The Florida Panthers have completed the 2024-25 season and, no longer in need of reserves, have assigned Jesse Puljujarvi, Rasmus Asplund, and Matt Kiersted to the Charlotte Checkers (AHL). Kiersted has 27 points (1G / 27A) in 63 games with Charlotte this season.
Minnesota can clinch a playoff spot by recording a single point against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. Gustavsson will be tending the twine, looking to build on his 2.57 GAA and .914 SV% through 57 games this season (31-19-6). After a stellar March performance, the 26-year-old Gustavsson has struggled in April, posting a 3.33 GAA and .881 SV% in five games (2-2-1). Still, Minnesota enters Tuesday's contest as sizeable -251 home favorites against an Anaheim team outscored 10-3 during a two-game losing skid (0-2-0).
Buium was Minnesota's 12th-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old defenseman just completed his second season with the University of Denver, scoring 48 points (13G / 35A) in 41 games.
Middleton has not played since April 4th but he will draw back into Minnesota's lineup on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks. The 29-year-old Middleton is averaging 21:56 time-on-ice and 20 points (8G / 12A) in 66 games this season.
Spurgeon did not play Minnesota's previous game but he will re-enter the lineup on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks. The 35-year-old Spurgeon is averaging 20:26 time-on-ice and has 32 points (7G / 25A) in 65 games this season.
Middleton will be held out for a third consecutive game on Friday in Calgary. Middleton has been great in banger leagues this season, posting 20 points (8G / 12A) to go along with 1.4 SOG, 1.5 hits and 2.4 BS per game.
Middleton missed the last two games with an upper-body injury, but could draw back into the lineup on Friday in Calgary. Middleton has been great in banger leagues this season, posting 20 points (8G / 12A) to go along with 1.4 SOG, 1.5 hits and 2.4 BS per game.
Minnesota will turn to Gustavsson in the crease on Friday as they can virtually cement a berth in the playoffs with a win over the Calgary Flames. Gustavsson was solid in his most recent outing, saving 23 of 25 shots (.920 SV%) in a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars. The 26-year-old netminder has a solid 2.54 GAA and .915 SV% in 55 appearances this season (30-18-6). Minnesota enters Friday's contest as -116 road favorites against a Calgary team with points in four straight (2-0-2).
Justin Brazeau will be a healthy scratch on Friday against the Calgary Flames, allowing Hinostroza to re-enter the lineup. The 31-year-old Hinostroza is averaging 13:07 time-on-ice and has 10 points (5G / 5A) in 37 games this season.
Middleton missed the last two games with an upper-body injury, but he will travel on the Wild's two-game road-trip that starts Friday in Calgary. Middleton has been great in banger leagues this season, posting 20 points (8G / 12A) to go along with 1.4 SOG, 1.5 hits and 2.4 BS per game.
Kaprizov has not played since late January but recently returned to practice and is expected to draw back into the lineup on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks. Before his injury, the 27-year-old Kaprizov had been outstanding offensively, scoring 52 points (23G / 29A) in 37 games.
Eriksson Ek has not played since February 22nd but recently returned to practice and is expected to draw back into the lineup on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks. The 28-year-old Eriksson Ek scored 24 points (9G / 15A) in 42 games this season, a significant decline from his 60+ point campaigns over his previous two seasons.
Kaprizov has not played since late January but recently returned to practice and is expected to draw back into the lineup on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks. Before his injury, the 27-year-old Kaprizov had been outstanding offensively, scoring 52 points (23G / 29A) in 37 games.
Sturm has not played the past few games for the Panthers, battling an undisclosed ailment, but he could return to the lineup on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. He has 14 points (7G / 7A) in 58 games this season.
