NHL Player News

Makar logged a power-play assist, two shots on goal and three blocked shots in Friday's 2-1 double-overtime loss to the Stars in Game 6.

Makar finished the postseason with five goals, 10 assists, 36 shots on net and 23 blocks over 11 contests. The 25-year-old defenseman also had a career-high 90 points in 77 regular-season outings. Makar's brilliance on the blue line remains elite, and he's a finalist for the Norris Trophy once again after a stellar campaign. Makar should continue to be a top-three fantasy defenseman in 2024-25 with an Avalanche team that will have its core intact despite going into the offseason with nine pending unrestricted free agents among the team's skaters.

Forsling scored a goal and added five shots on net in the 2-1 win over the Bruins in Game 6.

In a thrilling Game 6 showdown against the Bruins, Forsling emerged as the hero, netting the deciding goal in the third period to clinch the series for the Panthers. He added five shots on net and one hit while leading all skaters with an impressive 25:16 of ice time. Over six second-round outings, Forsling consistently contributed, recording three points (two goals and an assist), 16 hits and six blocked shots.

Orlov supplied a secondary assist in Thursday's 5-3 loss to the Rangers in Game 6.

Orlov got on the board by helping out on a Martin Necas first-period tally that opened the scoring. It was the fifth time in six games this series that Orlov registered at least one point. The Russian defenseman also had one shot on goal and six blocks with a minus-1 rating in 19:01 of ice time. Unfortunately for the 32-year-old, he had an egregious turnover in which he failed to clear the defensive zone -- it led directly to a New York goal shortly after Carolina garnered a 2-0 lead early in the second period. Orlov finished the postseason with two goals and four assists in 11 contests.

MacDermid agreed to terms on a three-year, $3.45 million contract with New Jersey on Friday.

MacDermid will remain with the Devils after joining the club at the trade deadline this last season. In his 16 appearances for the club, the 30-year-old winger managed just one point to go with 29 hits, two blocks and 50 PIM. The decision to give MacDermid a three-year deal does seem a little surprising when you consider he averaged a meager 4:22 of ice time. Looking ahead to next season, MacDermid probably shouldn't be expected to offer much in the way of fantasy value given his limited minutes and lack of offensive upside.

Desharnais registered an assist, three hits and four blocked shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks in Game 5.

The helper was Desharnais' first point since a two-assist game versus the Ducks on March 30. The 27-year-old defenseman has added 27 hits, 26 blocks, three shots on net and a minus-4 rating over 10 playoff appearances. He continues to play in a bottom-four role as a physical presence, so his lack of production typically won't have an impact on fantasy competitions.

Kulak produced an assist, three blocked shots and two PIM in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks in Game 5.

Kulak is up to three points over 10 playoff contests after helping out on a Mattias Janmark tally in the first period. The 30-year-old Kulak has provided steady defense from a third-pairing role, adding 17 blocked shots, 13 hits and a plus-1 rating. He's a staple in the lineup, but he rarely contributes much in the way of fantasy-relevant production.

Soucy scored a goal on two shots and added two hits in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers in Game 5.

Soucy got the Canucks on the board in the first period. The 29-year-old defenseman was suspended for Game 4 after a cross-check against Connor McDavid at the end of Game 3. Soucy has four points, nine hits and five blocked shots over four appearances in the second round, and he's up to five points, 29 hits, 10 blocks and a plus-3 rating through 10 playoff outings in a bottom-four role.

Hakanpaa (lower body) is not traveling with the Stars or practicing, so it's unlikely he'll play in the remainder of the second round, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reported Thursday.

Hakanpaa has been unavailable since March 16 and is effectively out on an indefinite basis until he practices. With Hakanpaa continuing to be sidelined, Nils Lundkvist is holding down a third-pairing role with minimal ice time.

Pesce (lower body) will not be in the lineup against the Rangers in Game 6 on Thursday, Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal reports.

Pesce got onto the ice for the first time Wednesday, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to see him still being held out for Game 6. Still, the 29-year-old blueliner is making progress and might be in contention to play should the series go to Game 7 on Saturday. Considering Pesce has managed a mere two points in his last 19 outings, his potential return is unlikely to impact the majority of fantasy players.

Lindell posted an assist, four blocked shots, two hits and a minus-2 rating in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Avalanche in Game 5.

Lindell set up a Logan Stankoven tally in the third period. The helper was Lindell's second point of the postseason, both of which have come in the last four games. The veteran defenseman has added 17 shots on net, 17 hits, 30 blocks and an even plus-minus rating over 12 playoff contests while filling a top-four role.