NHL Player News

Blackwood is expected to start at home against Vegas on Saturday, per Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.

Blackwood stopped 28 of 29 shots in a 3-1 win over Calgary on Thursday. He has a 22-10-1 record, 2.54 GAA and .901 save percentage in 36 appearances with the Avalanche in 2025-26. Vegas is 4-0-1 while averaging 4.00 goals per game across five matches since John Tortorella took over as head coach.

Hart will guard the road goal versus the Avalanche on Saturday, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Hart has been on a three-game winning streak since returning from a lower-body injury. The 27-year-old will face his toughest test yet, especially with the Avalanche not expected to make significant changes to their lineup despite already securing the Presidents' Trophy. Colorado has gone 3-1-0 while scoring 10 goals over its last four games.

Hovorka scored a goal in AHL Charlotte's 2-1 loss to Hershey on Saturday.

Hovorka was quietly reassigned to the AHL after his Wednesday call-up. The 24-year-old defenseman's appearance Saturday makes him available for another call-up if necessary. He has 17 points over 54 AHL appearances in his second season in the league.

Reichel was called up by Boston on Saturday.

Reichel's latest stint with AHL Providence lasted only one day. He has a goal and six points in four appearances with Providence in 2025-26. He also has a goal and three points in nine outings with Boston this season.

Blais logged four assists in AHL Laval's 5-2 win over Belleville on Saturday.

Blais has seven points over his last two games. With this effort, he's up to 13 goals, 23 helpers, 70 shots on net and 60 PIM across 34 AHL outings this season. Blais is a veteran forward option should the Canadiens need to replenish their depth heading into the playoffs.

Roy scored three goals in AHL Laval's 5-2 win over Belleville on Saturday.

Roy has six goals and an assist over his last three games. He has set career highs in goals (23), points (44), shots on net (181) and games played (56) in the AHL this year. The 22-year-old has performed well but hasn't gotten many chances with the NHL club.

Nazar (mouth) won't return to Saturday's game versus the Blues.

After the game, head coach Jeff Blashill indicated Nazar would need dental work. Nazar took a puck to the face in the second period and left the ice in frustration. Considering the Blackhawks have just two games on the schedule after Saturday, there may not be enough time for him to get back into the lineup if the injury is significant.

Wright (upper body) is expected to miss Saturday's game against Calgary, per Sound of Hockey.

Wright hasn't been in the lineup since March 28 because of the injury. He has 11 goals and 26 points in 72 outings in 2025-26. His next opportunity to return will come Monday versus Los Angeles.

Nyquist (undisclosed) won't play Saturday versus the Flyers.

At this point, it's unclear if Nyquist will be back before the end of the season, but he did shed his non-contact jersey during Saturday's morning skate. The 36-year-old's next chance to play is Monday in Vegas.

Strome (illness) is good to play Saturday versus Seattle, per Derek Wills of Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Strome has eight goals and 20 points in 49 outings between Calgary and Anaheim in 2025-26. He missed Thursday's 3-1 loss to Colorado due to illness, but he will return to a third-line role alongside Blake Coleman and Aydar Suniev against the Kraken on Saturday.