NHL Player News

Ekman-Larsson (upper body) won't return to Saturday's tilt versus the Sabres.

Ekman-Larsson logged just 3:04 of ice time in the contest. The Panthers have just one regular-season game left -- Tuesday at home versus the Maple Leafs -- so there's a very real chance the 32-year-old will be held out of that outing to rest up ahead of the playoffs. If he sits out, Josh Mahura or Tobias Bjornfot could enter the lineup.

Girard has been placed in concussion protocol after being injured in Saturday's matchup against Winnipeg, Ryan Boulding of NHL.com reports.

Girard isn't likely to appear in the Avalanche's final two regular-season contests. If that ends up being the case, he will conclude the campaign with three goals, 18 points, 76 hits and 99 blocks in 59 outings. His status for the playoffs is unclear, but in the meantime, Caleb Jones will likely draw into the lineup Sunday versus Vegas.

Guhle (upper body) won't play Saturday versus the Senators, Simon-Olivier Lorange of La Presse reports.

Guhle is set to miss his fifth straight game. The Canadiens have just two contests left after this one, a home-and-home set Monday and Tuesday versus the Red Wings. The 22-year-old defenseman has 22 points, 116 hits and 178 blocked shots through 70 contests, and that may be where his production ends if he can't get cleared before the conclusion of the campaign.

Jensen (undisclosed) is conscious, alert and has the use of all his extremities, according to the Capitals. He was stretchered off the ice in the first period of Saturday's game against the Lightning.

Jensen crashed violently into the boards after absorbing a hit from Lightning winger Michael Eyssimont and was motionless on the ice for several minutes before being stretchered off. The 33-year-old defenseman could be in store for a lengthy absence even if the Capitals manage to secure a playoff spot in the waning days of the 2023-24 season.

Girard suffered an upper-body injury and won't return to Saturday's game against Winnipeg.

Girard entered the contest with three goals, 18 points, 76 hits and 99 blocks in 58 appearances this campaign. If he's unable to play Sunday versus Vegas, Caleb Jones will likely draw into the lineup.

Fleury (undisclosed) will miss Saturday's game against Washington, according to Chris Krenn of the Lightning's official site.

This will be Fleury's third straight absence. He has a goal and five points over 24 appearances in 2023-24. When Fleury is ready to return, he could serve on the third pairing or be a healthy scratch candidate.

Edmundson (undisclosed) won't play Saturday against Detroit, according to Mark Masters of TSN.

The Maple Leafs are being very cautious with a new injury that popped up for Edmundson. He logged 19:22 of ice time in Toronto's 6-5 loss to New Jersey after missing eight games. Timothy Liljegren (upper body) will replace Edmundson in Saturday's lineup.

Ceci (undisclosed) is expected to miss Saturday's game against Vancouver.

It will be Ceci's second straight contest out of the lineup. He has four goals, 24 points, 81 hits and 105 blocks in 76 appearances in 2023-24. Troy Stecher will remain in the lineup due to Ceci's continued absence.

Byram (personal) is good to play Saturday versus Florida, according to Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News.

Byram has 11 goals and 27 points in 71 outings between Colorado and Buffalo in 2023-24. His return will result in Kale Clague being a healthy scratch against the Panthers.

MacDonald (undisclosed) is expected to play Saturday against Minnesota, according to Max Miller of The Hockey News.

MacDonald won't miss any additional action after leaving Thursday's 3-1 loss to Seattle. He has accounted for seven goals, nine points, 49 shots on net and 40 hits in 34 contests this campaign.