NHL Player News

Steen, Ian Mitchell, Georgi Merkulov, Marc McLaughlin, Trevor Kuntar, Michael DiPietro, Michael Callahan and Joey Abate were called up from AHL Providence on Thursday, per CapFriendly.

Steen has the most experience among those Black Aces call-ups, but none are likely to feature during the Bruins' playoff run. Steen had one goal, 24 shots on net and 79 hits in 34 NHL games this season, as well as 18 points over 28 outings between the regular season and playoffs for Providence.

Mikheyev is dealing with an undisclosed injury and won't play Thursday in Game 5 versus the Oilers, Dan Murphy of Sportsnet reports.

Mikheyev is considered day-to-day, but the injury is a new consideration. It was believed the 29-year-old winger was going to be a healthy scratch Thursday after posting just one assist over his last 22 games and no points in 10 playoff outings. It's unclear if he'll be available for Game 6 on Saturday.

Shesterkin is set to guard the road goal against Carolina in Game 6 on Thursday, according to Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer.

Shesterkin will attempt to rebound after allowing seven goals on 58 shots (.879 save percentage) while losing his past two starts. Despite his recent setback, he's still 7-2 with a 2.33 GAA and a .924 save percentage in nine playoff appearances this year. A victory against the Hurricanes would advance the Rangers into an Eastern Conference Finals series against either Florida or Boston.

Andersen will guard the home goal versus the Rangers in Thursday's Game 6, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Andersen has won his last two outings, allowing four goals on 46 shots in those contests. He is 6-3 with a 2.46 GAA and a .902 save percentage over nine playoff outings, and he has yet to lose on home ice this postseason. A win Thursday for Andersen and hte Hurricanes would force a Game 7 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

Garand was called up from AHL Hartford on Thursday.

Garand had a 3.03 GAA and an .898 save percentage in 39 regular-season contests with Hartford. He also posted a 2.32 GAA and a .931 save percentage in seven AHL playoff outings. Garand is unlikely to play for the Rangers during the 2024 playoffs.

Wheeler (leg) was activated from long-term injured reserve Thursday, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports.

It's not a clear-cut guarantee Wheeler will be in the lineup for Thursday's Game 6, but the 37-year-old is now eligible to return from a three-month absence. Wheeler was cleared for contact Monday, and it appears he's gotten in enough practice time to be an option for the Rangers as they look to close out the Hurricanes in the second round.

Hakanpaa 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.

Seguin (lower body) is considered fine after exiting Wednesday's Game 5 versus the Avalanche late in the third period, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Seguin should be available for Friday's Game 6. The 32-year-old played on the third line Wednesday, but he could see more ice time than that role would suggest if Roope Hintz (upper body) is unable to suit up Friday.

Henrique (ankle) will miss Thursday's Game 5 against Vancouver, but he is close to returning, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

Henrique also wasn't in the lineup for Edmonton's previous two contests. He has a goal and an assist in six playoff outings this year after finishing the regular season with 24 markers and 51 points across 82 appearances. His next opportunity to play will be in Game 6 on Saturday.

Chaffee agreed to terms on a two-year, $1.6 million contract with Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Chaffee's deal is a one-way contract, which should increase his chances of playing in more than 30 NHL games this upcoming season. During the 2023-24 campaign, the 26-year-old winger notched four goals on 27 shots, three assists and 88 hits while averaging 11:07 of ice time. Even with his new deal in hand, Chaffee is unlikely to challenge for more than a bottom-six role next season.