NHL Hockey Player News

As expected, it looks like Hamilton will make his long-awaited return in Game 1 vs. his former team. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour did not announce who would come out of the lineup for Hamilton but it's expected to be Haydn Fleury. Hamilton will likely skate with Jaccob Slavin and quarterback the top power-play unit, bumping Sami Vatanen to PP2.

Hamilton was on the ice again for Monday's practice and head coach Rod Brind'Amour said he is "hopeful" that Hamilton will be ready for Game 1 on Tuesday. It would be his first game since January 16th. He had 40 points (14G / 26A) in 47 regular-season games before breaking his leg vs. Columbus.

Rask missed Monday's practice but head coach Bruce Cassidy said that the plan is to start Rask on Tuesday. Rask started two of the three round-robin games, giving up five goals on 60 shots (.917 SV%). He did not face the Hurricanes during the 2020 regular season.

Seguin missed the Stars' round-robin finale but will be available for Game 1 according to head coach Rick Bowness. Seguin failed to record a point in his two round-robin appearances and had no points in three games vs. the Flames this season.

Bishop only played in the first Stars' round-robin game and then missed the third due to being "unfit to play." However, head coach Rick Bowness said he's available to start Game 1 vs. Calgary and likely will. He allowed four goals on 32 shots in the round-robin loss to Vegas and was 1-1-1 with a 2.29 GAA and .916 SV% in three games vs. the Flames this season.

Rutta played in the Lightning's second round-robin game but that was it. When head coach Jon Copper met with the media on Monday, he said that everything was "status quo," which suggests that Rutta is still unfit to play. Look for Zach Bogosian to remain in Rutta's spot.

When head coach Jon Cooper met with the media on Monday he said that everything is "status quo" which suggests that Stamkos is still "out indefinitely." Unless he's keeping things close to the vest ahead of Game 1, don't expect Stamkos to be out there on Tuesday afternoon.

Merzlikins was banged up in the Blue Jackets’ Game 4 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs and was not available to backup in Game 5. Head coach John Tortorella was not sure how long Merzlikins will be out when he met with the media on Monday. Look for Joonas Korpisalo to start Game 1 vs. Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

Hedman was injured early in the Lightning’s round-robin finale vs. the Flyers and did not return. Head coach Jon Cooper did not have an update on his status on Monday and said his availability will be determined on Tuesday. The Lightning play in the first game of the day (3:00 PM) so there will be no morning skate for Hedman to test out his injury.

Voracek missed the Flyers final round-robin game and will be a game-time decision for Game 1 vs. the Canadiens. The fact that he will skate on Monday bodes well for his availability two days from now. Voracek had two assists in three games vs. Montreal this season.

Pacioretty missed the entire round-robin but joined the Golden Knights in the bubble in Edmonton over the weekend and should be in the lineup for Game 1 on Tuesday. Pacioretty had a terrific 2002 season, scoring 32 goals with 34 assists (66 points) in 71 games.