NHL Player News

Ceci (rest) will play Thursday versus Colorado, per the NHL media site.

Ceci was a healthy scratch for Wednesday's 5-2 loss to Arizona to keep him fresh for the playoffs. He has five goals, 25 points, 89 hits and 106 blocks in 78 appearances in 2023-24.

Skinner will guard the road goal versus the Avalanche on Thursday, per the NHL media site.

Skinner has gone 3-1-1 with 10 goals allowed on 118 shots over five outings in April. He'll get one more tune-up versus the Avalanche in preparation for the playoffs. Skinner may have a tough time getting a win, as the Oilers' entire top line and first defense pairing is being rested for Thursday's game, while the Avalanche will have all of their key players in the lineup.

Nurse (rest) is drawing back into the lineup Thursday versus Colorado, per the NHL media site.

Nurse was a healthy scratch in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to Arizona so that he could get some rest before the playoffs. He has 10 goals, 32 points, 79 PIM, 181 shots, 167 hits and 169 blocks in 80 appearances this season while serving in a top-four capacity.

Hanley (undisclosed) isn't available Thursday versus San Jose, per Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

This is Calgary's season finale, so Hanley will conclude the campaign with a goal and five points in 42 outings between Dallas and the Flames. He missed the final eight contests due to the injury. Hanley is signed through 2024-25, so he'll likely be on Calgary's roster again next year, though it's feasible the 32-year-old will bounce between serving on the third pairing and being a healthy scratch.

Kane (undisclosed) won't play Thursday versus the Avalanche, Oilers play-by-by announcer Jack Michaels reports.

Unlike the other six players out of the lineup Thursday, Kane is still working through an injury. His status for Game 1 of the playoffs has yet to be determined. Kane missed three games to end the regular season, finishing with 44 points, 250 hits, 85 PIM and 220 shots on net in 77 appearances.

Ekholm (rest) won't be in the lineup Thursday versus Colorado, Oilers play-by-by announcer Jack Michaels reports.

Ekholm will finish the season with 11 goals, 56 points, 136 hits and 93 blocks in 79 contests in 2023-24. After getting a breather, the 33-year-old figures to draw back into the lineup in a top-four capacity for Game 1 of the playoffs.

Bouchard will rest for Thursday's game versus the Avalanche, Oilers play-by-by announcer Jack Michaels reports.

Bouchard will finish above a point-per-game pace for the regular season with 18 goals and 64 assists over 81 appearances. The 24-year-old racked up 35 of those 82 points on the power play. Bouchard should be back in a top-four role and on the first power-play unit for the Oilers' opening game of the playoffs.

Hyman (rest) will not play Thursday versus the Avalanche, according to Oilers play-by-by announcer Jack Michaels.

Edmonton is focused on resting key players for the postseason, including Hyman. The 31-year-old figures to be back in a top-six role for Game 1 of the playoffs. Hyman provided 77 points in 80 regular-season contests, including a career-high 54 goals.

Nugent-Hopkins will rest for Thursday's game versus the Avalanche, Oilers play-by-by announcer Jack Michaels reports.

Nugent-Hopkins will miss just his second game of the year. He ends the regular season with 67 points, including 26 on the power play, over 80 games, well off the pace that saw him produce 104 points last season. The 31-year-old should be back for Game 1 of the playoffs.

McDavid will sit out for rest Thursday versus the Oilers, Oilers play-by-by announcer Jack Michaels reports.

McDavid ends another excellent regular season with 32 goals and 100 assists over 76 appearances. He should be fine for Game 1 of the playoffs.