NHL Player News

Harley had two assists in a 6-3 loss to Edmonton in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday.

The Syracuse native came off his best NHL regular season in which he recorded 50 points in 78 games, and he continued his hot hand with 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 18 games in the playoffs. That pushed Harley into second in team scoring this postseason, second only to Mikko Rantanen.

Ekholm (undisclosed) will draw into the lineup for Game 5 against Dallas on Thursday.

Ekholm had already been listed as an option to return, but it wasn't initially clear if he'd immediately play or receive a little more time before drawing into the lineup. However, Ekholm will officially make his 2025 playoff debut Thursday. He's projected to serve on the top pairing alongside Evan Bouchard, and Edmonton is expected to go with a 12-6 configuration, which implies that Ekholm isn't being eased back in. Troy Stecher is set to be a healthy scratch after dressing in the past six games.

DeSimone signed a one-year, $800,000 contract extension with the Mammoth on Thursday, Belle Fraser of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

DeSimone made 20 regular-season appearances for Utah during the 2024-25 campaign and recorded a goal, five assists, 14 hits and 14 blocked shots while averaging 15:35 of ice time. He'll presumably attempt to compete for more consistent playing time during training camp this fall.

Mukhamadullin (shoulder surgery) signed a one-year, $1 million contract with San Jose on Thursday, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

The defenseman is expected to be completely healthy ahead of training camp in September after undergoing surgery in April. Mukhamadullin had two goals, seven assists and 51 blocked shots in 30 regular-season games. The 26th overall pick in the 2020 Draft by New Jersey, look for Mukhamadullin is expected to take on a bigger role for the Sharks next season.

Gostisbehere notched an assist in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Panthers in Game 5.

Gostisbehere was limited to two helpers in the Eastern Conference Finals, making for a quiet end to his postseason run. The 32-year-old had a total of nine points with a minus-9 rating, 24 shots on net, 16 blocked shots and 12 hits over 15 playoff contests. Gostisbehere remains under contract for 2025-26, so he should return to the Hurricanes in a role that brought him success with 45 points, including 27 on the power play, over 70 regular-season contests.

Jones notched an assist, two blocked shots and two PIM in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Hurricanes in Game 5.

Jones wasn't a big factor on offense in the Eastern Conference Finals, as this was his first point to go with three shots on net and a plus-3 rating. The defenseman is up to seven points, a plus-9 rating, 20 shots on net, 38 hits and 24 blocked shots over 17 playoff appearances. While he's not making the biggest impact, his defensive work alone will keep him in a top-four role.

Ekblad logged an assist, four hits and two PIM in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Hurricanes in Game 5.

Ekblad finished the Eastern Conference Finals with a goal and four assists over five contests. The defenseman is up to 11 points, 27 shots on net, 38 hits, 17 blocked shots, 26 PIM and a plus-6 rating over 13 playoff appearances. Ekblad will be a key part of the Panthers' defensive structure in all zones as they look to win the Stanley Cup in back-to-back years.

Ekholm (undisclosed) is available to draw into the lineup for Thursday's Game 5 in Dallas, according to Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton.

Although Edmonton has allowed just two goals over its past three games, getting Ekholm back would nevertheless be a meaningful boost to the team's defense. The 35-year-old had nine goals, 33 points, 30 PIM, 143 shots, 42 hits and 95 blocks across 65 regular-season games, but he hasn't played in the 2025 playoffs due to the injury. The Oilers might dress seven defensemen in an effort to ease Ekholm back into the lineup, but a 12-6 split is also an option, especially with Connor Brown (undisclosed) and Zach Hyman (upper body) expected to be unavailable.

Mikkola (upper body) is expected to be available for Game 5 against the Hurricanes on Wednesday, per Eric Engels of Sportsnet.

Mikkola missed Monday's 3-0 loss to Carolina due to the injury. He has three goals, five points, 33 PIM and 40 hits in 15 playoff outings this year. Mikkola's return might result in Uvis Balinskis being a healthy scratch.

Walker (undisclosed) will remain sidelined against the Panthers in Game 5 on Wednesday, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Walker will be on the shelf for his third straight game due to his lingering undisclosed injury. With Jalen Chatfield (undisclosed) also missing out, the Canes will need to once again rely on Alexander Nikishin and Scott Morrow to fill out the blue line.