NHL Player News

Chernyshov (concussion) won't be in the lineup against Philadelphia on Saturday, per Max Miller of NHL.com.

Chernyshov has been skating on his own, but it's still unclear when he will be available to return to action. He will miss his fourth straight game due to a concussion. He has contributed three goals, 11 points, 27 shots on net and nine hits in 16 NHL outings this campaign.

Couturier (upper body) will miss Saturday's road clash against the Sharks, per Jackie Spiegel of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Couturier is set to miss his second consecutive game after sustaining the injury, which head coach Rick Tocchet deemed to be an issue that wouldn't keep Philadelphia's captain out long term. Overall, Couturier has 29 points, 101 shots on net, 71 hits and 36 blocked shots across 66 games played this season. His next chance to return is Tuesday's home matchup against the Blue Jackets.

Pearson (lower body) isn't expected to play against the Kings on Saturday, according to Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550.

Pearson will miss his fourth straight game, and it's unclear if he will be ready to return against Anaheim on Sunday. He has appeared in only one contest with the Sabres since being acquired from Winnipeg on March 6.

Forsberg will start Saturday's home game against the Sabres, per Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site.

Forsberg is set to appear in a game for the first time since allowing five goals against New Jersey on March 14. Overall, the 33-year-old netminder has an 11-10-5 record, a 2.83 GAA and a .900 save percentage through 28 appearances this season. He'll look to get back on track against the scorching Sabres, who have won nine of their last 10 games.

Oettinger will guard the road goal against Minnesota on Saturday, Mike Heika of the Stars' official site reports.

Oettinger has stopped 111 of the 117 shots he has faced during his four-game winning streak. He has a 29-10-5 record this campaign with two shutouts, a 2.58 GAA and a .902 save percentage through 44 appearances. Minnesota sits 11th in the league with 3.24 goals per game this season, but the team will be without the services of Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) and Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) in Saturday's contest.

Merzlikins will start in Saturday's home clash against the Kraken, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers.

Merzlikins will get his chance to bounce back after falling in overtime during his last appearance March 12. Overall, the 31-year-old netminder has a 13-9-3 record, a 3.40 GAA and an .885 save percentage across 27 appearances this season. The Kraken have lost each of their last two games. With a red-hot Blue Jackets' lineup in front of him, Merzlikins holds solid fantasy value for Saturday's start.

Askarov (lower body) isn't expected to be an option for Saturday's home game against Philadelphia, according to Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News.

Askarov remains day-to-day and will miss his sixth straight game. It is still unclear when he will be available to return to the lineup. He has earned a 19-17-3 record this season with a 3.56 GAA and an .886 save percentage through 40 appearances.

Vladar will defend the road net against San Jose on Saturday, according to Max Miller of NHL.com.

Vladar is coming off a 34-save effort in Wednesday's 3-2 overtime win over Anaheim. He has a 22-11-7 record during the 2025-26 campaign with a 2.44 GAA and a .907 save percentage through 42 appearances. San Jose sits 18th in the league with 3.06 goals per game this season.

Lilleberg (face) will play in Saturday's road clash against the Oilers, per Sports TV host Julie Stewart-Binks.

Head coach Jon Cooper noted that Lilleberg will wear a protective cage on his helmet in Saturday's contest. It will mark Lilleberg's first game since March 3 after he sustained a facial fracture during a practice session. He'll step into the lineup for Victor Hedman (illness).

Hedman (illness) won't play against Edmonton on Saturday, according to Sports TV host Julie Stewart-Binks.

Hedman left Thursday's game in Vancouver with an illness. It has been a tough season for the 35-year-old, as he has one goal and 16 assists through 33 appearances. It's unclear if he will be ready to play against Calgary on Sunday. Emil Lilleberg (facial fracture) will replace Hedman in Saturday's lineup.