NHL Player News

Samuelsson scored a goal on two shots and added six hits and six blocked shots in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Canadiens in Game 4.

Samuelsson hasn't matched his scoring levels from early in the regular season, but he's picked up a steady three goals and one assist over 10 playoff outings. The defenseman has added ample physicality with 42 hits and 19 blocked shots. He's firmly in a top-four role, so there will be opportunities for him to offer well-rounded production as long as the Sabres remain in the playoffs.

Malinski (upper body) will not be an option for Game 5 versus Minnesota on Wednesday, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports.

Malinski continues to be classified as day-to-day ahead of his second straight absence due to his upper-body problem. With the blueliner on the shelf, Jack Ahcan figures to continue filling a bottom-pairing role alongside Josh Manson. Once cleared to play, Malinski should reclaim his spot in the lineup.

McNabb will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Wednesday for interference against Anaheim's Ryan Poehling (upper body) on Tuesday.

McNabb received a five-minute major and a game misconduct in Game 5 on Tuesday, resulting in him playing just 3:17 of ice time. Poehling will likely miss some time, and his injury will probably be a factor in the decision-making process. At this point, fantasy managers shouldn't expect McNabb to be available for Game 6 on Thursday. Kaedan Korczak figures to step into the lineup in McNabb's stead.

Zellweger scored a goal in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Golden Knights in Game 5.

Zellweger has a goal and an assist over his first two playoff outings. He's added three blocked shots and a plus-2 rating. The 22-year-old defenseman is filling in as a bottom-four option for now, but he's making a decent case to stay in the lineup for Game 6, which is a must-win situation for the Ducks to keep their season going.

Andersson logged an assist and three shots on goal in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Ducks in Game 5.

This was just the second assist over 11 playoff games for Andersson. The defenseman has filled a regular top-four role with power-play time, but the offense hasn't come for him. He's added 20 shots on net, 19 blocked shots, 12 PIM and a plus-1 rating this postseason. Prior to this postseason, he had earned 14 points across 27 playoff games in three runs with the Flames.

Huang logged four assists in QMJHL Chicoutimi's 5-4 overtime win over Moncton in Game 3 on Tuesday.

Huang has been a point-per-game player in the postseason with two goals and 15 assists over 17 appearances. He's earned five helpers over three games in the QMJHL Finals, which Chicoutimi leads 2-1 after this win. The Nashville prospect has had some positive moments this season after going 122nd overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

McAvoy received a six-game suspension from the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday for slashing Buffalo's Zach Benson.

The incident occurred in Boston's series-ending loss to Buffalo on May 1 during the first round of the playoffs. As a result, the 28-year-old blueliner will serve the suspension at the start of the 2026-27 regular season. McAvoy achieved a career-high of 61 points in 69 regular-season games last season. He could replicate this performance once his suspension is over, provided he remains healthy.

Helleson (undisclosed) will not be in the lineup for Game 5 versus Vegas on Tuesday, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports.

Helleson is stuck in a 61-game goal drought dating back to Oct. 23 versus the Bruins, a lengthy stretch without finding the back of the net. During his slump, the blueliner recorded only 34 shots, so fantasy managers probably shouldn't be expecting much from him offensively even if he does return to action.

Brodin (lower body) is not traveling with the Wild for Game 5 in Colorado on Wednesday, according to Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Brodin has been unavailable for the entirety of this second-round series, and considering the Wild are now on the brink of elimination, his lower-body injury is seemingly a very serious one. If the Wild can earn a road win Wednesday, Brodin's next opportunity to attempt to get back in the lineup would be in Game 6 on Friday.

Malinski (upper body) was deemed day-to-day ahead of Game 5 against the Wild on Wednesday, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports.

Malinski has already missed one game due to his upper-body problem but is now in danger of missing another. In seven postseason contests this year, the 27-year-old defenseman has generated one goal, two assists and 14 shots while averaging 19:59 of ice time.