Thomas Vanek, CBJ:The Columbus Blue Jackets wing has 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 19 games since he was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 26. He has 34 points (20 goals, 14 assists), including 10 power-play goals in 63 career playoff games.
Nikita Zadorov, COL: The Colorado Avalanche defenseman had career highs in goals (seven), assists (13) and shots on goal (94) in 77 games. Zadorov will be relied on heavily to fill the void of defenseman Erik Johnson, who is expected to miss at least six weeks with a fractured patella.
Dion Phaneuf, LAK:The Los Angeles Kings defenseman will see an increased role if Jake Muzzin (upper body) is unable to play in Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Since he was acquired from the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 13, Phaneuf has seven power-play points in 26 games. He has 10 power-play points in 51 playoff games.
Nino Niederreiter, MIN:The Minnesota Wild right wing is expected to skate on the top line with center Eric Staal and left wing Jason Zucker in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets. Niederreiter has 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 34 career playoff games.