NHL Player News

Hanifin managed an assist, two hits and two blocked shots in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Hanifin helped out on the first of Brett Howden's two goals in the third period. After being limited to one goal over his final eight regular-season games, Hanifin rested for the Golden Knights' last two contests before the playoffs. The 28-year-old defenseman will see some chances on offense, but his defensive play is what will be most valuable in the postseason. He had 39 points (10 on the power play), 145 shots on net and 106 blocked shots over 80 regular-season contests in 2024-25.

Theodore notched a power-play assist in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Theodore has four helpers over his last four games, but this was his first power-play point since before he was hurt at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The 29-year-old defenseman still had career highs in points (57) and power-play points (19) over 67 regular-season appearances in 2024-25. Theodore will play a big role in the Golden Knights' top four and should be the most productive blueliner on the team in terms of offense.

Ekman-Larsson scored a goal on four shots and added two PIM in Sunday's 6-2 win over the Senators in Game 1.

Ekman-Larsson returned from missing the last four regular-season games due to an upper-body injury. Prior to that absence, he was limited to four assists over his final 19 contests. Despite the late slump, the blueliner had 29 points, 118 shots on net, 108 hits, 83 blocked shots and a plus-14 rating over 77 appearances in the regular season. He opened the postseason on the third pairing, and if he stays there, it may be tough for him to be consistent on offense.

Rielly scored a goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Sunday's 6-2 win over the Senators in Game 1.

Rielly answered a Ridly Greig goal early in the third period to restore a three-goal lead for the Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old Rielly went without a goal over the final 24 games of the regular season, so this one had to feel good to get him back on track. In that span, he still had 11 assists, 48 blocked shots and a plus-5 rating. Overall, the blueliner finished the regular season at 41 points, 131 blocks, 126 shots on net and a minus-8 rating while playing in all 82 games for the fourth time in his 12-year career.

Dillon suffered an undisclosed injury in the second period of Sunday's 4-1 loss to Carolina in Game 1 and did not return, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe relayed that Dillon was "eager to get back out there" after the blueliner left the contest, but Dillon was held back by the team's doctors. While it's positive news that Dillon wanted to return, it's possible he'll be a game-time decision for Game 2 on Tuesday. In the event that the 34-year-old is unable to suit up, Dennis Cholowski, Seamus Casey and Simon Nemec are candidates to play in Dillon's stead.

Ekman-Larsson (upper body) will play against Ottawa on Sunday in Game 1, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

Ekman-Larsson missed the final four games of the 2024-25 regular season, finishing with four goals, 29 points, 118 shots on net, 83 blocked shots and 108 hits across 77 appearances. With Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe (upper body) available to play, Dakota Mermis and Philippe Myers will be healthy scratches in Sunday's playoff opener.

Siegenthaler (lower body) isn't expected to play in New Jersey's first-round series against Carolina, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reported Friday.

Siegenthaler missed the final 27 games of the regular season, finishing with two goals, seven assists, 52 shots on net, 92 blocked shots and 75 hits in 55 appearances. Even if the Devils advance to Round 2 of the postseason, it's unclear if the 27-year-old defender will be an option to return to the lineup.

Harley logged a power-play assist and six blocked shots in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Avalanche in Game 1.

Harley set up Roope Hintz's third-period tally. The 23-year-old Harley had 26 points and a plus-7 rating over 29 contests between the start of February and the end of the regular season. Harley will function as the Stars' top blueliner until Miro Heiskanen (knee) returns but will probably retain a heavy workload once Heiskanen is back in the lineup. With 50 points and a plus-32 rating in 78 regular-season outings, Harley can handle big minutes in all situations.

Lindgren notched an assist, four hits and two PIM in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Stars in Game 1.

Lindgren returned from an upper-body injury that cost him the final three games of the regular season. Lindgren's helper on Nathan MacKinnon's empty-netter in the third period snapped his eight-game slump. The 27-year-old Lindgren isn't much of a factor offensively, having earned a career-high 22 points with 63 shots on net, 80 hits, 128 blocked shots, 40 PIM and an even plus-minus rating over 72 regular-season appearances between the Avalanche and the Rangers in 2024-25. The veteran defenseman will add a physical presence in a bottom-four role for the playoffs.

Manson logged an assist, four PIM and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Stars in Game 1.

Manson returned from an upper-body injury that cost him the last 15 games of the regular season. The 33-year-old Manson bumped Sam Malinski out of the lineup for Saturday's contest. However, Manson, Malinski and Erik Johnson could compete for two spots in the lineup throughout the playoffs. Manson was limited to 15 points, 105 hits, 59 blocked shots, 65 shots on net and a minus-6 rating in 48 regular-season appearances due to various injuries.