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NHL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, May 25

Frederik Andersen Slated to Start Game 3 Against Montreal

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Andersen is expected to defend the road net for the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 against the Montreal Canadiens this Monday. The confirmation comes via Peter Dewar and Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site. As the series shifts to Montreal, Andersen's performance will be pivotal for Carolina's postseason success. This update provides much-needed clarity on the goaltending rotation as the Hurricanes look to maintain their momentum in this crucial playoff matchup.

Matthew Kessel Among Seven Restricted Free Agents for St. Louis Blues

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Matthew Kessel is set to become a restricted free agent this off-season, representing one of seven RFA cases the St. Louis Blues must address. Alongside fellow skater Jonatan Berggren, Kessel is a focal point of the team's internal free agency landscape. The Blues' front office will need to navigate these seven negotiations to solidify their defensive depth and overall roster structure, as Kessel's status remains a key component of the team's off-season personnel decisions.

Jonatan Berggren Headlines St. Louis Blues' Group of Seven RFAs

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Jonatan Berggren enters the upcoming off-season as one of the primary restricted free agents for the St. Louis Blues. As the organization prepares for roster evaluations, Berggren is highlighted alongside Matthew Kessel as a key young player requiring a new contract. The Blues face a busy summer with seven RFAs in total, making Berggren's negotiation a significant part of the team's strategic planning to retain talent and manage their salary cap for the next season.

Jacob Trouba Faces Uncertain Future Amid Ducks' Offseason Dilemma

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Veteran defenseman Jacob Trouba is at the center of the Anaheim Ducks' offseason strategy as he approaches free agency. General Manager Pat Verbeek is currently weighing the value of re-signing experienced leaders like Trouba versus committing to a youth movement to sustain the team's recent resurgence. As one of three veteran pillars hitting the open market, Trouba's status remains a key storyline for a Ducks blue line in transition during this critical summer period.

Valeri Nichushkin Undergoes Treatment for Lower-Body Injury

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Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin underwent treatment on Monday for a lower-body injury, according to a report from Eric Francis of Sportsnet. The severity of the injury and a specific timeline for his return have not yet been disclosed by the team. This update comes as Colorado manages multiple health concerns within their roster. Further analysis and evaluation are expected as the team prepares for upcoming matchups and monitors the recovery of their key offensive contributors.

Michael Kesselring Emerges as Potential Summer Trade Candidate

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Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring is being highlighted as a potential trade candidate as the NHL offseason approaches. Analysts are identifying specific teams that could look to acquire the blueliner this summer to bolster their defensive depth. While no formal deals have been announced, Kesselring's name is circulating in trade discussions, making him a key figure to watch for the Sabres as they evaluate roster adjustments and potential assets to move for future improvements.

Nic Dowd and Vegas Golden Knights Within One Win of Stanley Cup Final

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Nic Dowd is on the cusp of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final as the Vegas Golden Knights sit just one victory away from clinching the series. A former member of the Vancouver Canucks, Dowd has transitioned into a vital role for the Golden Knights during their successful playoff push. The team’s current trajectory puts Dowd in a prime position to compete for the NHL's ultimate prize. Vegas remains focused on securing the final win necessary to advance to the championship round.

Ben Hutton Moves One Win Away From 2026 Stanley Cup Final

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Ben Hutton and the Vegas Golden Knights are now just one win away from advancing to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. The former Vancouver Canucks defenseman has been a key part of the Vegas roster during this deep postseason run. With the Golden Knights currently leading their series and on the brink of a finals appearance, Hutton is positioned to compete for the championship. The veteran blueliner's journey continues as Vegas looks to secure the final victory needed to move on.

KHL Rights Traded for Blue Jackets Defenseman Egor Zamula

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Reports indicate that the KHL rights for Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Egor Zamula have been traded. Zamula, who hails from Chelyabinsk, Russia, originally joined the NHL ranks as an undrafted free agent before establishing himself on the Blue Jackets' blue line. This transaction involving his rights in the Kontinental Hockey League provides a significant update regarding his professional standing and potential future path, even as he continues his career in North America.

