NHL Player News

Josi (upper body) won't play Thursday versus the Mammoth.

Josi was a participant in warmups, but ultimately he wasn't able to suit up. That's a big blow to the Predators' blue line, as the team will have to play at least one game without its top defenseman. Jordan Oesterle will draw into the lineup in place of Josi.

Strome (illness) isn't in the lineup versus the Avalanche on Thursday.

Strome was a surprise absence for warmups Thursday. Tyson Gross will draw into the lineup, while John Beecher is expected to move up to Strome's spot on the third line. Strome's status for Saturday in Seattle hasn't been determined at this time.

Slavin will not play in Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks.

While officially sitting out for undisclosed reasons, it's likely Slavin is resting after an injury-plagued campaign. It's unclear how many of the Hurricanes' last three games he'll play in, but the team will be cautious with its top shutdown defenseman.

Martinook (undisclosed) will miss Thursday's game against Chicago.

Martinook has 12 goals, 27 points, 35 PIM and 111 hits in 74 outings with Carolina in 2025-26. The Hurricanes are scratching several veteran forwards with the playoffs around the corner, so Martinook might simply be out of the lineup to give him some time off before the postseason.

Staal will be rested for Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks.

Staal recently battled an undisclosed injury, and the team once again listed his absence as undisclosed, but this is clearly rest and maintenance since the Hurricanes have secured home ice through two rounds of the playoffs. He'll be questionable to play the rest of the games this season.

Askarov will get the start in Thursday's road game versus the Ducks, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Askarov has allowed 12 goals on 90 shots over his last three games, though he's come away with a 2-1-0 record in that span. One of those wins came against the Ducks on April 1 when he stopped 28 of 31 shots in a 4-3 victory. He's working the second half of a back-to-back after Alex Nedeljkovic struggled in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers.

Dewar (lower body) won't play Thursday versus the Devils.

Dewar is considered day-to-day at this time. The Penguins could lock up a playoff spot with a win, so Dewar may be eased back into action. The 26-year-old plays a key defensive role, so he'll likely be aiming to be ready for a playoff opener rather than playing in any of the last three regular-season contests.

Cirelli (undisclosed) is expected to play Thursday versus Montreal, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

Cirelli missed Tampa Bay's past two games. He has 23 goals and 52 points in 68 outings in 2025-26. Conor Geekie is projected to be a healthy scratch due to Cirelli's return.

Veleno (illness) is set to play Thursday against Tampa Bay, per J-F Chaumont of NHL.com.

Veleno has two goals, four points, 17 PIM and 149 hits in 58 outings with Montreal in 2025-26. After missing Tuesday's game against Florida, Veleno is projected to serve on the fourth line alongside Jake Evans and Josh Anderson.

Ostlund (lower body) won't play Thursday versus the Blue Jackets, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports.

Ostlund is set to miss his eighth consecutive game. He has two more chances to return in the regular season, as the Sabres face the Blackhawks on Monday and the Stars on Wednesday.