NHL Player News

Paul (illness) won't play Wednesday in Game 5 versus the Canadiens.

Paul was a surprise absence from warmups, and this explains why. Conor Geekie is set to play as the fourth-line center Wednesday, though Zemgus Girgensons could also do some work down the middle in Paul's absence. Paul's next chance to play is Friday in Game 6.

Jones (lower body) is expected to be available if the Oilers advance to the second round, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports Wednesday.

The Oilers are trailing the Ducks 3-2 in the first round, so there's no guarantee they'll give Jones enough time to get back. If they do, he'll be a contender for a bottom-six spot. In any case, his injury isn't expected to linger into 2026-27.

D'Astous (undisclosed) won't play Wednesday in Game 5 against the Canadiens, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports.

D'Astous will miss a fourth straight game, though he was labeled a game-time decision in the lead-up to this contest. His next chance to play is Friday in Game 6.

Dobes will guard the road goal in Game 5 versus the Lightning on Wednesday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Dobes let in three goals on 20 shots in Game 4 on Sunday, which was the first contest decided in regulation in this series. It was still a one-goal game, and if things remain close, the Canadiens will need Dobes to remain sharp. He has alternated wins and losses over the first four games of the series, allowing a total of 11 goals on 94 shots (.883 save percentage).

Hogberg signed a three-year contract with the SHL's Linkoping HC on Wednesday, per Stefen Rosner of NHL.com.

Hogberg had a 2.92 GAA and an .890 save percentage in 31 regular-season outings with AHL Bridgeport in 2025-26. He also made one NHL appearance with the Islanders in 2025-26, stopping five of seven shots in 13:29 of ice time en route to a 7-2 loss to Utah on Jan. 7. Hogberg first played for Linkoping during the 2012-13 campaign and was most recently with the Swedish club from 2021-22 through 2023-24.

Blomqvist was recalled from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Wednesday, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports.

Blomqvist will serve as the Penguins' No. 3 option in Game 6 on Wednesday. As such, the 24-year-old backstop shouldn't be expected to actually get into the game. Looking ahead to 2026-27, Blomqvist will need a strong training camp to earn a spot on the NHL roster for Opening Night.

Brodin (lower body) remains questionable for Thursday's Game 6 clash with Dallas, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports.

Brodin was seen leaving the arena on crutches after Game 5 on Tuesday, which wouldn't seem to indicate a short-term absence, but head coach John Hynes wouldn't completely rule the blueliner out for Game 6. If Brodin can't play, both Daemon Hunt and Jeff Petry will be options to replace him in the lineup.

Hayton (upper body) isn't expected to play Wednesday in Vegas, but he's now day-to-day, per Cole Bagley of KSL Sports.

Hayton was previously regarded as week-to-week, and he hasn't been in the lineup since March 24. The 25-year-old finished the regular season with 10 goals and 25 points in 67 appearances. He'll probably serve in a middle-six capacity once he's ready to return.

Hart will patrol the home net in Wednesday's Game 5 matchup against Utah, SinBin.vegas reports.

Hart has allowed three or more goals in each of his last three outings, posting a 1-2-0 record, 3.42 GAA and .847 save percentage. Still, the 27-year-old will be featuring for the 11th time in the Knights' last 12 contests. At this point, it seems unlikely that head coach John Tortorella will bench Hart even if the goaltender struggles in Game 5.

Lundkvist (face) didn't travel with the team ahead of Game 6 against the Wild on Thursday, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Lundkvist looks set to miss his second straight contest after being cut by a skate in Game 4 on Saturday, which means Ilya Lyubushkin figures to stay in the lineup for Game 6. The 25-year-old Lundkvist has two assists, two shots on goal, six blocked shots and two hits in four outings this postseason. It's unclear when he will be available to return to the lineup.