Devon Levi Appears Odd Man Out in Sabres' Crowded Goalie Situation

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Devon Levi, 24, is reportedly facing an uncertain future with the Buffalo Sabres, as he appears to be the odd man out in the team's crowded goaltending situation. Despite his recent experience, which included playing 52 games for AHL Rochester last season, the Sabres' depth at the position suggests a challenging path for the young netminder to secure a regular NHL roster spot, indicating potential roster moves ahead for the organization.

Egor Chinakhov Completes 2025-26 Campaign with Penguins

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Egor Chinakhov finished his 2025-26 season with 72 games played, recording 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 total points. His tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins saw him contribute 18 goals and 18 assists across 43 games. The 25-year-old forward, originally a 2020 first-round pick by Columbus, went scoreless in 6 playoff appearances. Chinakhov, standing 6'1" and 203 pounds, has now completed his two-year contract, leaving his future status as a key point of interest for the organization.

Sunday, May 24

Mark Stone Returns from Injury to Lead Golden Knights to Game 3 Victory

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Vegas captain Mark Stone returned to the lineup for Game 3 of the Western Conference Final after missing five games with a lower-body injury. His return was pivotal in the 5-3 win over Colorado, as he recorded a power-play goal, an assist, three shots, two PIM, and four hits. Stone’s performance sparked a comeback that extended the Golden Knights' series lead to 3-0, providing a massive boost to the roster as they continue their postseason campaign.

Nathan MacKinnon Suffers Lower-Body Injury in Game 3 Loss

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Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon sustained a lower-body injury after blocking a shot in the second period of Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. MacKinnon was noticeably hobbled and saw limited ice time during the third period. With Colorado now trailing 3-0 in the Western Conference Final, his status remains uncertain as the team faces a critical must-win situation to avoid elimination.

Brock Nelson on Brink of Elimination After Game 3 Loss

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Brock Nelson and the Colorado Avalanche find themselves facing elimination after a disappointing 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Colorado squandered a three-goal lead, allowing five unanswered goals to the opposition. Nelson and the Avalanche now trail the series 3-0 and must win the next game to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Devon Toews Faces Elimination After Game 3 Collapse

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Devon Toews and the Colorado Avalanche are on the brink of elimination following a 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Despite holding an early three-goal lead, the Avalanche surrendered five unanswered goals to fall into a 3-0 series deficit. Toews remains a key part of the defensive rotation as the team attempts to stave off a series sweep.

Valeri Nichushkin Exits Game 3 With Undisclosed Injury

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Valeri Nichushkin left Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals due to an undisclosed injury. He did not return to the contest after departing. The loss of Nichushkin adds to the Avalanche's mounting concerns as they struggle to overcome a 3-0 series deficit against Vegas.

Tomas Hertl Sparks Golden Knights Comeback in Game 3

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Tomas Hertl played a pivotal role in the Vegas Golden Knights' comeback victory against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Hertl scored the go-ahead goal at the 8:21 mark of the third period, serving as the catalyst for a surge of five unanswered goals by Vegas. The 5-3 win puts the Golden Knights in a commanding position in the series.

Disputed No-Goal Call Denies Dorofeyev in Game 3

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During Game 3 of the Western Conference Final, Vegas forward Pavel Dorofeyev appeared to score a power-play goal with 7:26 remaining in the first period. The goal was immediately waved off by officials, and the decision was upheld following a video review. The sequence proved pivotal, as the momentum shifted following the disallowed goal, contributing to a two-goal swing that helped the Colorado Avalanche establish a 3-0 lead in the contest.

Cale Makar Returns to Avalanche Lineup for Game 3

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After missing the first two games of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights due to an upper-body injury sustained in the semifinals against Minnesota, defenseman Cale Makar has been cleared to play in Sunday's Game 3. His return is a significant boost for Colorado, as the team looks to overcome a 0-2 series deficit. Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, was initially a game-time decision before receiving medical clearance to rejoin the defensive corps.

Can Carter Yakemchuk Secure a Roster Spot for the Senators?

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Carter Yakemchuk faces a critical training camp ahead of the upcoming season as he looks to earn a full-time role with the Ottawa Senators. Having been the final roster cut in each of the past two training camps, the pressure is on for Yakemchuk to demonstrate he has reached the level required to break through and remain with the big club for the duration of the season.