NHL Player News

Girard (rest) was on the ice for Thursday's practice session, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Girard has yet to find the back of the net since joining the Penguins at the deadline, producing seven helpers, 10 shots and 21 blocks while paired up with Kris Letang. While the 27-year-old Girard has yet to see much in the way of power-play ice time with Pittsburgh, it's a role he has filled in the past and could do so again if called upon.

Walker (undisclosed) will return to the lineup for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports Thursday.

Walker was one of many Carolina players who got the night off Tuesday to rest for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Walker had nine goals, 22 assists, 179 shots on goal, 141 hits and 125 blocked shots over 81 regular-season games this season.

Miller (undisclosed) was at practice Thursday after missing Tuesday's tilt against the Islanders, per Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News.

The Hurricanes rested a multitude of players in the final week of the season after clinching first place in the Metropolitan Division. Miller completed the 2025-26 regular season with eight goals, 29 assists, 101 hits and 79 blocked shots over 72 outings.

Rakell (rest) was back on the ice for Thursday's practice session, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Rakell was limited to just 60 regular-season games this year, tallying 24 goals and 24 helpers, including 16 power-play points along the way. The Swede has found himself primarily shifted to center this season, allowing Evgeni Malkin to move to the wing. In addition to anchoring the second line, Rakell should continue to feature on the No. 1 power-play unit.

Chatfield (undisclosed) was back at practice Thursday after missing the final game of the regular season Tuesday against the Islanders, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports.

Chatfield lined up alongside Jaccob Slavin on the first unit. The defenseman had two goals and 17 points in 72 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.

Malkin (rest) was back at practice Thursday, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Malkin looks good to go for the first-round playoff series versus the Flyers after sitting out two of the Penguins' last three contests. Since the Olympic break, the veteran forward has racked up six goals and 11 helpers in 15 outings, having been limited by injury and a suspension.

Slavin (undisclosed) was back at practice Thursday, and is healthy to play when the playoffs begin on the weekend, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports.

Slavin missed the final two games of the regular season, and it was likely to rest him for the upcoming playoffs. Slavin had one goal and seven assists in 39 regular-season games this year, missing 39 of the Hurricanes' first 42 contests with a variety of injuries.

Lundell (ribs) has committed to play for Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic on Thursday.

Lundell suffered the rib injury March 19 in Edmonton and missed the final 14 games of the regular season. He had 18 goals and 26 assists in 64 games this season, playing on the top line with the absence of Aleksander Barkov (knee) for the season. He is expected to see a middle-six role next season, and that could affect his point total.

Rust (rest) was working on the first line at Thursday's practice, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Rust just missed out on reaching the 30-goal mark for the second straight year, tallying 29 times in 72 contests. Along with Egor Chinakhov, Rust figures to continue flanking long-time running mate Sidney Crosby while also joining him on the No. 1 power-play unit. As such, Rust figures to have high-end fantasy value in postseason pools.

Tkachuk picked up two assists in Wednesday's 8-1 win over Detroit.

The 28-year-old winger returned from a four-game absence due to the birth of his child and was essentially the only big name left in the Florida lineup for the regular-season finale, and Tkachuk chipped in with helpers on goals by Luke Kunin in the second period and Cole Reinhardt in the third. Tkachuk wraps up an injury-plagued campaign with 13 goals and 34 points in just 31 contests, but if he can stay on the ice in 2026-27 he should be one of the key members of the Panthers' offense.