NHL Player News

Pesce was fighting through a shoulder injury during the playoffs, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports Thursday.

Pesce didn't miss any game action despite being a game-time decision heading into Game 5 on Tuesday. The blueliner picked up two assists in that contest, bringing him to three in five postseason contests. During the regular season, Pesce notched three goals and 14 helpers but missed the 20-point threshold for the second consecutive season. While Pesce offers some value in blocks (138), he doesn't offer enough broad category coverage to be more than a mid-range option in most fantasy leagues.

Parayko offered an assist, two shots on goal, four blocked shots and two PIM in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Jets in Game 5.

Parayko has a goal and three helpers during his three-game point streak. The 31-year-old blueliner has added 12 shots on net, 12 blocked shots, six hits, four PIM and a plus-1 rating over five playoff outings. Parayko is a solid source of all-around production in his top-pairing role at even strength, though he remains fairly limited on the power play.

Fowler notched an assist in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Jets in Game 5.

Fowler continues to be a steady presence on offense with at least one point in all five playoff games. He's earned a goal, eight assists, 10 shots on net, two hits, six blocked shots and a minus-1 rating in the postseason. Fowler is seeing time on the top pairing and first power-play unit, which has allowed him to thrive on offense while also maintaining a decent showing in his own zone.

Samberg produced an assist and went plus-3 in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Blues in Game 5.

This was Samberg's second straight game with a helper. He got on the scoresheet in consecutive contests just three times throughout the regular season. He serves as the more defensive half of a pairing with Neal Pionk, so it's no surprise that Samberg isn't prolific on offense. This postseason, Samberg has two helpers, six shots on net, seven hits, four blocked shots and a plus-3 rating over five appearances.

Pionk logged an assist, three hits, three blocked shots and a plus-4 rating in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Blues in Game 5.

Pionk helped out on a Nino Niederreiter tally in the first period. Pionk is up to two points, 10 shots on net, 13 hits, five blocked shots, a plus-4 rating and 14 PIM across five playoff contests. The 29-year-old blueliner remains in a second-pairing role, which is a spot that should allow him to be a decent all-around contributor for fantasy managers.

DeMelo scored a goal and added three hits in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Blues in Game 5.

DeMelo put the Jets ahead 3-2 at 11:05 of the second period, and the third time was the charm for them to hold the lead. The veteran defenseman has two points, five shots on net, eight hits, six blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating over four playoff appearances. He continues to skate alongside Josh Morrissey on the top pairing, and while DeMelo won't generate a lot of offense, he gets plenty of ice time in a shutdown role.

Savard retired from the NHL after Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Capitals in Game 5.

Savard played in 870 regular-season games and 62 playoff contests between the Blue Jackets, Lightning and Canadiens. The defenseman previously announced his retirement would come at the end of Montreal's playoff run. The 34-year-old accumulated 54 goals and 188 assists in the regular season as well as 17 points in the playoffs during his career.

Carrier (undisclosed) took warmups in his usual top-pairing spot, indicating he's expected to play in Wednesday's Game 5 versus the Capitals, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Carrier was hurt in Sunday's Game 4, but it appears the two days off between games gave him enough time to be ready. He didn't practice Tuesday, but he was labeled a game-time decision Wednesday and looked fine in warmups. Carrier has a goal and an assist over the first four postseason contests.

Heiskanen (knee) will travel with the Stars to Colorado ahead of Game 6 against the Avalanche on Thursday, Sam Nestler of DLLS Stars reports Wednesday.

Heiskanen accompanied the Stars for their road trip to Colorado for Games 3 and 4, but he didn't dress for either of those games, so his traveling doesn't necessarily mean he'll play Thursday. Still, Heiskanen is continuing to make progress, and his situation is worth monitoring. The 25-year-old had five goals and 25 points across 50 outings during the regular season.

Pesce notched two assists, two shots on goal and four blocked shots in Tuesday's 5-4 double-overtime loss to the Hurricanes in Game 5.

Pesce was questionable heading into the game but ultimately suited up for 32:17 of ice time. The defenseman put up three assists, eight shots on net, 18 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over five playoff contests. Pesce just finished the first season of a six-year contract, so he's set to be part of the Devils' defensive core for the remainder of the decade.