NHL Player News

Stankoven delivered a goal and assist in a 2-0 win over Ottawa in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round on Saturday.

Stankoven's goal opened the scoring and stood as the winner; it came at 2:11 of the second period. He has a reputation for rising to the occasion on big stages, including for Team Canada at the World Juniors in 2022 and 2023, and in the WHL playoffs in the same years. Stankoven could surprise this postseason after establishing new regular-season career marks in goals (21), assists (23), power-play goals (four), power-play points (nine) and shots (166).

Hall had a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Ottawa in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round on Saturday.

Hall ripped into the postseason with eight points, including three goals, in his last six regular-season games. His line was responsible for both of Carolina's goals in Saturday's playoff opener. Center Logan Stankoven had a goal and an assist, and Jackson Blake had two helpers. Carolina often receives criticism for its lack of scoring depth, but the second line was certainly dominant in Game 1.

Ullmark made 27 saves in Saturday's 2-0 loss against the Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round.

The first goal came on a relatively slow-moving shot that appeared to have been redirected in front of the net, allowing the puck to slip under Ullmark's left pad. The second goal came after the netminder froze on a save. The puck rolled off his shoulder and went in the net after it dropped behind Ullmark, and Taylor Hall poked it over the line. Ullmark is off to a strong start this postseason, but he will need his teammates to find twine.

Zub sustained an undisclosed injury during Game 1 against Carolina on Saturday, but head coach Travis Green didn't have an update on his status after the game, per Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal.

Zub had three hits in 7:44 of ice time before exiting Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Hurricanes. The 30-year-old had five goals, 30 points, 57 PIM, 66 hits and 120 blocks in 81 regular-season outings while averaging 20:48 of ice time. If Zub can't play in Game 2 on Monday, then Lassi Thomson might draw into the lineup.

McQueen signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ducks on Saturday.

McQueen's contract will begin in 2026-27. In the meantime, he's been playing for Anaheim's AHL affiliate, San Diego, on an amateur tryout agreement that he inked April 1. McQueen had 11 goals, 27 points and 45 PIM across 36 appearances with Providence College in 2025-26. He's also collected a goal and three points in six regular-season outings with San Diego.

Oettinger will protect the home net in Game 1 against Minnesota on Saturday, Sam Nestler of DLLS Sports reports.

Oettinger posted a 35-12-6 record with four shutouts, a 2.59 GAA and an .899 save percentage across 54 games during the 2025-26 regular season. He has faced the Wild four times this campaign, going 2-1-1 while allowing 11 goals on 130 shots.

Koepke signed a two-year, $2.9 million contract extension with the Jets on Saturday.

Koepke was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his one-year, $1 million contract. He had eight goals, 17 points, 16 PIM, 86 shots and 186 hits in 66 appearances with the Jets this season. Koepke should be in the mix to continue to serve in a bottom-six capacity in the 2026-27 campaign.

Yager was assigned to AHL Manitoba on Saturday.

Yager made his NHL debut against Vegas on Monday. He didn't earn a point in three appearances with the Jets down the stretch, but he provided two shots on goal. Yager has 10 goals and 20 assists in 68 AHL contests this campaign.

Lambert was loaned to AHL Manitoba on Saturday.

Lambert had three goals, six points, 27 shots on net and 22 hits in 25 NHL appearances this season. He also has six goals and seven assists in 34 AHL outings during the 2025-26 campaign.

Hughes (illness) will play in Game 1 against the Stars, per Mark Lazerus of The Athletic.

Hughes is set to return to Minnesota's lineup after missing each of the team's final two regular-season games with an illness. The 26-year-old blueliner posted another elite season with 69 assists, 76 points, 187 shots on net and 87 blocked shots across 74 regular-season games between Vancouver and Minnesota this year. He'll likely jump back into the Wild's top defensive pairing alongside Brock Faber for the opening clash of the team's series against Dallas.