Ottawa Senators defenseman Carter Yakemchuk (concussion) won't play on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres, Andrew Wilimek of the Senators' official site reports. The 20-year-old had a dream debut in the NHL a week ago against Detroit with a goal and an assist, but he is forced to miss time after landing in concussion protocol. Yakemchuk was hurt in his fourth career game on Tuesday night against Florida. The Senators have recalled Cameron Crotty from the minors to fill the void in the lineup. Crotty will make his team debut and only his third NHL appearance against Buffalo. At the same time, Jordan Spence and Tyler Kleven will get all the minutes they can handle on defense, including power-play time. This makes both players worth a look in fantasy.

New Jersey Devils winger Arseni Gritsyuk (upper body) will undergo season-ending surgery. He suffered an upper-body injury in late March and will sit out a fifth consecutive game on Thursday against the Washington Capitals. Gritsyuk had a decent first year in the NHL, producing 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 66 games. Having turned only 25 in March, he has plenty of time to develop as a player and could be part of New Jersey's core for years to come. Evgenii Dadonov has taken Gritsyuk's spot in the league, but he doesn't provide any fantasy value.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Tyson Foerster (arm) will rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. He's set to make his first appearance of 2026 after recovering from arm surgery. Foerster was initially ruled out for five months after undergoing a procedure in mid-December, so having him back in the lineup for the final few regular-season games is a welcome surprise for the Flyers. Before exiting the lineup, Foerster led his team with 10 goals in 21 games and also recorded three assists. He will strengthen Philadelphia's first power-play unit and is expected to skate alongside Trevor Zegras and Owen Tippett in even-strength situations.

Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (undisclosed) is a game-time decision on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 33-year-old has heated up recently but might have to sit out at least one game due to an undisclosed injury. Hyman is riding a four-game point streak, tying his second-longest scoring run of the season. He's had a great bounce-back campaign, with 31 goals and 51 points in 56 games. If Hyman can't play against Chicago, Josh Samanski is likely to enter the lineup. Meanwhile, Kasperi Kapanen could fill the vacancy in the top six.