NHL Player News

Hischier (rest) is expected to be back in the lineup for Game 1 of the Devils' first-round series against Carolina on Sunday, per Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site.

Hischier finished the regular season with 35 goals and 69 points in 75 outings. He's projected to start the playoffs on the top line alongside Stefan Noesen and Jesper Bratt.

Cizikas logged an assist and two shots on goal in Thursday's 6-1 loss to the Blue Jackets.

Cizikas recorded five points over the final 12 games of the season to salvage some scoring late in the year. He finished with 17 points in 82 games, his lowest output in the last three seasons. He also had a minus-13 rating, 97 shots on net, 51 PIM, 202 hits and 66 blocked shots while playing in a bottom-six role. Cizikas is under contract for two more years, so expect more of the same from the defensive center in 2025-26.

Kuraly scored a goal on two shots in Thursday's 6-1 win over the Islanders.

Kuraly ended his 22-game goal drought in the season finale. The 32-year-old's 17 points in 82 games this season represented his lowest output during his four years with the Blue Jackets. He added 88 shots on net, 163 hits, 45 blocked shots, 40 PIM and a minus-4 rating. It's a bad time to have a poor year, as Kuraly is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Fantilli scored a goal on three shots and went plus-2 in Thursday's 6-1 win over the Islanders.

Fantilli ended the season on a tear with seven goals over his last six games. That's a preview of his potential for 2025-26, as the 20-year-old center took a big leap forward in his sophomore season. He posted 31 goals, 54 points, 191 shots on net, 113 hits, 56 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over 82 appearances. Fantilli should be in the mix for top-six minutes and power-play time next season as he looks to continue to grow his game.

Jost scored a goal on four shots and added two PIM in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Senators.

Jost finished the regular season with goals in back-to-back games. The 27-year-old had a total of four goals, nine points, 44 shots on net, 46 hits, 33 PIM and a plus-2 rating over 39 appearances. While he has played regularly since early March, Jost may find himself out of the lineup if the Hurricanes are at full strength as expected to begin the playoffs.

Roslovic scored a goal on three shots and added two PIM in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Senators.

Roslovic snapped a 15-game goal drought with this tally. The 28-year-old had just five assists during his scoring slump. For the regular season, he produced 22 goals, 39 points, 139 shots on net and a minus-10 rating across 81 appearances. Roslovic is versatile, but the Hurricanes have a fairly deep roster, so he may not see much more than bottom-six minutes to begin the postseason.

Kotkaniemi scored a goal on six shots in Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Senators.

Kotkaniemi has two points over the last two games after being limited to one assist in 10 outings prior to his recent undisclosed injury. He projects to be a middle-six option for the Hurricanes heading into the playoffs. Kotkaniemi finished the regular season at 12 goals, 21 assists, 115 shots on net, 66 hits, 50 PIM and a plus-9 rating across 78 appearances.

Pinto scored a goal on two shots and added three hits in Thursday's 7-5 win over the Hurricanes.

Pinto has five goals and two assists over his last eight games. The 24-year-old center's offense has improved late in the season, and he ended the regular season with career highs in goals (21), assists (16), points (37) and plus-minus rating (plus-10) over 70 appearances. Even from the third line, he can make an impact on offense, though it's his two-way play that will keep his role stable.

Thomas (lower body) has been cleared to play in Game 1 against Winnipeg on Saturday, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.

Thomas sustained a lower-body injury during Tuesday's regular-season finale against Utah, but he skated on the top line during Friday's practice session and has officially been cleared to suit up to begin the postseason. The 25-year-old ended the regular season on a 12-game point streak, recording four goals, 21 assists, seven blocked shots, three hits and a plus-13 rating during that time.

Ponomarev was reassigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Friday.

Ponomarev spent the last week of the regular season with Pittsburgh, and he was held without a point while generating four hits and a blocked shot over three appearances during his stint with the NHL club. He should have more opportunities to contribute in the Calder Cup Playoffs.