NHL Player News

Chatfield (undisclosed) is set to miss Game 5 against the Panthers on Wednesday, per Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer.

It will be Chatfield's sixth straight game on the shelf. He has a goal, eight shots, nine hits and 11 blocks across nine playoff outings this year. Sean Walker (undisclosed) is also expected to remain out of the lineup Wednesday, which makes it likely that Scott Morrow and Alexander Nikishin will play.

Harley logged a power-play assist and went minus-2 in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Oilers in Game 4.

Harley's strong first two rounds of the playoffs have given way to struggles in the Western Conference Finals. He's minus-4 with six PIM over four games versus the Oilers, and his helper Tuesday was his first point in the series. The 23-year-old blueliner has 12 points, a minus-9 rating, 30 shots on net, 36 blocked shots, 21 hits and 10 PIM through 17 playoff appearances.

Kulak logged an assist and two blocked shots in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Stars in Game 4.

Kulak is on a three-game point streak, earning a goal and two assists in that span. The defenseman is up to five points, 16 shots on net, 29 blocked shots, 13 hits and a plus-8 rating over 15 playoff appearances. Kulak continues to handle heavy defensive minutes, though he can chip in a little depth scoring as well.

Walman provided an assist, two shots on goal and three blocked shots in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Stars in Game 4.

Walman has a helper in two of the last three games. He's now at four points, a plus-13 rating, 24 shots on net, 40 blocked shots and 21 hits over 15 playoff contests. He continues to be utilized in a more defensive way, so don't expect a significant uptick in his scoring for the rest of the postseason.

Ekholm (undisclosed) will not be available for Game 4 against the Stars on Tuesday, per Ryan Rishaug of TSN.

Ekholm last suited up in the regular season April 11 against San Jose, so his ice time will most likely be managed once he's cleared to return to the lineup. Troy Stecher will probably be a healthy scratch when that time comes. Ekholm's next chance to play will be in Game 5 on Thursday in Dallas.

Ekholm (undisclosed) is a game-time decision for Tuesday's Game 4 versus Dallas, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

Ekholm has yet to get into a postseason contest due to his lingering undisclosed injury. In his 65 regular-season appearances this year, the veteran blueliner notched nine goals and 24 assists, including seven power-play points, and could offer decent depth production once cleared to play.

Chatfield (undisclosed) isn't expected to play in Game 4 against Florida on Monday, per Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site.

Chatfield will miss his fifth straight game. He hasn't been skating recently, making it unclear when he will be available to return should the Hurricanes extend the series. The 29-year-old Chatfield has one goal, eight shots on net, 11 blocked shots and nine hits across nine appearances this postseason. With Chatfield and Sean Walker (undisclosed) unavailable, Scott Morrow and Alexander Nikishin will be in the lineup for Monday's must-win matchup versus the Panthers.

Walker (undisclosed) is not expected to be in the lineup for Game 4 against the Panthers on Monday.

Walker's absence will stretch a blue line that is already without Jalen Chatfield (undisclosed). As a result, both Scott Morrow and Alexander Nikishin will be in the lineup again for the Hurricanes in a must-win Game 4. The 30-year-old Walker had been contributing offensively prior to getting hurt, generating one goal and two assists in his last four outings.

Mikkola (upper body) will not be an option against Carolina in Game 4 on Monday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Mikkola was originally expected to be ready for Game 4 after getting injured in Game 3 on Saturday, but he will be sidelined for a potential series-clinching contest. After being blanked in his first nine postseason contests, the 29-year-old defenseman has found his offensive game, recording four points in the first three games of this series. With Mikkola out, Uvis Balinskis will step into the lineup.

Brannstrom signed a three-year contract with Lausanne HC of Switzerland's National League on Monday.

Brannstrom collected three goals, eight points, 33 shots on net, 39 blocked shots and 14 hits across 28 regular-season appearances with Vancouver in 2024-25 before ultimately being dealt to the Sabres via the Rangers at the trade deadline. He also earned eight goals and 15 assists in 27 AHL regular-season outings between Abbotsford, Hartford and Rochester in the 2024-25 campaign. Brannstrom is eligible for restricted free agency in July, and the Sabres can retain his NHL rights by issuing him a qualifying offer.