NHL Player News

Joshua (upper body) is doubtful to return to the lineup this season, David Alter of The Hockey News reports Thursday.

Joshua was injured Wednesday versus the Capitals. The 29-year-old's season is likely over, with the winger producing 18 points, 52 shots on net, 195 hits and 49 PIM across 55 appearances. The Maple Leafs haven't revealed if this injury will be a concern for 2026-27.

Akhtyamov made 39 saves in a 5-3 loss to the Islanders on Thursday.

Akhtyamov was absolutely shelled in the first period -- the Islanders were inspired by the arrival of new coach Pete DeBoer and outshot the Maple Leafs 23-3. Akhtyamov, in his first NHL start, stopped 21 that frame. The rookie will stick with the team with Anthony Stolarz sidelined with a lower-body injury and waiting on imaging. Akhtyamov will act as a backup for Joseph Woll.

Dostal will guard the home goal versus the Sharks on Thursday, Ducks PA Announcer Phil Hulett reports.

Dostal will be looking to end his personal four-game losing streak as well as the Ducks' six-game slide. He's allowed 18 goals during his skid. The Sharks are on the second half of a back-to-back after Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers.

Gibson (undisclosed) left Thursday's game against Philadelphia and is questionable to return.

Gibson stopped 13 of 15 shots before exiting the match midway through the second period. Cam Talbot stepped into the game as a result of Gibson's injury. The Red Wings have been leaning heavily on Gibson, using him in 16 of their past 17 games, including Thursday's action, but if he's forced to miss time, then Talbot will assume the No. 1 duties. Detroit is battling to earn the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. After the tilt against Philadelphia, Detroit will have three games remaining on its regular-season schedule.

Josi (upper body) won't play Thursday versus the Mammoth.

Josi was a participant in warmups, but ultimately he wasn't able to suit up. That's a big blow to the Predators' blue line, as the team will have to play at least one game without its top defenseman. Jordan Oesterle will draw into the lineup in place of Josi.

Strome (illness) isn't in the lineup versus the Avalanche on Thursday.

Strome was a surprise absence for warmups Thursday. Tyson Gross will draw into the lineup, while John Beecher is expected to move up to Strome's spot on the third line. Strome's status for Saturday in Seattle hasn't been determined at this time.

Slavin will not play in Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks.

While officially sitting out for undisclosed reasons, it's likely Slavin is resting after an injury-plagued campaign. It's unclear how many of the Hurricanes' last three games he'll play in, but the team will be cautious with its top shutdown defenseman.

Martinook (undisclosed) will miss Thursday's game against Chicago.

Martinook has 12 goals, 27 points, 35 PIM and 111 hits in 74 outings with Carolina in 2025-26. The Hurricanes are scratching several veteran forwards with the playoffs around the corner, so Martinook might simply be out of the lineup to give him some time off before the postseason.

Staal will be rested for Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks.

Staal recently battled an undisclosed injury, and the team once again listed his absence as undisclosed, but this is clearly rest and maintenance since the Hurricanes have secured home ice through two rounds of the playoffs. He'll be questionable to play the rest of the games this season.

Askarov will get the start in Thursday's road game versus the Ducks, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Askarov has allowed 12 goals on 90 shots over his last three games, though he's come away with a 2-1-0 record in that span. One of those wins came against the Ducks on April 1 when he stopped 28 of 31 shots in a 4-3 victory. He's working the second half of a back-to-back after Alex Nedeljkovic struggled in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers.