As the NHL playoffs approach, several teams are dealing with significant injury concerns and updates on player availability. Here’s a look at the latest news from around the league:
Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Carrick has been ruled out for the first round of the playoffs, according to coach Lindy Ruff. Forward Noah Ostlund is a potential option. Goaltender Alex Lyon is expected to practice after feeling well yesterday. Forwards Alex Tuch and goaltender Colton Ellis were given maintenance days.
Calgary Flames goaltender Devin Cooley missed last night’s game due to illness.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven was absent from practice yesterday due to illness.
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Artyom Levshunov is dealing with a hand injury that will only impact his offseason training for approximately two weeks.
Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen has a chance to rejoin the lineup for Game 1 on Saturday. A decision will be made tonight, as Saturday’s early game time will prevent a morning skate. Coach Glen Gulutzan stated, “Honestly, we’ll know tonight whether he’s going to be a player on Saturday. We have the 4:30 (CT) game, so we won’t even have the morning skate that day, so we’ll have to make a determination tonight to see where he’s at and then go from there. We’re not 100 percent sure. We’re hopeful. I’m hopeful. But we’ve got two plans for what we will be doing if he’s in or if he’s out.” Forward Roope Hintz is sidelined for at least the first two games.
Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch indicated that Leon Draisaitl is expected to join the team in the first round, with his return date still to be determined. Forward Jason Dickinson sustained a shot to the ankle against the Sharks and his availability will depend on his pain tolerance when he gets back on the ice.
Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito confirmed that Jonah Gadjovich underwent neck surgery earlier in the season and will be ready for the start of next season.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes did not practice on Thursday due to illness.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier was seen practicing in a regular jersey.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Owen Tippett left practice early yesterday. Coach Rick Tocchet mentioned that Tippett has been managing some issues and the team wants to give him extra time to recover.
Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Blake Lizotte (upper-body) and Connor Dewar (lower-body) both participated in regular practice. Lizotte has missed 16 games, while Dewar has been out for four.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies stated that the severity of his knee injury was overstated but emphasized his focus on returning to full health. Goalie Anthony Stolarz is dealing with a groin strain that does not require surgery. Defenseman Chris Tanev delayed surgery but proceeded with it when it became clear the Leafs would miss the playoffs; he is expected to be ready for next year.
Winnipeg Jets coach Scott Arniel reported that defenseman Elias Salomonsson is in concussion protocol, experiencing good and bad days and has not yet passed baseline tests.
