The Montreal Canadiens are among the youngest teams heading into the NHL playoffs, with an average age of 25.8 for their Game 1 lineup. In other news, the Anaheim Ducks have signed 2024 third-round pick Ethan Procyszyn to a three-year entry-level contract. The league is also seeing several injury updates impacting playoff contention.
Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz is out for Games 3 and 4, with his return uncertain beyond that, though the team hopes for his availability by Game 5. Teammate Nathan Bastian is traveling with the team and beginning to skate, but his return is not expected until late in the second round, if the Stars advance that far. Edmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique is sidelined for at least one game, with his exact return date unknown. The Minnesota Wild are awaiting updates on forwards Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin, both of whom are dealing with upper-body injuries. For the Ottawa Senators, defenseman Artem Zub left Game 1 with an injury, though he has not been ruled out. Defenseman Tyler Kleven, out since April 2nd with a broken jaw, could be an option for Game 3. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Victor Hedman is considered unlikely to return for the remainder of the series, despite participating in morning skates.
Average Ages for Playoff Teams in Game 1
The average ages of the 20-man lineups for playoff teams in Game 1 were:
- Montreal: 25.8
- Buffalo: 27.1
- Philadelphia: 27.7
- Anaheim: 27.9
- Boston: 28.2
- Dallas: 29.0
- Ottawa: 29.2
- Utah: 29.2
- Edmonton: 29.7
- Carolina: 29.8
- Tampa Bay: 29.9
- Minnesota: 30.2
- Vegas: 30.4
- Los Angeles: (data incomplete)
Ducks Sign 2024 Third-Round Pick
The Anaheim Ducks have secured forward Ethan Procyszyn, a 2024 third-round draft pick, by signing him to a three-year entry-level contract that will begin next season.
NHL Playoff Injury Updates
- Dallas Stars: Forward Roope Hintz did not travel with the team and is out for Game 3 and “very doubtful” for Game 4. The team hopes for his return by Game 5. Forward Nathan Bastian is skating with the team but is not expected back until potentially late in Round 2.
- Edmonton Oilers: Forward Adam Henrique will miss at least one game, with his return timeline uncertain.
- Minnesota Wild: Coach Jon Hynes provided no updates on forwards Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin, both suffering from upper-body injuries. Zuccarello’s status for Game 3 will be evaluated today.
- Ottawa Senators: Defenseman Artem Zub left Game 1 after a collision but has not been ruled out. Defenseman Tyler Kleven, recovering from a broken jaw, is skating and could be an option for Game 3.
- Tampa Bay Lightning: Coach Jon Cooper indicated that a return for defenseman Victor Hedman is “on the doubtful side for this series,” despite his participation in morning skates.
