NHL Player News

Makar (upper body) is in the lineup for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Vegas on Sunday, according to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.

Makar took line rushes with his usual partner, Devon Toews, during warmups after being deemed a game-time decision earlier Sunday. It's unclear if Makar is fully healthy, but he'll attempt to help his team avoid a 3-0 series deficit Sunday. Barring an in-game setback, the all-world blueliner should quarterback the No. 1 power-play unit. Nick Blankenburg is set to be a healthy scratch in Game 3 due to Makar's return.

Makar (upper body) will be a game-time decision against Vegas on Sunday in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Makar has missed the last two games. He has compiled four goals, five points, 22 shots on net and 18 blocked shots across nine appearances this postseason. If Makar is available to return to the lineup, Nick Blankenburg will probably be a healthy scratch against the Golden Knights on Sunday.

Chatfield logged two assists, two shots on goal, two blocked shots and a plus-3 rating in Saturday's 3-2 overtime win over the Canadiens in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

This was Chatfield's first multi-point effort of the postseason. The 30-year-old defenseman had a hand in both of Nikolaj Ehlers' tallies, including the game-winner 3:29 into overtime. Over 10 playoff contests, Chatfield has earned a goal, three assists, 19 shots on net, 11 blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating while filling a shutdown role in the Hurricanes' top four.

Kettles is in the lineup for WHL Kelowna in its Memorial Cup game versus OHL Kitchener on Friday.

Kettles underwent shoulder surgery in November and missed six months of action, which was on the short end of his expected recovery timeline. The 18-year-old defenseman will get some high-quality action during the Memorial Cup for at least three games to close out the year. Given the time he missed, he'll likely be back in the WHL in 2026-27, as he signed his entry-level contract in November shortly after his shoulder procedure.

Makar (undisclosed) will not be in action to face the Golden Knights in Game 2 on Friday, Eric Francis of Sportsnet reports.

Makar skated with the No. 1 power-play unit at Friday's morning skate, but it seems the 27-year-old blueliner still isn't ready to suit up. In the absence of Makar, Devon Toews figures to take on an increased role, including with the man advantage, and should be a player to target in daily formats. For his part, once Makar is cleared, he figures to return to being a 25-plus minute-a-night player.

Gagne was called up from AHL Colorado on Friday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Gagne has been moving up and down between levels of late, providing emergency defensive depth while Cale Makar (undisclosed) has been sidelined. Even if Makar can't play in Game 2 on Friday, the 23-year-old Gagne shouldn't be expected to get into the lineup.

Hutton notched an assist and two PIM in a 4-2 win over the Avalanche in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday.

Hutton assisted on forward Brett Howden's game-winning goal in the third period, which occurred just after Hutton got out of the penalty box. The 33-year-old defenseman's assist was his first point in seven games this postseason. Hutton has added eight shots on net, seven blocked shots and a plus-1 rating. He seems likely to stay in the lineup as long as Jeremy Lauzon (upper body) is out.

Coghlan scored a goal in a 4-2 win over the Avalanche in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday.

The goal was Coghlan's first since Dec. 17, 2021, when he was in his first stint with the Golden Knights. He's played in just 10 NHL regular-season contests for three separate teams over the last three years, failing to earn a point in any of those outings. For now, he's filling a third-pairing role in the absence of Jeremy Lauzon (upper body). Coghlan is likely to see sheltered minutes during this series against a tough opponent.

Gagne was reassigned to AHL Colorado on Wednesday, Brennan Vogt of Hockey Mountain High reports.

Gagne got into a few practices with the Avalanche earlier this week. He'll head back to the AHL with the Eagles continuing their playoff series against Coachella Valley on Wednesday.

Liljegren agreed to terms on a two-year, $6.5 million contract with Washington on Wednesday.

Liljegren appeared in just four regular-season games for the Caps last year after he was acquired at the trade deadline from the Sharks. If the 27-year-old blueliner can get back to being the 20-point producer he was with the Maple Leafs, he'll be worth his new contract, though it's been two years since he put up those numbers.