NHL Player News

Kiviranta (undisclosed) will be an option for Game 4's road matchup against Minnesota on Monday, Bailey Curtis of DNVR Sports reports.

After missing the last five games due to injury, Kiviranta was a full participant in Monday's practice. It's unclear if he will play in Game 4 against the Wild, but Kiviranta is in the mix for a bottom-six role.

Manson (upper body) is an option for Game 4 against Minnesota on Monday, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports.

Following a four-game absence, Manson appears ready to return to the lineup after being a full participant during Monday's morning skate. He has chipped in two assists, five shots on goal, one blocked shot and 10 hits in three appearances this postseason. Manson's probable return to the lineup could make Nick Blankenburg a healthy scratch in Game 4 against the Wild.

Blackwood is expected to protect the road net against Minnesota on Monday in Game 4, according to Peter Baugh of The Athletic.

After occupying the starter's crease at Monday's morning skate and being the first goalie off the ice, Blackwood appears poised to make his first start this postseason. He stopped 12 of 13 shots in a relief appearance during Game 3's 5-1 loss to the Wild on Saturday. Blackwood posted a 23-10-2 record with three shutouts, a 2.50 GAA and a .904 save percentage in 38 outings during the 2025-26 regular season. Minnesota has amassed 36 goals in nine games this postseason.

Ahcan was summoned from AHL Colorado on Monday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Ahcan participated in the Avalanche's morning skate ahead of Game 4 against Minnesota on Monday. He will be an option as a spare defender, but he will probably be a healthy scratch.

Wallstedt will patrol the home crease against Colorado on Monday in Game 4, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports.

Wallstedt is coming off a 35-save performance in Game 3's 5-1 win over the Avalanche on Saturday. He has stopped 240 of 263 shots (.913 save percentage) en route to a 5-3 record through eight appearances this postseason. Colorado has scored 28 goals in only seven outings during the playoffs.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) won't play against Colorado on Monday in Game 4, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Eriksson Ek didn't participate in Monday's optional morning skate and will miss his fourth straight game. Despite being listed as day-to-day, it's unclear when he will be ready to return to the lineup. He has contributed three goals, five points, 24 shots on net, three blocked shots and 15 hits in six appearances this postseason.

Brodin (lower body) will not be in action for Game 4 versus the Avalanche on Monday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

It will be Brodin's fifth straight absence due to his lower-body injury. In his five postseason appearances, the 32-year-old blueliner has notched one assist, six shots on net and 14 blocked shots while averaging 19:41 of ice time. With Brodin still unavailable, Daemon Hunt figures to continue seeing opportunities.

Jankowski signed a two-year, $3.7 million contract extension with the Hurricanes on Monday.

Jankowski put together a solid campaign during his first full year with the Hurricanes in 2025-26, logging 11 goals, 10 assists, 45 hits and 45 blocked shots while averaging 11:09 of ice time across 68 regular-season appearances. He was slated to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason but will instead remain under contract with the Hurricanes for two more years.

Xhekaj was recalled from AHL Laval on Monday.

Xhekaj put up decent numbers in the minors this season, producing 17 goals and 12 assists in 64 regular-season games, adding 182 PIM as well. He also played in five contests for the Canadiens during the regular season, picking up an assist, nine hits and seven PIM. If the 21-year-old winger can earn a more permanent roster spot next season, he could provide intriguing fantasy value in banger leagues. For now, he'll serve as an emergency depth option during the postseason.

Engstrom was recalled from AHL Laval on Monday.

Engstrom will serve as one of the Black Aces for the Canadiens during postseason play after Laval's season came to an end over the weekend. Engstrom made 15 appearances for Montreal this year, recording an assist, eight blocked shots, eight PIM and seven hits while averaging 13:03 of ice time.