NHL Player News

Lizotte (upper body) said Thursday that he'll be available for Game 1 of the Penguins' first-round playoff series against the Flyers, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports.

Lizotte has been sidelined since mid-March due to his upper-body injury, but he was on the ice for Thursday's practice session in a regular sweater, and he'll be ready to return to game action for the start of the postseason. Across 55 regular-season appearances this year, Lizotte recorded seven goals, 12 assists, 49 hits, 35 blocked shots and 25 PIM while averaging 13:52 of ice time.

Zegras (rest) will see his first playoff action in six NHL seasons this weekend, according to Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports.

Zegras sat out Tuesday's contest against Montreal. He spent the first five seasons of his NHL career with Anaheim, as the Ducks failed to make the playoffs during his tenure there. Zegras had 26 goals and a career high 67 points in 82 regular-season games this season.

Dewar (lower body) indicated Thursday that he'll be ready to return in time for Game 1 of the Penguins' first-round playoff series against the Flyers, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports.

Dewar missed the final four games of the regular season due to a lower-body injury, but he practiced in a regular sweater Thursday and will be back in action for the start of the postseason. Dewar generated 14 goals, 16 assists, 144 hits, 46 blocked shots and 19 PIM over 78 regular-season appearances, and he should reclaim a fourth-line role now that he's healthy.

Couturier (rest) was back on the fourth line at practice Thursday, Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports reports.

Couturier sat out Tuesday's finale against Montreal. He finished the regular season with 12 goals and 36 points in 78 games.

Staal (undisclosed) was back at practice Thursday, according to Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News,

Staal was given the last two games off to rest for the playoffs. He had 20 goals and 36 points in 75 regular-season games in 2025-26. He is expected to be the Hurricanes' third line center during the playoffs.

Jarvis (undisclosed) practiced on the top line Thursday, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports.

Jarvis sat out three of the final four games of the regular season, resting for the playoffs. He had 32 goals and 66 points with 224 shots on goal in 71 regular-season games this season. He should start on the top line with Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov when the playoffs begin this weekend.

Rakell (rest) was back on the ice for Thursday's practice session, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Rakell was limited to just 60 regular-season games this year, tallying 24 goals and 24 helpers, including 16 power-play points along the way. The Swede has found himself primarily shifted to center this season, allowing Evgeni Malkin to move to the wing. In addition to anchoring the second line, Rakell should continue to feature on the No. 1 power-play unit.

Malkin (rest) was back at practice Thursday, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Malkin looks good to go for the first-round playoff series versus the Flyers after sitting out two of the Penguins' last three contests. Since the Olympic break, the veteran forward has racked up six goals and 11 helpers in 15 outings, having been limited by injury and a suspension.

Lundell (ribs) has committed to play for Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic on Thursday.

Lundell suffered the rib injury March 19 in Edmonton and missed the final 14 games of the regular season. He had 18 goals and 26 assists in 64 games this season, playing on the top line with the absence of Aleksander Barkov (knee) for the season. He is expected to see a middle-six role next season, and that could affect his point total.

Barkov (knee) will play for Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports Thursday.

Barkov missed the entire regular season after undergoing knee surgery in training camp. He has been skating since January and would have returned to the lineup at some point had Florida made it into the playoffs. He will test out his knee in May for Finland and is expected to be ready to return for the start of training camp in September, barring any setbacks.