It will be MacDonald's first game since April 14th, as he replaces Dan Renouf in the lineup in San Jose. MacDonald has tallied one goal with six assists (seven points) in 29 games this season.
Wagner was absent from Friday's practice after leaving Thursday's game with an undisclosed injury. With Wagner out, Karson Kuhlman will play for the first time since April 11th.
Colorado head coach Jared Bednar did not have an update on Girard's status postgame, so it's unclear what his status is heading into Saturday. With Ryan Graves also getting hurt in the game, the Avalanche may have to turn to an emergency recall to serve as their No.6 defenseman on Saturday.
Rantanen has missed the last four games while in the COVID-19 protocol but will play Friday vs. the Sharks. The Avalanche top line had some struggles without Rantanen, so his return will provide a massive boost to a team that has lost three in a row.
Kiviranta has been out since March 21st but is "an option for tonight" according to Stars' head coach Rick Bowness. Kiviranta has scored three goals with four assists (seven points) in 19 games this season.
Drouin has been held out of the last three games and will take an indefinite leave of absence starting on Wednesday. This opens the door for Cole Caufield to remain in the Canadiens lineup moving forward. We wish Drouin all the best.
de Haan was in his second game back in the lineup on Tuesday when he departed after playing just 3:50 TOI and did not return. With de Haan listed as day-to-day, Nicolas Beaudin will draw into the lineup vs. Nashville.
O'Connor has been out since March 31st but he's expected to replace Joonas Donskoi (COVID-19) in the lineup on Thursday. O'Connor has scored three goals with two assists (five points) in 22 games this season.
The Avalanche return to action on Thursday but Rantanen did not travel to St. Louis to start the trip. Head coach Jared Bednar said that he could play next Wednesday in Vegas, so it looks like he'll miss all three games in St. Louis. In addition to Rantanen, the Avalanche will be without Joonas Donskoi and Philipp Grubauer due to COVID-19 protocols.
