Brown was a fourth-round pick (No.99 overall) in 2022 and signs with the Jets after finishing his junior season at the University of Denver. The 22-year-old rig-shot defenceman had two goals and 10 assists (12 points) in 33 games this season.
Luneau played in the Ducks' season finale, but returns to the AHL, signalling that either Olen Zellweger or Radko Gudas will be back in the lineup for Game 1. Luneau has spent the entire season in San Diego, where he has 41 points (10G / 31A) in 69 games.
Golden Knights' GM Kelly McCrimmon said he doesn’t expect Karlsson back unless the team “has some success in the playoffs for him to play again.” So it sounds like Karlsson will miss Round 1, but could return if the Golden Knights advance. The 33-year-old third line centre has been out since November 8th.
Villalta will serve as the Mammoth's No.3 netminder throughout the postseason. He has spent the entire season in the AHL, going 16-12-3 with a 3.10 GAA and .895 SV% in 33 games.
But will start the postseason as a reserve forward for the Mammoth, after splitting his 2025-26 season between the NHL and AHL. During his time with the Mammoth, he had seven points (3G / 4A) in 29 games.
Pickard will serve as the Oilers' No.3 goalie throughout the postseason. Since going down to the AHL, he has gone 4-3-1 with a 3.26 GAA and .886 SV% in eight games.
Bogosian has been sidelined since April 4th, but is expected to play in Game 1 in Dallas. Bogosian isn't known for his offensive game, posting just six points (2G / 4A) in 41 games this season. But he averaged nearly one block and over one hit per game.
Hughes missed the final two games of the regular season due to illness, but the Wild expect him to play in Game 1 in Dallas. After being acquired from Vancouver, Hughes had 53 points (5G / 48A) in 48 games.
Wallstedt started the 2025-26 season on fire in his first 10 games, but cooled off from early December to late February. However he's rediscovered his early-season for as of late, going 5-3-2 with a 1.98 GAA and .930 SV%. He did not face the Stars this season, but was 9-4-4 with a 2.44 GAA and .918 SV% on the road.
Lundkvist is in his fourth season with the Stars and has three goals and eight assists (11 points) in 52 games this season. Lundkvist is coming off of a one-year, $1.25M deal, so he earns an extra year of security and a $500K raise per season.
With Lehigh Valley out of the playoff picture in the AHL, Kolosov is expected to serve as the Flyers' third goalie throughout the playoffs. Kolosov is 15-21-2 with a 2.98 GAA and .895 SV% in the AHL this season.
Manson missed the final three games of the regular season with an upper-body injury but the Avalanche expect him to be ready for Game 1 of the postseason. Manson finished the season with five goals and 26 assists (31 points) in 79 games.
Kadri missed the final five games of the regular season with a finger injury but the Avalanche expect him to be ready for Game 1 of the postseason. Kadri picked up nine points (4G / 5A) in 16 games after being acquired by the Avalanche.
Entering their final game of the regular season, the Avalanche will rest some key players, including their captain Landeskog. Landeskog will end his regular season with 14 goals and 21 assists to his name across 60 games.
Ostman will make his first career NHL start when the Kraken travel to Denver for their regular season finale on Thursday. The 25-year-old did make one relief appearance for Seattle last season and stopped all 12 shots he faced in one period of play. He's appeared in 35 games for Coachella Valley (AHL) this season, posting a 17-14-3 record and a .907 SV%. Ostman's debut matchup on Thursday is made slightly easier thanks to the Avalanche resting the majority of their core players, but the Kraken still enter action at +160 on the money line.
Zary is reportedly a "little banged up" and as a result he will miss Thursday's season finale. Ryan Strome will slot into the lineup in his place.
Strome will rejoin Calgary's lineup for their season finale after sitting out Tuesday's game. Connor Zary (undisclosed) will sit in his place.
