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NHL News

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

Wednesday, March 11

Jonathan Quick Passes Henrik Lundqvist on NHL Shutout List

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Jonathan Quick secured his 65th career shutout in Tuesday's 4-0 win over the Flames, stopping all 21 shots faced. By doing so, the 40-year-old netminder surpassed Rangers icon Henrik Lundqvist for 17th on the NHL’s all-time shutout list. Quick, who improved his season record to 5-15-2, maintains a 3.05 GAA and .892 save percentage across 22 appearances. He remains the all-time leader in shutouts for American-born goaltenders and ranks 12th all-time with 409 career wins.

Cole Caufield Ruled Out for Wednesday's Game Against Senators

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Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield will not play in Wednesday's game against the Ottawa Senators due to an illness. Caufield, who was feeling under the weather during the third period of Tuesday's contest against the Maple Leafs, is currently sidelined as a virus spreads through the team's locker room. Alexandre Texier will replace him in the lineup. The 25-year-old may return for Saturday's home game against the Sharks.

Tyler Myers Seeks New Nickname After Trade to Dallas Stars

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Following his trade from the Vancouver Canucks to the Dallas Stars, veteran defenseman Tyler Myers is looking to shed his 'Chaos Giraffe' nickname. Myers stated the moniker does not fit his new environment in Texas. Stars captain Jamie Benn, a former junior teammate of Myers, is attempting to revive an old Kelowna Rockets tradition where players referred to each other by their fathers' names to help establish a new identity for the defenseman in Dallas.

Kings Face Uncertain Future as Potential Center Targets Dwindle

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With captain Anze Kopitar nearing retirement, the Los Angeles Kings are actively searching for a long-term successor at center. The team's list of potential off-season targets has shrunk following Nick Schmaltz's decision to sign an eight-year extension with the Utah Mammoth. GM Ken Holland must now pivot to the trade market or rely on internal development from players like Quinton Byfield to address the team's lack of depth down the middle for the upcoming season.

Nick Schmaltz Signs Eight-Year, $64 Million Extension with Utah

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Forward Nick Schmaltz has signed an eight-year, $64 million contract extension with the Utah Mammoth, securing his future through the 2033-34 season and removing his UFA status. The 30-year-old is enjoying a career-best campaign with 24 goals and 59 points in 65 games, putting him on track to shatter his previous career-high of 63 points. His extension removes a key center target from the upcoming off-season market for teams like the Los Angeles Kings.

Andrew Copp Suffers Leg Injury in Loss to Panthers

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Andrew Copp sustained a leg injury during Tuesday's game against the Florida Panthers after a collision with Tomas Nosek. Copp, who had been filling in for the injured Dylan Larkin on the top line, was unable to put weight on his left leg while being assisted off the ice. In response to the injury, the Red Wings have recalled forwards John Leonard, Sheldon Dries, and Eduards Tralmaks from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions.

Jimmy Snuggerud Emerging as Top NHL Rookie Since Injury Return

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Since returning from wrist surgery on Dec. 27, rookie Jimmy Snuggerud has been a standout for the St. Louis Blues, recording 21 points to rank third among all NHL rookies in that span. On the season, the 21-year-old has tallied 13 goals and 32 points in 52 games. Coach Jim Montgomery plans to keep Snuggerud on the top line alongside Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway for the remainder of the season as the Blues continue to prioritize their young core.

Aidan McDonough Records Three-Point Performance Against Springfield

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Aidan McDonough delivered a strong offensive showing in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins' 5-4 loss to Springfield on March 4. The forward scored two power-play goals and added an assist on a Tanner Howe goal during a four-on-four situation. McDonough has been a key contributor for the AHL squad, recording four goals and two assists over his last five games. His recent production highlights his role as a backbone player for the team as they push toward a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.

Jacob Fowler Recalled and Named Starter Against Ottawa

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The Montreal Canadiens have recalled goaltender Jacob Fowler from AHL Laval, where he has posted a 2.33 GAA and .916 save percentage in 27 games. Fowler is slated to start in Wednesday's road matchup against the Ottawa Senators. In 10 NHL appearances this season, the 21-year-old holds a 4-4-2 record with a 2.62 GAA and .902 save percentage. He aims to secure his first NHL win since January 7th as the Canadiens manage a virus circulating through their locker room.

Lane Hutson Sets NHL Record for Assists by a Defenseman

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Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson has made NHL history, recording his 116th career assist to set a new record for the most assists by a defenseman within their first 150 games, surpassing Hockey Hall of Famer Sergei Zubov. Hutson reached the milestone during a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 63 games this season, the 5-foot-9 blueliner has been a standout performer, tallying 11 goals, 54 assists, 65 points, and a plus-28 rating.

