NHL Player News

Manson (upper body) won't play Tuesday versus the Flames, per the NHL media site.

Manson also missed Monday's game versus the Oilers. The Avalanche won't rush him back from this injury, so expect Jack Ahcan in the lineup Tuesday and potentially also Thursday versus the Kraken. Manson's status for the start of the playoffs hasn't been announced.

Makar (upper body) is expected to be in the lineup Tuesday versus the Flames, Conor McGahey of Altitude TV reports.

Makar was a full participant in Monday's morning skate, and it looks like he'll return Tuesday. The defenseman will be on the top pairing against his hometown team. Makar may still have his minutes managed since the Avalanche have nothing to gain by going all out in this contest.

Lehkonen (undisclosed) is slated to be in the lineup Tuesday versus the Flames, Conor McGahey of Altitude TV reports.

Lehkonen took warmups while Brock Nelson (undisclosed) didn't. With only 12 healthy forwards on the roster, it's safe to assume Lehkonen will be able to dress in this contest after sitting out Monday versus the Oilers. He should be in a top-six role.

Toews (undisclosed) is sitting out Tuesday versus the Flames for maintenance reasons, Conor McGahey of Altitude TV reports.

Toews will get some rest ahead of the playoffs. The Avalanche are expected to get Cale Makar (upper body) for this contest, which will be more than enough to cover Toews' absence. It's unclear if Toews will play Thursday versus the Kraken.

Nelson (undisclosed) is reportedly out for maintenance reasons Tuesday versus the Flames, Conor McGahey of Altitude TV reports.

Nelson's absence will thin out the Avalanche's center depth even more, but it doesn't appear to be a significant concern for the postseason. The 34-year-old's absence will push Parker Kelly to center. Nelson's status for Thursday at home versus the Flames has yet to be revealed.

Marino (upper body) is expected to be in the lineup Tuesday versus the Jets.

Marino missed two games due to the injury, but he was listed on the second pairing in the projected lineup and took part in warmups. Assuming Marino is able to play, Dmitri Simashev will come out.

Blackwood will guard the road goal versus the Flames on Tuesday.

Blackwood will get the nod after Scott Wedgewood started Monday in a 2-1 shootout win over the Oilers. The 29-year-old Blackwood has won just one of his last five outings, allowing 16 goals on 126 shots in that span. He's maintained his playing time for now, but if he continues to struggle, he could lose opportunities in the postseason.

Binnington will guard the home goal versus the Penguins on Tuesday, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.

Binnington is handling the second half of a back-to-back against a Penguins team making significant lineup changes for rest. The 32-year-old goalie is 4-2-1 with just 13 goals allowed on 161 shots (.919 save percentage) over his last seven games, but he has slipped to second on the depth chart since Joel Hofer has played well down the stretch. The Blues play once more after Tuesday, when they visit the Mammoth on Thursday.

Zacha exited Tuesday's game versus the Devils to attend to a personal matter.

Zacha will be away from the team for a bit to attend to this matter. The 29-year-old's availability for the start of the playoffs will be revealed at a later time once he rejoins his teammates.

Dostal will guard the road goal versus the Wild on Tuesday, per the NHL media site.

Dostal will face a vastly depleted Wild lineup, which sees nine players out of action. The Ducks still have positioning to play for, so they'll turn to their No. 1. Dostal has struggled in April, going 1-3-1 with 20 goals allowed on 120 shots over his last five games.