Niskanen informed the Flyers that he will retire ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen had one year remaining on his seven-year $40.25 million deal signed back in July of 2014. The veteran blueliner's departure will clear $5.75 million off the books for the club and could open up a spot in the lineup for Shayne Gostisbehere, who has been often relegated to the press box. Over the course of Niskanen's 13-year NHL career, he logged 949 games for Dallas, Pittsburgh, Washington and Philadelphia in which he garnered 72 goals, 284 assists and 1554 shots. Niskanen lifted Lord Stanley's chalice back in 2018 while playing for the Caps.

Niskanen scored a goal on his lone shot in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Islanders in Game 5. He also had one hit and one block with a plus-2 rating.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen gave the Flyers a 3-1 lead early in the third period when his blast from the right faceoff circle beat New York goalie Semyon Varlamov. It was his first goal since March 1, halting a 16-game goal drought. Niskanen enjoyed a productive regular season with 33 points in 68 games, but he's only been able to deliver two points through 13 playoff contests.

Niskanen served his one-game suspension in Friday's Game 6 win over the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

The Flyers were able to close out the Habs without Niskanen, who was handed a one-game suspension for cross-checking Brendan Gallagher (jaw). Niskanen should rejoin the lineup for Monday's Game 1 matchup versus the Islanders. The blueliner is still seeking his first point of the postseason.

Niskanen was suspended for Friday's Game 6 matchup against the Canadiens for Cross-checking forward Brendan Gallagher per The NHL's Department of Player Safety

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen's cross-check ended up hitting Gallagher in the face, and it was later confirmed that the play ended up breaking the Montreal forward's jaw. Now that the veteran is officially out for a game, the Flyers would likely reinsert Shayne Gostisbehere into the lineup, possibly even taking Niskanen's spot on the power play as well. It's unclear whether Niskanen will appeal his one-game suspension.

Niskanen will have a hearing with the league for his cross-check on Hab's Brendan Gallagher, per the NHL Department of Player Safety.

EDGE Analysis

At this point, it seems unlikely that Niskanen will escape with just a fine and could miss Friday's Game 6 or beyond. Whether Gallagher can play in Friday's tilt could also be a determining factor for the league when handing out punishment for Niskanen. If the Minnesota native does miss a game, the Flyers would likely reinsert Shayne Gostisbehere into the lineup, possibly even taking Niskanen's spot on the power play as well.

Niskanen may be in line for supplemental discipline for his actions in the third period of Wednesday's Game 5, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen caught Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher in the mouth with a stick in Wednesday's contest. Niskanen did not receive a penalty on the play. An announcement on if the blueliner will face a hearing with the Department of Player Safety should come before Friday's Game 6.

Niskanen had eight goals and 33 points with a plus-15 rating in 68 games prior to the coronavirus halting play in March.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran defenseman's been more than solid during his first season with the Flyers. He needs two more goals and 13 additional points to tie career highs in both categories. Recording 13 more points is unlikely, but Niskanen needs just seven points for his second-highest total in the category during his career. However, it's difficult to know how the lengthy time off will effect his ability to reach those totals (assuming the season resumes).

Niskanen recorded an assist, three shots on net, three blocks and a plus-3 rating in a 4-2 victory over the Sharks on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran defenseman is experiencing a tremendous second half. Niskanen has two goals and 13 points with a plus-9 rating in the last 13 games since the All-Star break. He's playing more than 22 minutes per game and averaging almost two shots on net per game as well. With this surge, it's realistic for Niskanen to reach 10 goals and 40 points for the first time since 2013-14. He has seven goals and 32 points in 62 games this season.

Niskanen scored an empty-net goal and fired four shots on net in Monday's 3-0 win over the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen launched a shot from nearly his own goal line to hit the empty cage. The 33-year-old has posted five points and a plus-5 rating over his last three games. For the year, Niskanen is at 24 points, 92 hits and 102 shots in 52 games. He's just one point shy of matching last year's output.

Niskanen picked up two assists, one on the power play, in Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran blueliner has been a solid contributor in his first season with the Flyers. Niskanen has five goals and 21 points through 50 games, with 10 of those points coming with the man advantage -- the fifth time in his career he's reached double-digit PP points, and the first time since 2015-16.