NHL Player News

Grubauer (lower body) is not expected to be available Thursday versus the Avalanche.

Grubauer wasn't named by head coach Lane Lambert in pregame, but the fact that Victor Ostman was indicated to be the starter suggests Grubauer remains out. The 34-year-old Grubauer will finish with a 13-12-4 record, a 2.65 GAA and a .909 save percentage in 32 appearances, his best ratios in five years for the Kraken. He'll be in a contract year in 2026-27. If Grubauer's injury isn't too serious, he could also be a contender to be invited in May to the IIHF World Championship for Germany.

Daccord (lower body) is not expected to play Thursday versus the Avalanche.

Head coach Lane Lambert hinted that Victor Ostman would start, and that makes it likely Daccord will not be in uniform since Ostman is up with the big club under emergency conditions. Daccord will end the season at 20-20-6 with a 3.03 GAA and an .896 save percentage, his worst numbers in three years as a starter for the Kraken.

Ostman will guard the road goal versus the Avalanche on Thursday.

Head coach Lane Lambert didn't specifically name Ostman, but referenced the goalie for the game is making his first appearance. That's true for Ostman, who has spent the bulk of the year in the AHL with Coachella Valley, going 17-14-3 with a 2.77 GAA and a .907 save percentage in 35 games. He came up from the AHL over the weekend to provide depth while Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer close out the season on the shelf due to their respective lower-body injuries.

Schwartz (upper body) is expected to miss Thursday's season finale against Colorado, according to Mike Benton of the Kraken Audio Network.

Schwartz will finish the season with 11 goals and 26 points in 50 outings with the Kraken. The 33-year-old has completed his five-year, $27.5 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Skoog was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday.

Skoog had two assists over three games at the NHL level. The 26-year-old forward will rejoin the Checkers ahead of their playoff run. He has 37 points in 59 AHL contests this season.

Hovorka was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday.

Hovorka recorded an assist in four outings with Florida in 2025-26. He also finished the regular season with five goals, 18 points and 44 PIM across 55 appearances with Charlotte. The AHL squad will be participating in the Calder Cup Playoffs, so Hovorka will join the Checkers for that run.

Jansson was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday.

Jansson earned his first assist in his fourth game Wednesday versus the Red Wings. The 22-year-old defenseman will get to keep playing this season as Charlotte gears up for a playoff run with numerous players coming back from NHL stints.

Bjornfot was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday.

Bjornfot will rejoin the Checkers ahead of the start of their playoff run. The 25-year-old had four points over 19 NHL contests this season, his most appearances in any year since 2021-22.

Benning was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday.

Benning's first taste of NHL action saw him record six points over 18 contests this season. He went out with a bang, scoring twice in the regular-season finale versus the Red Wings on Wednesday. Benning will now provide reinforcements for Charlotte ahead of its playoff run.

Alscher was reassigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday.

Alscher will head back to the AHL after earning three assists over his first four NHL games. He'll link up with Charlotte at the tail end of the regular season as the minor-league club prepares for a playoff run.