Buchnevich (undisclosed) will sit out Friday versus the Ducks for maintenance purposes.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Jim Montgomery indicated the Blues wanted to have Buchnevich fresh for a pair of upcoming matchups versus the Avalanche, with one game in Colorado on Sunday and the other at home Tuesday. Buchnevich is one of three forwards to get rotated out of the lineup for the Blues in this contest. Given the explanation for his absence, Buchnevich's injury is likely minor and shouldn't cost him time as the Blues try to keep pace in the playoff race.

Hofer is expected to guard the road goal versus the Ducks on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Hofer lost his last outing, giving up five goals on 29 shots to the Sharks on Monday. Over the four games before that, Hofer had allowed just four goals on 115 shots, so he'll be looking to prove his outing Monday was just an anomaly. The Ducks are a tough foe, but they're 0-2-1 with nine goals scored over their last three games.

Holmstrom (upper body) is slated to be in the lineup Friday versus the Flyers, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Holmstrom was deemed a game-time decision, but he took warmups on the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Ondrej Palat. The 24-year-old Holmstrom had five goals and an assist over nine contests prior to his one-game absence due to the injury.

Vladar will patrol the road crease in Friday's clash against the Islanders, per Kevin Kurz of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Vladar will draw Friday's important start against the Islanders, who the Flyers would likely have to jump in the Metropolitan Division standings to have a shot at a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Overall, Vladar has a 24-13-7 record, 2.50 GAA and .904 save percentage through 46 appearances this season. The 28-year-old netminder finished March with a 6-4-1 record, 2.76 GAA and .894 save percentage across 11 outings. He'll look to make a statement against the Islanders, who rank 22nd in the NHL with 2.87 goals per game this season, setting up Friday's matchup to be a battle. Vladar is a high-risk, high-reward play in fantasy for this contest.

Ekman-Larsson (lower body) isn't expected to play Saturday versus Los Angeles, per Luke Fox of Sportsnet.

EDGE Analysis

Ekman-Larsson left Thursday's 4-1 loss to San Jose due to the injury. He has eight goals and 38 points in 73 outings in 2025-26. Troy Stecher is slated to play Saturday because of Ekman-Larsson's absence.

Suniev was called up from AHL Calgary on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Suniev has 15 goals and 23 points in 55 outings with AHL Calgary in 2025-26. He hasn't played in the NHL yet this season, but he did get a taste of the top level during the 2024-25 regular season, recording a plus-2 rating and one shot in 14:48 of ice time in the Flames' 5-1 win over the Kings on April 17.

Henrique scored a goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Blackhawks.

EDGE Analysis

Henrique had gone 50 games without a goal before he scored at 5:32 of the second period. This was his third tally of the campaign to go with 11 assists, 82 shots on net, 70 blocked shots and a minus-9 rating over 59 appearances. The 36-year-old's offense is well below his prime years, as he's stuck in a bottom-six role with the Oilers. His defensive acumen keeps him in the lineup, but Henrique is not really an option for most fantasy formats anymore.

Middleton's point drought reached 16 games in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Canucks.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has earned 13 hits and 27 blocked shots in that span. The 30-year-old is filling a third-pairing role currently, as the Wild's defensive depth has seen him shift down the depth chart during 2025-26. Middleton has 14 points, 57 shots on net, 64 PIM, 82 hits, 103 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over 68 appearances, and it's likely he'll miss the 20-point mark for the first time in three years.

Hameenaho notched an assist and two shots on goal in Thursday's 7-3 win over the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

Hameenaho set up Cody Glass on the Devils' opening goal 5:22 into the game. This helper was just Hameenaho's third in 18 games since the Olympic break. The 21-year-old rookie is up to seven points, 38 shots on net and a minus-1 rating over 27 appearances this season. He's filling a third-line role, but he's unlikely to make a significant impact for the rest of the campaign.

Rust posted an assist, two blocked shots and a minus-2 rating in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Rust missed one game due to a lower-body injury. He was a late scratch after warmups Tuesday versus the Red Wings. It's unclear if this is an issue Rust will have to manage for the rest of the campaign, but he'll want to be in the lineup to help the Penguins push for a playoff spot. He's earned 16 points over his last 12 outings and is up to 62 points (24 on the power play), 177 shots on net, 69 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over 68 appearances.