AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NHL News

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

Thursday, April 16

Alex Ovechkin Seeks Two-Year Extension Following 21st NHL Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Following his 21st NHL season, 40-year-old Alex Ovechkin is seeking a new two-year contract with the Washington Capitals. While evaluating his future based on health and family, Ovechkin confirmed he is 'pretty sure' his recent season finale was not his final game. He remains noncommittal on a firm retirement timeline but has kept the door open for a return, noting that his children have expressed a desire for him to continue his playing career.

Sidney Crosby Returns to First-Line Role for Penguins Playoff Run

AutoDraft Pro AI

Sidney Crosby has returned to practice in his usual first-line role after a brief period of rest. The Penguins captain is preparing for the postseason after the team finished second in the Metropolitan Division, marking a return to the playoffs following a three-year absence. Crosby, who has been instrumental in the team's surprising success this season, is fully integrated into the lineup as the team shifts focus to their upcoming playoff series.

Aleksander Barkov Cleared to Represent Finland at World Championship

AutoDraft Pro AI

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov has received a clean bill of health and will represent Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland this May. Barkov missed the entire NHL season after suffering a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee just 20 minutes into his first training camp practice. This international appearance will mark his first competitive action since the Panthers won their second consecutive Stanley Cup last June.

Quinn Hughes Travels with Wild for Game 1 Despite Illness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Quinn Hughes is dealing with an illness but has traveled with the Minnesota Wild for their Game 1 matchup in Dallas. His status for the contest remains questionable. Additionally, Hughes is among the Team USA stars currently chasing a Stanley Cup title following his recent Olympic gold medal success.

Pierre-Luc Dubois Sidelined With Fractured Hand

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois has sustained a fractured hand. The injury occurred during the team's 3-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday. Further updates regarding his recovery timeline and status are expected as the team evaluates the impact of the injury on his availability for upcoming play.

Kevin Lankinen Named Starter Against Oilers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen will receive the starting nod for Thursday's road matchup against the Edmonton Oilers. Lankinen looks to provide a steady presence in net as the Canucks face off against Edmonton in this upcoming contest.

Jake Oettinger Embraces Competitive Western Conference

AutoDraft Pro AI

As the NHL playoffs approach, Dallas Stars starting goaltender Jake Oettinger is embracing the challenge of a stacked Western Conference. With contenders like Colorado, Dallas, and Vegas all vying for supremacy, Oettinger is preparing for the high-stakes environment that defines the postseason.

Anton Forsberg to Start in Goal Against Flames

AutoDraft Pro AI

Anton Forsberg is set to start in goal for the Kings on the road against the Calgary Flames this Thursday. The update was confirmed by Zach Dooley of the team's official site.

Nathan MacKinnon Ruled Out for Thursday's Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

Nathan MacKinnon will not play in Thursday's game against the Seattle Kraken due to an undisclosed injury. The update was reported by Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now.

Kirill Kaprizov Returns to Practice Roles

AutoDraft Pro AI

After a period of rest, Kirill Kaprizov returned to his usual spot on the top line and the No. 1 power-play unit during Thursday's practice session. The update was provided by Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Ryan Hartman Returns to Practice Ahead of Playoffs

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ryan Hartman participated in Thursday's practice session following a rest period. His return to the ice indicates that he is expected to be back in action for the start of the playoffs, as reported by Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Brock Faber Back at Practice on Top Defensive Pairing

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brock Faber returned to practice on Thursday after a rest period, skating on the top defensive pairing. His participation suggests he will be available for the Minnesota Wild when the playoffs begin, according to Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Martin Necas to Sit Out Thursday Against Seattle

AutoDraft Pro AI

Martin Necas will not play in Thursday's game against the Seattle Kraken as he is being given the night off for rest. The news was reported by Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now.

Matt Boldy Returns to Practice on Second Line

AutoDraft Pro AI

Matt Boldy skated on the second line during Thursday's practice session following a rest period. His return to the ice indicates he should be ready for action when the playoffs begin, as reported by Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Mats Zuccarello Resumes First-Line Duties

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mats Zuccarello returned to his normal role on the first line during Thursday's practice session following a period of rest. The update was provided by Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Arsenii Sergeev to Start Against Los Angeles

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arsenii Sergeev will patrol the crease for the Calgary Flames at home against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. This update was confirmed by Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Eric Comrie Expected to Start Against Sharks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Eric Comrie was the first goalie off the ice at practice and is expected to start in goal for the Winnipeg Jets at home against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, according to Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Connor Ingram to Start in Goal Against Vancouver

AutoDraft Pro AI

Connor Ingram will be between the pipes for the Edmonton Oilers at home against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday. The news was reported by Mark Spector of Sportsnet.

Kris Letang Returns to Practice Following Rest

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kris Letang returned to practice on Thursday after being held out for rest. The Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman is expected to be ready for the upcoming playoffs, according to Michelle Crechiolo of the team's official site.

Seth Jarvis Returns to Practice on Top Line

AutoDraft Pro AI

Seth Jarvis, who had been dealing with an undisclosed issue, returned to practice on Thursday and skated on the Carolina Hurricanes' top line. His return to the ice signals he is ready for the postseason, as reported by Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News.