NHL Player News

Gibson left Thursday's game versus the Flyers due to neck stiffness after a collision in his crease, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Head coach Todd McLellan added that Gibson is not in concussion protocol, which is a big positive. Gibson is expected to be fine but will be monitored in the coming days to see how he recovers. It's unclear if he'll be able to play Saturday versus the Devils, but if he's healthy, expect him to be in uniform since the Red Wings are still battling for a playoff spot.

Lankinen (upper body) is not suiting up Thursday versus the Kings, per the NHL media site.

Lankinen will be out for a third straight game -- one due to an illness and the last two due to injury. Nikita Tolopilo continues to fill the starting role while Jiri Patera serves as backup. It's unclear if the Canucks will push Lankinen to get back on the ice over the final week of the season.

Heiskanen (lower body) is questionable to return to Thursday's game versus the Wild.

Heiskanen was injured on a check by Ryan Hartman in the first period. The 26-year-old Heiskanen's questionable label is moderately encouraging, but the Stars really don't need to risk further injury for the defensemen, especially in this game against their first-round playoff opponent.

Carrick (arm) won't be ready for the start of the postseason, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports Thursday.

Carrick is still considered week-to-week. The 34-year-old will fill a fourth-line role once he's healthy again, but it's unclear when that will happen, as the Sabres haven't provided a firm timeline for his return.

Schaefer scored a goal Thursday in a 5-3 win over Toronto on Thursday.

Schaefer's dominant season continues. The goal is No. 23, which ties him with Brian Leetch (1988-89) as the all-time NHL rookie defenseman goal leader, and he's only 18 years old. Schaefer has 59 points, 108 blocks, 209 shots and a plus-16 rating. He already sits in a tie with Jakob Chychrun for 11th overall in scoring from the blue line.

Joshua (upper body) is doubtful to return to the lineup this season, David Alter of The Hockey News reports Thursday.

Joshua was injured Wednesday versus the Capitals. The 29-year-old's season is likely over, with the winger producing 18 points, 52 shots on net, 195 hits and 49 PIM across 55 appearances. The Maple Leafs haven't revealed if this injury will be a concern for 2026-27.

Akhtyamov made 39 saves in a 5-3 loss to the Islanders on Thursday.

Akhtyamov was absolutely shelled in the first period -- the Islanders were inspired by the arrival of new coach Pete DeBoer and outshot the Maple Leafs 23-3. Akhtyamov, in his first NHL start, stopped 21 that frame. The rookie will stick with the team with Anthony Stolarz sidelined with a lower-body injury and waiting on imaging. Akhtyamov will act as a backup for Joseph Woll.

Dostal will guard the home goal versus the Sharks on Thursday, Ducks PA Announcer Phil Hulett reports.

Dostal will be looking to end his personal four-game losing streak as well as the Ducks' six-game slide. He's allowed 18 goals during his skid. The Sharks are on the second half of a back-to-back after Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers.

Gibson (undisclosed) left Thursday's game against Philadelphia and is questionable to return.

Gibson stopped 13 of 15 shots before exiting the match midway through the second period. Cam Talbot stepped into the game as a result of Gibson's injury. The Red Wings have been leaning heavily on Gibson, using him in 16 of their past 17 games, including Thursday's action, but if he's forced to miss time, then Talbot will assume the No. 1 duties. Detroit is battling to earn the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. After the tilt against Philadelphia, Detroit will have three games remaining on its regular-season schedule.

Josi (upper body) won't play Thursday versus the Mammoth.

Josi was a participant in warmups, but ultimately he wasn't able to suit up. That's a big blow to the Predators' blue line, as the team will have to play at least one game without its top defenseman. Jordan Oesterle will draw into the lineup in place of Josi.