was on the ice for Thursday's practice session, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Karlsson has recorded 10 multi-point games over his last 18 outings, producing a combined nine goals and 17 assists, including nine power-play points. The veteran defenseman is coming off his best season with the Penguins (66 points) and should continue to produce at an elite level heading into the postseason.

Girard (rest) was on the ice for Thursday's practice session, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Girard has yet to find the back of the net since joining the Penguins at the deadline, producing seven helpers, 10 shots and 21 blocks while paired up with Kris Letang. While the 27-year-old Girard has yet to see much in the way of power-play ice time with Pittsburgh, it's a role he has filled in the past and could do so again if called upon.

Walker (undisclosed) will return to the lineup for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports Thursday.

Walker was one of many Carolina players who got the night off Tuesday to rest for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Walker had nine goals, 22 assists, 179 shots on goal, 141 hits and 125 blocked shots over 81 regular-season games this season.

Miller (undisclosed) was at practice Thursday after missing Tuesday's tilt against the Islanders, per Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News.

The Hurricanes rested a multitude of players in the final week of the season after clinching first place in the Metropolitan Division. Miller completed the 2025-26 regular season with eight goals, 29 assists, 101 hits and 79 blocked shots over 72 outings.

Chatfield (undisclosed) was back at practice Thursday after missing the final game of the regular season Tuesday against the Islanders, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports.

Chatfield lined up alongside Jaccob Slavin on the first unit. The defenseman had two goals and 17 points in 72 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.