NHL Player News

McLeod (rest) was at practice Saturday and will return to action for Game 1 versus Boston on Sunday, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.

McLeod missed his first game of the campaign against Dallas on Wednesday. He ended the 2025-26 regular season with 14 goals and 54 points in 81 regular-season appearances. Heading into the playoffs, he will center the second line. McLeod also should see time on the power play and penalty kill.

Thompson (rest) will return to the lineup for Game 1 versus Boston on Sunday, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports.

Thompson was given the night off against Dallas on Wednesday, as the Sabres had already clinched first place in the Atlantic Division. Thompson had 40 goals and 41 assists in 81 games during the 2025-26 regular season, the third time he has hit the 40-goal mark in the last four campaigns.

Bogosian (lower body) is expected to return to the lineup against Dallas on Saturday in Game 1, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Bogosian sat out the final six games of the regular season due to an injury. However, he should return to the lineup in Minnesota's playoff opener. During the 2025-26 regular season, he provided two goals, six points, 30 shots on net, 37 blocked shots and 47 hits in 41 appearances.

Vladar will defend the road cage against Pittsburgh in Game 1 on Saturday, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports.

Vladar was a major reason why the Flyers are in the playoffs. He posted a 29-14-7 record with a 2.42 GAA and a .906 save percentage across 52 regular-season contests in 2025-26. However, he did struggle against the Penguins, going 1-1-0 while allowing eight goals on only 50 shots.

Jarventie scored twice in AHL Bakersfield's 5-2 win over San Jose on Friday.

Jarventie has managed 23 goals and 47 points over 60 outings this season. The winger has six goals and four assists over his last six games for the Condors. Jarventie could be a call-up option during the Oilers' playoff run given his recent scoring success.

Poulin scored two goals in AHL Bakersfield's 5-2 win over San Jose on Friday.

Poulin's offense has reached another level this season with 21 goals and 49 points over 70 appearances between Bakersfield and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Both of those marks are career highs for him. Poulin hasn't made his Oilers debut yet since he was dealt from the Penguins as part of the Tristan Jarry trade.

Connors scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Ontario's 4-1 win over San Diego on Friday.

Connors crossed the 40-point mark for the season with this effort. He's at 15 goals, 41 points and a plus-18 rating over 65 outings this season as an AHL rookie. He also made two regular-season appearances in the NHL, but it could be a while before he's a regular for the Kings.

Alexandrov scored twice and added an assist in AHL Ontario's 4-1 win over San Diego on Friday.

Alexandrov has four goals and four assists over his last five outings. For the season, he's produced 16 goals, 40 assists, 144 shots and a minus-20 rating over 66 appearances between Ontario and Springfield. Ontario is the top team in the AHL's Pacific Division, so Alexandrov may be in line for a lengthy playoff run with the team.

Nielsen scored twice in AHL Colorado's 5-2 loss to Calgary on Friday.

Nielsen has four goals and three assists over his last five games. For the year, he's at a career-best 28 goals and 49 points over 66 appearances. Nielsen will look to keep rolling in the AHL postseason, and he's under contract with the Avalanche for 2026-27.

Hunt scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Calgary's 5-2 win over Colorado on Friday.

Hunt reached the 60-point mark for the year with this performance. He's at 18 goals, 42 assists, 132 shots on net and 64 PIM across 51 appearances for the Wranglers this year. The 30-year-old forward is under contract for 2026-27 and should continue to serve mostly as an AHL veteran who can fill in at the NHL level if necessary.