NHL Player News

Verhaeghe (undisclosed) won't play Saturday versus the Maple Leafs, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

The Panthers arguably have more talent out of the lineup than in it at this point, with Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett (undisclosed) the latest players to exit. Verhaeghe's status for the final two games of the season is unclear, but it wouldn't be surprising if he got shut down with Florida eliminated from playoff contention.

Sandin sustained a right leg injury in Saturday's game versus the Penguins, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

Sandin's status wasn't clear after the game, leaving him questionable to suit up in Sunday's rematch against the Penguins. If the 26-year-old misses time, the Capitals will need to turn to one of Timothy Liljegren, Declan Chisholm or Dylan McIlrath to take his place in the lineup.

Tkachuk (undisclosed) left Saturday's 3-0 win over the Islanders in the second period, TSN reports.

Tkachuk tried to return near the end of the second period and at the start of the third stanza, but he missed most of the final frame. He appeared hurt after Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock's stick made contact with the forward's head or neck. It's unclear if Tkachuk will play against New Jersey on Sunday.

Del Mastro (undisclosed) wasn't an option for Saturday's game against St. Louis due to an injury, per Tracey Myers of NHL.com.

Del Mastro has no points, 14 shots, 18 PIM, 18 hits and 20 blocks in 17 NHL outings in 2025-26. He's averaged just 14:01 of ice time when he's in the lineup. It's unclear if he will be available to return before the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Vaakanainen (upper body) will play against Dallas on Saturday, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports.

Following an 11-game absence, Vaakanainen will replace Drew Fortescue in Saturday's lineup. The 27-year-old Vaakanainen has six assists, 22 shots on goal, 26 blocked shots and 11 hits in 33 appearances this season.

Lundkvist (illness) isn't playing Saturday versus the Rangers, per the NHL media site.

Lundkvist has three goals and 11 points in 51 outings in 2025-26. This will be his second straight game on the shelf. Lundkvist's next opportunity to return will come Monday in Toronto.

Staal (undisclosed) will play against Utah on Saturday, according to Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site.

Staal sat out Thursday's 7-2 win over Chicago. He has collected 19 goals, 34 points, 103 shots on net and 166 hits in 74 appearances this season.

Dubois won't return to Saturday's game against Pittsburgh due to an upper-body injury.

Dubois registered an assist in 7:02 of ice time before exiting the game. He has five goals and 18 points in 28 outings this season, including Saturday's action. If Dubois can't play in Washington's rematch against the Penguins on Sunday, then David Kampf might draw into the lineup.

Hall (undisclosed) won't play against Utah on Saturday.

Hall had three goals and three assists over a five-game point streak, which will end due to Saturday's absence. He has accounted for 18 goals, 48 points, 136 shots on net and 53 hits in 79 appearances this season.

Blake (undisclosed) won't be in the lineup for Saturday's game against Utah.

While Blake's reason for missing the game is listed as undisclosed, he's probably resting ahead of the playoffs. He has 22 goals and 52 points in 79 appearances in 2025-26.