NHL Hockey Player News

Pautov was a sixth-round pick, 173rd overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old Russian forward has spent the past several seasons playing in Russia in the Supreme Hockey League (VHL). He had five points (1G / 4A) in 25 games with Moscow Zvedza (VHL) in 2025-26.

Fresh off of a Memorial Cup victory with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL), Pridham's rights have been acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 20-year-old forward was a third-round pick, 92nd overall, of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He scored 90 points (46G / 44A) this season in 65 games with Kitchener.

Silayev was drafted 10th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old Russian defenseman has yet to play professionally in North America. He spent the 2025-26 season in the KHL, where he tallied three points (1G / 2A) in 61 games with the Nyzhny Novgorod Torpedo.

The Canadiens will turn to Dobes between the pipes with their season on the line in Carolina on Friday. The 24-year-old netminder was once again outstanding in a losing effort in Game 4, turning away 40 of the 43 shots he faced in the 4-0 loss. Just as they've been all series, the Habs are sizable underdogs in a must-win Game 5, entering action at +200 on the money line.

Andersen saved all 18 shots he faced in Tuesday's 4-0 Game Four win over the Montreal Canadiens, setting a franchise record for three shutouts in a single postseason, and more importantly, helping his team take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The 36-year-old goalie has battled occasional inconsistencies in previous playoff runs, but has been terrific this year, posting a stellar 1.44 GAA and .928 SV% in 12 games (11-1). The Hurricanes hope to advance to the Stanley Cup finals with a victory, entering Game Five as sizeable -239 home favourites.

Tampa Bay announced Friday that they have signed their 2025 4th round pick (108th overall) to a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday. The 20-year-old Finnish forward enjoyed an impressive third season with Tappara of Liiga in 2025-26, picking up 25 goals, 77 points and a +24 plus/minus in 59 games played.

Nilsson was Nashville's 2023 2nd round pick (43rd overall) and has earned himself a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday. The 20-year-old Swedish forward spent 2025-26 with Rogle BK (SHL) and had 14 goals, 40 points and a +18 plus/minus in 52 games played.

Richard was a sixth-round pick, 170th overall, of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old American forward recently finished his third season with the University of Connecticut, scoring 27 points (10G / 17A) in 38 games.

Andersen saved all 18 shots he faced in Tuesday's 4-0 Game Four win over the Montreal Canadiens, setting a franchise record for three shutouts in a single postseason, and more importantly, helping his team take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The 36-year-old goalie has battled occasional inconsistencies in previous playoff runs, but has been terrific this year, posting a stellar 1.44 GAA and .928 SV% in 12 games (11-1). The Hurricanes hope to advance to the Stanley Cup finals with a victory, entering Game Five as sizeable -239 home favourites.

Biber was Utah's 2024 4th round pick (98th overall) and has earned himself a three-year entry-level contract on Thursday. The 19-year-old Austrian defensemen spent 2025-26 with Rogle BK (SHL), and had a goal, two points and 12 PIMs in 38 games played in Sweden's top league.

After a successful first season in Germany's top leageu with EHC Munchen, Phillip Sinn has earned himself a two-year, entry-level contract with San Jose on Thursday. The 22-year-old undrafted defensemen turned heads after representing Germany at both the Olympics and World Championships. He had a goal and three points in 35 games with EHC Munchen (DEL) in 2025-26.

Andersen has not had the same dominance he had through the first two rounds of the playoffs, posting a 1.12 GAA and .950 SV% in eight games (8-0), but has remained a steady option between the pipes for the Hurricanes. The 36-year-old Andersen has faced only 46 shots through three games against the Montreal Canadiens, allowing nine goals (.804 SV%), but has made some timely saves to help ensure a 2-1 series lead. The Hurricanes enter a pivotal Game Four as -147 road favourites.

For the first time this postseason, Dobes has lost two straight, but will look to rebound on Wednesday in Game Four. Despite being in a 2-1 series deficit, Dobes has remained reliable between the pipes, posting a 2.43 GAA and .914 SV%. The 25-year-old Czech goalie has a 2.50 GAA and .911 SV% through 17 outings this postseason (9-8). The Canadiens hope to even the series against the Carolina Hurricanes at 2-2, entering Game Four as +132 home underdogs.

For the first time this postseason, Dobes has lost two straight, but will look to rebound on Wednesday in Game Four. Despite being in a 2-1 series deficit, Dobes has remained reliable between the pipes, posting a 2.43 GAA and .914 SV%. The 25-year-old Czech goalie has a 2.50 GAA and .911 SV% through 17 outings this postseason (9-8). The Canadiens hope to even the series against the Carolina Hurricanes at 2-2, entering Game Four as +132 home underdogs.

Andersen has not had the same dominance he had through the first two rounds of the playoffs, posting a 1.12 GAA and .950 SV% in eight games (8-0), but has remained a steady option between the pipes for the Hurricanes. The 36-year-old Andersen has faced only 46 shots through three games against the Montreal Canadiens, allowing nine goals (.804 SV%), but has made some timely saves to help ensure a 2-1 series lead. The Hurricanes enter a pivotal Game Four as -147 road favourites.

Nichushkin exited Sunday's 5-3 Game Three loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the second period after only playing 8:34 time-on-ice. The 31-year-old Nichushkin is the latest injury concern for an Avalanche team that has trouble staying healthy as they trail their third-round series 3-0. Nichushkin has four points (2G / 2A) in 12 games this postseason.

The Vegas Golden Knights have been outshot 104-73 by the Colorado Avalanche through three games, but find themselves with a commanding 3-0 series lead, due in part to exquisite goaltending from Carter Hart. The 27-year-old Hart has been riding a hot streak lately, winning five straight games this postseason, while boasting a tremendous 1.78 GAA and .948 SV%. Hart and the Golden Knights hope to sweep the Avalanche and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, entering Game Four on Tuesday as slight -101 home underdogs.

Malkin, a future Hall-of-Fame player, was drafted 2nd-overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and has been with the team for his entire career, which will continue for at least one more season after signing a one-year, $5.5 million contract extension. The 39-year-old Malkin had an excellent 2025-26 season, despite battling injuries, scoring 61 points (19G / 42A) in 56 games. It marked his best offensive production (1.09 PTS / GP) since the 2019-20 season (1.35 PTS / GP).