The NHL injury report reveals notable updates affecting several teams as the season approaches its conclusion. For the Buffalo Sabres, Sam Lafferty's groin injury could sideline him for the upcoming game, which raises questions about depth and lineup adjustments.

In Calgary, MacKenzie Weegar is expected to be back for the upcoming game after missing a match due to a lower-body injury, while teammate Joel Farabee is dealing with an illness, casting doubt on his participation. The Blackhawks also face challenges as Alec Martinez and Jason Dickinson both exited their latest game early due to hits and scrums respectively.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are navigating concerns around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's health, with Draisaitl's potential return appearing to be sooner than McDavid's. The situation remains fluid, with both players pivotal for playoff aspirations.

This offseason poses significant questions for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they contemplate their approach to free agency. The potential for the team to trade draft picks for young talent could open the door to attracting high-profile free agents like Mitch Marner. However, securing these trades is not a straightforward task. Meanwhile, Buffalo Sabres’ JJ Peterka has emerged as a viable offer sheet candidate, although the Penguins are wary of aggressive moves with their valuable 2026 first-round pick on the line.

Rickard Rakell's value remains a topic, with the Penguins’ management suggesting they might be willing to sell low, which raises eyebrows considering the potential they once saw in him. The Penguins could also explore the trade market further as the NHL expands, with cities like Houston and Atlanta being considered for new teams, which might lead to shifts in player dynamics across the league. With the draft and free agency looming, the Penguins' strategies will be crucial in shaping their immediate future.

This Saturday in the NHL, 14 thrilling matchups await, with playoff positions and draft lottery implications at stake across the league. The Canucks look to reclaim their wild card position against the Rangers, while the Flyers are focused on strengthening their draft lottery standing against the Stars, who are eyeing the Central Division title. The Sabres face the Wild in a potential playoff seeding battle as the season winds down.

The Blackhawks, eliminated from contention, will clash with the Blues, who are hopeful for a favorable playoff run. The Flames and Islanders vie for wild card spots, while Carolina and Los Angeles look to solidify their playoff positions. Highlighting the day, the Panthers and Capitals face off in a likely preview of a playoff matchup, with Ovechkin chasing history. Later, the Oilers host the Kraken, and the Bruins battle the Sharks, with both teams in precarious playoff positions. A full day of action promises to be pivotal as teams jockey for postseason positioning.

The 2024-25 NHL trade deadline has reshuffled the league as teams finalize their rosters for the Stanley Cup playoffs. The San Jose Sharks have been eliminated from postseason contention, struggling with low goals per game and a high goals against average. Meanwhile, Chicago Blackhawks' Ryan Donato is having a breakout season, and Filip Forsberg remains a standout for the Nashville Predators despite their scoring woes.

The Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers also face challenges, with Buffalo's being rooted in their defensive leaks. The New York Rangers, on the playoff bubble, have seen Artemi Panarin excel, while the New York Islanders are trying to bounce back from recent losses. Teams like the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks are vying for wild-card positions, with key players like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid in pursuit of personal achievements alongside team goals.

Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson is dealing with an illness, while JJ Peterka has returned to the lineup. Meanwhile, Carolina's Dmitry Orlov is back after a five-game absence due to an upper-body injury, but Andrei Svechnikov remains sidelined for the fourth straight game. Columbus has seen forwards Cole Sillinger and Sean Monahan back on the ice, indicating potential returns as day-to-day updates come from Coach Dean Evason. In Detroit, Elmer Soderblom and Erik Gustafsson are both day-to-day with undisclosed injuries, and Jeff Petry is traveling but not ready for the weekend.

In Philadelphia, Rasmus Ristolainen is not expected back soon, while the Panthers' Dmitry Kulikov is week-to-week, but could return before the season wraps. Ottawa's Nick Jensen is still out, and Pittsburgh's Tommy Novak is day-to-day after missing time since March 9. Coaches are keeping fans updated on players' statuses as teams prepare for upcoming matchups.