NHL Hockey Player News

Ekblad was suspended for two games for elblowing Brandon Hagel in Game 4 vs. the Lightning, but will be back in the lineup for Game 2 in Toronto. Ekblad has missed 22 of the last 24 games due to multiple suspensions, but made an impact in his only two games, scoring one goal with three SOG (eight attempts), six hits and four blocked shots.

The Panthers selected Jansson in the fourth-round (No.125 overall) in 2022. The 21-year-old defenseman spent the 2024-25 season in the SHL, where he scored one goal with three assists (four points) in 50 games with Lulea HF. Expect him to report to Charlotte (AHL) if he makes the move to North America in 2025-26.

Brown spent most of the 2024-25 season in the AHL, where he had 46 points (17G / 29A) in 56 games for Providence. During his time in the NHL, he had just one assist in 15 games. Expect him to be a fringe NHLer in 2025-26 as well.

Korczak will fill in for Alex Pietrangelo, who was a surprise scratch for Game 1 due to an illness. Korczak is yet to play in the post-season, though he did appear in 40 regular season games for the Golden Knights this season, logging ten assists, 40 blocked shots, and 59 hits.

Pietrangelo was a surprise scratch for Game 1, with the Golden Knights not announcing his absence until the start of warmups. Kaedan Korczak will draw into the lineup in his place. Pietrangelo will have two days to shake off the illness before Vegas hosts the Oilers for Game 2 on Thursday.

Jankowski appeared to suffer the injury during the second period on Tuesday and was unable to return. We should get an update on his status ahead of Game 2 on Thursday.

The Golden Knights will unsurprisingly stick with Hill between the pipes for the opening clash of their second round series. Hill finished round one on a high after struggling in the first few games against the Wild. The 28-year-old netminder guided the Golden Knights to three straight victories to close out the series, posting a .918 SV% in the process. Hill and the Golden Knights enter action on Tuesday at -140 on the money line.

Stanley missed Game 7 vs. the Blues with an undisclosed injury and is considered questionable for Game 1 vs. the Stars. The Jets didn't provide much of an update on his status after Tuesday's practice, so monitor his status during Wednesday's morning skate.

Morrissey suffered an upper-body injury in the Jets' Game 7 win over the Blues, but returned to practice on Tuesday. The Jets didn't provide much of an update on his status after the session, so monitor his status during Wednesday's morning skate.

Scheifele has skated for the past several days and appears to be getting close to returning to the Jets' lineup. The team wouldn't commit to him playing in Game 1, so he remains day-to-day and is considered a game-time decision for Wednesday.

Heiskanen was on the ice again on Tuesday but did not participate in line rushes or PP drills, suggesting that he will not be in the lineup for Game 1 on Wednesday. Thomas Harley and Esa Lindell will continue to man the PP units for the Stars while Heiskanen is out.

Blackwell did not participate in Tuesday's practice, and it doesn't sound like he'll be available for Game 1 on Wednesday. Luckily for the Stars, it looks like Jason Robertson may return to take Blackwell's spot in the lineup.

Robertson missed the entire first round with a knee injury he suffered in the Stars' season finale, but it looks like he could play in Game 1 vs. the Jets. Robertson was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, skating on a line with Wyatt Johnston and Mason Marchment and on the second power-play unit. Expect an update following Wednesday's morning skate.

The Golden Knights did not have an update on Dorofeyev's status, other than to say he won't play in Game 1. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy said he hopes to have an update before Game 2.

Krug is dealing with a pre-arthritic condition in his left ankle and Blues' GM Doug Armstrong doesn't expect him to play in the NHL again. He didn't completely shut the door on a Krug return, but it doesn't sound likely. If we've in fact seen the last of Krug, he finishes his career with 483 points (89G / 394A) in 778 career games with the Bruins and Blues.

Holloway hasn't play since April 3rd vs. Pittsburgh and underwent an undisclosed surgery which ended his season prematurely. The Blues did not disclose details on the procedure but said they expect Holloway to be ready for training camp in the fall. He will be looking to build on a career-year, where he had 63 points (26G / 37A) in 77 games in his first season with the Blues.

Pickard allowed four goals on 27 shots in the Oilers' Game 6 win over the Kings. Pickard provided exactly what the Oilers needed in Round 1, going 4-0 with a. 2.93 GAA and .893 SV% after taking over for Stuart Skinner in Game 2. Pickard hasn't been spectacular this season but he's done just enough to win 70 percent of the games he's started. In his only start vs. Vegas this season, Pickard stopped 20 of 22 shots in a 3-2 win in early-April.

Thompson stopped 28 of 29 shots in the Capitals' Game 5 win over the Canadiens. Thompson was outstanding in Round 1, going 4-1 with a 2.23 GAA and .923 SV% in five games. Tonight he'll face the Hurricanes in Game 1. He only played vs. Carolina once this season. Thompson allowed three goals on 12 shots in that game before leaving with an injury that would cost him the rest of the regular season.