NHL Player News

Chinakhov (rest) slotted into the Penguins' first line at practice Thursday, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Chinakhov has been a wonder for the Penguins after the team brought him in via trade, racking up 18 goals and 18 assists in 43 appearances. Heading into the playoffs, the 25-year-old winger will suit up on the right side of Sidney Crosby, a plum assignment that figures to see Chinakhov produce at a top level.

Benning scored two goals in Wednesday's 8-1 win over the Red Wings.

The 24-year-rookie scored his first two NHL goals in his 18th game, striking twice in a little over three minutes in the middle of the second period. Benning, a fourth-round pick in the 2020 Draft, has been fairly productive in the AHL since turning pro, scoring eight goals and 31 points in 56 games for Charlotte this season, but with most of the big names on the Florida blue line locked into hefty contracts -- Seth Jones (foot), Aaron Ekblad (finger), Gustav Forsling (undisclosed) and Niko Mikkola (knee) are set to make a combined $23.85 million in 2026-27 -- Benning may have to look elsewhere as a restricted free agent this spring for a chance at a consistent role in the NHL.

Crosby (rest) was in his usual first-line role at Thursday's practice session, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Crosby was rested for two of the Penguins' last three contests, no doubt as part of his recovery from multiple knee injuries this season. Despite missing some time, the veteran center still racked up 74 points in 68 games this season and might have been able to achieve the 90-point mark for the fourth consecutive year were it not for the missed injury time.

Barre-Boulet was recalled from AHL Colorado on Thursday.

The Avalanche play their final game of the regular season Thursday versus Seattle and while it hasn't been decided which regulars will sit this one out before the playoffs, look for Barre-Boulet to play his second NHL game of the campaign. He assisted in his only other game Jan. 19 versus Washington. Barre-Boulet had 26 goals and 70 points in 69 AHL regular-season games this season, leading the Eagles in points.

Kunin scored two goals, one the game-winner, and added an assist in Wednesday's 8-1 rout of the Red Wings.

The 28-year-old center hadn't even produced a multi-point game this season prior to Wednesday, but Kunin took full advantage of the absence of most of Florida's big names in a regular-season finale that had nothing on the line for either team but draft lottery slotting. Kunin managed four goals and 10 points in 62 contests during his first season with the Panthers while adding 123 hits and 47 PIM, and he'll head into free agency this spring looking to land a bottom-six role somewhere.

Polin was recalled from AHL Colorado on Thursday.

Polin played three games at the NHL level this season, picking up eight hits and three blocked shots. He had 10 goals and 11 assists across 45 AHL games and will likely be in the Colorado lineup versus Seattle on Thursday for the regular-season finale.

Moore (lower body) will play for the United States at the 2026 IIHF World Hockey Championship in May, Scott Powers of The Athletic reports.

Moore missed the last 19 games of the regular season with the injury. He was held out late in the campaign as the Blackhawks didn't want to risk further injury, but with the World Championship beginning May 15 in Switzerland, the extra four weeks will be more than enough for Moore to be back at full health. He ended the regular season with five goals and 19 points in 51 games and should vastly increase his point total next season as a 22-year-old.

Tarasov made 24 saves in Wednesday's 8-1 rout over Detroit.

Justin Faulk spoiled his shutout bid late in the second period, but Tarasov was still able to end the regular season on a high note. The 27-year-old posted a 13-15-3 record with a 3.05 GAA and .895 save percentage over 33 outings in 2025-26, and with both Tarasov and Sergei Bobrovsky headed into free agency, the Panthers' crease could look very different next season.

Matheson (rest) was back at practice Thursday after missing the final regular-season game Tuesday, per Eric Engels of Sportsnet.

Matheson had seven goals, 30 assists, 59 hits and 150 blocked shots in 78 regular-season games in 2025-26. He should see plenty of playing time in the playoffs, as a first-unit defenseman. He averaged 24:10 of ice time this season, the most among Montreal rearguards.

Talbot allowed four goals on 12 shots after replacing John Gibson midway through the second period of Wednesday's 8-1 loss to the Panthers.

Neither goalie fared well in the regular-season finale, as the Red Wings seemed mentally checked out at the end of a massively disappointing campaign. Talbot will be a free agent this spring, and the 38-year-old could have trouble landing a secure No. 2 job given his 3.19 GAA and .883 save percentage over 34 outings in 2025-26.