NHL Player News

Manson (upper body) won't return to Saturday's game versus the Golden Knights.

Manson's absence leaves the Avalanche with just five healthy defensemen on the roster. The 34-year-old could be held out for some or all of the team's last three games of the regular season, as the Avalanche don't need to rush him back. If Manson and Cale Makar (upper body) can't play Monday in Edmonton, expect a call-up from AHL Colorado.

McAvoy picked up an assist Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Tampa Bay.

It was his 50th assist of the season. McAvoy is the 10th NHL defenseman with at least 50 assists this year. He's the first to do it in a Bruins uniform since Hall of Famer Ray Bourque had 62 in 1995-96.

Dobson will not return to Saturday's game versus the Blue Jackets.

Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports Dobson blocked a shot off his thumb in the second period, though the Canadiens didn't specify the nature of his injury. In any case, the defenseman's status for Sunday's game against his former team, the Islanders, is in doubt. The Canadiens still have positioning to play for, but they may opt to take a cautious approach with Dobson anyway.

Lilleberg scored a goal Saturday in a 2-1 in over the Bruins.

Lilleberg scored off a rebound with 1:35 left to give the Lightning the victory. The defensive-minded defender, who continues to wear a full cage to protect a broken jaw suffered early in March, had just three goals and seven assists in 47 games prior to Saturday. Still, he has two game-winning goals this season.

Hovorka scored a goal in AHL Charlotte's 2-1 loss to Hershey on Saturday.

Hovorka was quietly reassigned to the AHL after his Wednesday call-up. The 24-year-old defenseman's appearance Saturday makes him available for another call-up if necessary. He has 17 points over 54 AHL appearances in his second season in the league.

Sandin sustained a right leg injury in Saturday's game versus the Penguins, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

Sandin's status wasn't clear after the game, leaving him questionable to suit up in Sunday's rematch against the Penguins. If the 26-year-old misses time, the Capitals will need to turn to one of Timothy Liljegren, Declan Chisholm or Dylan McIlrath to take his place in the lineup.

Del Mastro (undisclosed) wasn't an option for Saturday's game against St. Louis due to an injury, per Tracey Myers of NHL.com.

Del Mastro has no points, 14 shots, 18 PIM, 18 hits and 20 blocks in 17 NHL outings in 2025-26. He's averaged just 14:01 of ice time when he's in the lineup. It's unclear if he will be available to return before the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Vaakanainen (upper body) will play against Dallas on Saturday, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports.

Following an 11-game absence, Vaakanainen will replace Drew Fortescue in Saturday's lineup. The 27-year-old Vaakanainen has six assists, 22 shots on goal, 26 blocked shots and 11 hits in 33 appearances this season.

Lundkvist (illness) isn't playing Saturday versus the Rangers, per the NHL media site.

Lundkvist has three goals and 11 points in 51 outings in 2025-26. This will be his second straight game on the shelf. Lundkvist's next opportunity to return will come Monday in Toronto.

Chatfield (lower body) won't play against Utah on Saturday.

Chatfield will miss his second straight game. He has chipped in two goals, 17 points, 99 shots on net, 62 blocked shots and 36 hits in 71 outings this campaign.