William Eklund Questionable for Thursday vs. Boston

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San Jose Sharks forward William Eklund is considered questionable for Thursday's game against the Boston Bruins due to a lower-body injury. Eklund did not participate in Wednesday's practice session. The 23-year-old has recorded 11 goals and 38 points across 58 games during the 2025-26 season. If he is unable to suit up against Boston, Pavol Regenda is expected to draw back into the lineup to fill the vacancy.

Spencer Knight Cleared to Return for Thursday's Game Against Utah

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After missing time due to an illness, Spencer Knight is available to play in Thursday's road game against Utah. The 24-year-old goaltender has posted a 16-18-8 record with a 2.63 GAA and .908 save percentage across 42 appearances this season. His return to the active roster prompted the team to reassign Drew Commesso to AHL Rockford. Knight last saw action on March 3, when he stopped 29 of 32 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to Winnipeg.

Drew Commesso Reassigned to AHL Rockford Following Knight's Return

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Drew Commesso was reassigned to AHL Rockford on Wednesday after serving as the Blackhawks' goaltender while Spencer Knight was sidelined with an illness. During his recent stint with the NHL club, Commesso appeared in three games, posting a 2-1-0 record with a 2.31 GAA and a .918 save percentage. His most recent performance was a 3-2 overtime victory over Utah on Monday, where he stopped 23 of 25 shots.

Carter Verhaeghe Nets Two Late Goals in Comeback Win

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Verhaeghe played the hero in Tuesday's 4-3 victory over Detroit, scoring two goals in the final 90 seconds of the third period to flip a 3-2 deficit into a win. The 30-year-old had managed only one goal and three points in his prior 11 games, but now has 19 goals and 46 points in 63 contests this season. His late-game heroics were critical in securing the comeback victory for the Florida Panthers.

Logan Thompson Slated to Start Wednesday Against Philadelphia

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Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson is expected to start in net for Wednesday's road game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Thompson enters the contest with a 22-18-4 record, 2.42 GAA, and .912 save percentage across 44 appearances this season. He is coming off a strong performance in Monday's 7-3 victory over Calgary, where he stopped 23 of 26 shots. Thompson previously defeated the Flyers 3-1 on February 25th, turning aside 23 of 24 shots in that outing.

Bryan Rust Powers Penguins with Three-Point Performance

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Bryan Rust recorded two goals, including one on the power play, and added an assist in Tuesday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Hurricanes. With Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin sidelined, Rust has elevated his production, tallying four goals and nine points over his last seven games. The veteran winger was instrumental in forcing overtime, contributing two points in the final 2:08 of regulation. He continues to serve as a primary offensive catalyst for Pittsburgh during this injury-depleted stretch.

Matthew Knies Linked to Canadiens Trade Rumors

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Recent reports suggest Matthew Knies was a primary trade target for Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes at the deadline. While Toronto denied the specific deal, insiders indicate significant interest existed. Knies, 23, has 51 points in 62 games for the Leafs this season. Analysts suggest a potential summer deal would require a massive return, likely involving high-end assets like a first-round pick and defensive help, given Knies' established role on Toronto's top line.

Linus Ullmark Slated to Start Wednesday Against Montreal

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Linus Ullmark is confirmed to start in goal for the Ottawa Senators at home against the Montreal Canadiens this Wednesday. Ullmark currently holds a 19-8-7 record for the 2025-26 season with a 2.84 GAA and .884 save percentage. He enters the contest riding a two-game winning streak, having stopped 36 of 41 shots during that span. In his previous two appearances against Montreal this season, he has recorded a 1-0-1 record with a 2.97 GAA and .878 save percentage.

Samuel Ersson Expected to Start Against Washington Wednesday

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Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson is expected to make his first start since February 26 in Wednesday's home matchup against the Washington Capitals. Ersson saw brief action in a relief appearance this past Monday, stopping all three shots faced. On the 2025-26 season, the 26-year-old netminder has posted a 9-10-5 record, a 3.40 GAA, and an .859 save percentage across 26 total appearances.

Canadiens Recall Jacob Fowler Amid Montembeault Struggles

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The Montreal Canadiens have recalled goaltender Jacob Fowler from the Laval Rocket as the team's patience with Samuel Montembeault wears thin. Montembeault has struggled to find his game throughout the season, leading the front office to bring in reinforcement. While the team confirms all three goaltenders are healthy, the move signals that the Canadiens may need to make a significant goaltending decision sooner than expected as they fight for points in a tight playoff race.