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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov has taken a significant step in his return, practicing in a full-contact jersey for the first time. Kulikov played just two games before suffering a torn labrum. He rejoined the Panthers in the 2023 off-season and has played a vital role in their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins. Coach Paul Maurice anticipates Kulikov's return in mid-March, and his progress indicates he is on track.
Florida Panthers forward Tomas Nosek has taken a significant step in his return, practicing in a full-contact jersey for the first time. Nosek has not played a game this season after undergoing off-season surgery to repair a knee injury. While the Panthers' staff has been patient with his recovery, he has cleared multiple steps and is now ramping up to get into game shape, with a potential return to the lineup in March.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) is not expected to play Wednesday against Toronto or Thursday in Carolina. The team hopes to have him back for Saturday's match versus Buffalo. Cirelli has already missed Tampa Bay's past two games and the Olympics due to this injury. He has recorded 15 goals and 35 points in 49 appearances during the 2025-26 season.
New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad is battling an illness and was unavailable for Wednesday's practice. His status for Thursday's game against Philadelphia remains unknown. Zibanejad has posted 23 goals and 52 points in 56 appearances during the 2025-26 season. Should he be unable to play, Noah Laba might shift into the top six, and Brendan Brisson could potentially make his NHL season debut.
Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (lower body) will not be available for Wednesday's game against the Flyers. Carlson is currently on pace to reach the 50-point threshold for the third consecutive year and could achieve his highest point total since the 2021-22 season, when he recorded 71 points. With the blueliner sidelined, Dylan McIlrath or Declan Chisholm is expected to step into the lineup for Wednesday's clash with Philadelphia.
New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen was the first goalie off the ice during Wednesday's morning skate, confirming he will draw the home start against the Sabres. Allen had a shaky performance leading up to the Olympic break, posting a 1-6-0 record with a 3.08 GAA and an .880 save percentage over his seven appearances since the start of the calendar year. He gets the nod as the Devils' first game back after Jacob Markstrom played for Sweden at the Olympics.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang has been activated off injured reserve Wednesday, signaling his return to the lineup after missing the team's last four games due to a foot injury. Prior to his absence, Letang was in an 11-game goal drought, recording five assists, 15 shots, and 19 hits. He will also need to adjust to a new defense partner following the trade of Brett Kulak. His return provides a boost to the Penguins' blueline.
Former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau, now with the Carolina Hurricanes organization, expressed high praise for newly appointed Canadiens goalie coach Marco Marciano. Primeau described Marciano as incredibly hard-working, often the first to arrive and last to leave the arena. He also highlighted Marciano's excellence in the mental aspect of coaching, using various techniques to help goaltenders, which is encouraging given Samuel Montembeault's recent struggles that seemed more mental than technical.
Defenseman Brett Kulak has been traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Colorado Avalanche. The deal, orchestrated by Penguins GM Kyle Dubas ahead of the March 6 deadline, sends Kulak to Colorado in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a second-round pick in the 2028 draft. Kulak was part of an earlier trade involving Jarry, and this move continues the Penguins' strategy to build flexibility and get younger.
Defenseman Samuel Girard has been acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins from the Colorado Avalanche. The Penguins sent defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2028 second-round pick to Colorado in exchange for Girard. This intriguing move by Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas comes as the March 6 trading deadline draws nearer, aiming to build flexibility and get younger.
Julien Gauthier has been traded from the Islanders/Bridgeport to the Blues/Springfield in a minor league swap for Matt Luff. Gauthier, who has NHL experience, was previously expected to secure a regular bottom-line role but saw his 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons derailed by injuries. He is now primarily considered an AHL resource for the Blues organization, continuing a trend of late-season scrapyard swaps between these franchises.
Valtteri Puustinen, a 26-year-old winger, was acquired by the Colorado Avalanche in a trade that sent Ilya Solovyov and a 2026 7th-round pick to Pittsburgh. Before the trade, Puustinen recorded 7 goals and 19 assists (26 points) in 35 games with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Since joining the Colorado Eagles, he has tallied 3 goals and 3 assists (6 points) in just 11 games, showing a clear offensive improvement. Puustinen is described as a skilled winger with excellent puck control, sharp playmaking, and a quick release, making him a potential valuable depth piece for the Avalanche, especially for their power-play unit.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenseman Samuel Girard from the Colorado Avalanche for Brett Kulak and a 2028 second-round pick. A 10-year veteran, Girard has 12 points in 40 games this season and is signed through 2026-27 at a $5 million AAV. The move is expected to give him an expanded role, including power-play time, potentially boosting his production. Girard is a good puck-mover and strong in transition, with underlying numbers indicating his ability to drive possession. The Avalanche traded him to clear cap space.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, a key member of the gold-medal-winning U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, will be awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. The significant announcement was made by President Donald Trump during Tuesday night's State of the Union address. Hellebuyck's exceptional performance and contributions to the team's success have earned him this high civilian honor, recognizing his outstanding achievements both on and off the ice.
Forward Ryan Winterton has signed a two-year contract extension with the Seattle Kraken, as announced Tuesday. This agreement ensures Winterton's continued presence with the team, contributing to their forward depth and future plans. The deal reflects the organization's commitment to its developing players.
The Seattle Kraken have agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with forward Ben Meyers. The deal was announced Tuesday, securing the player for the upcoming seasons. This extension is part of the Kraken's efforts to build roster stability and retain key talent.
The Vegas Golden Knights face a demanding schedule of 18 games in 35 days following the Olympic break, crucial for their Pacific Division playoff race. Forward Tomas Hertl emphasized the importance of readiness for the fast-paced games. Coach Bruce Cassidy will manage a team with eight players returning from Olympic rosters, including five who played in the gold medal game. Reinforcements like Brayden McNabb, Brandon Saad, and Colton Sissons are activated from injured reserve.
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is targeting a 'soon' return after undergoing knee surgery in September. He has been skating for weeks and spoke at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, announcing a seven-figure donation to establish the Barkov Sports Medicine portion of the facility. Barkov, who has won back-to-back Selke Trophies and Stanley Cups, expressed confidence in his recovery and the team's medical staff, aiming to rejoin the Panthers as they push for a playoff spot.
The Los Angeles Kings contacted the Montreal Canadiens to inquire about forward Patrik Laine as they seek to bolster scoring due to Kevin Fiala's season-ending injury. However, reports indicate no fit was found, with the Kings potentially seeking a play driver over a finisher. Laine has only played five games this season for the Canadiens after undergoing core muscle surgery in October.
Defenseman Brett Kulak, 32, has been traded to the Colorado Avalanche from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick. This marks Kulak's second trade this season, having previously moved from Edmonton to Pittsburgh in December. A pending unrestricted free agent with a $2.75 million cap hit, Kulak has recorded 1 goal and 8 assists in 56 combined games for the Oilers and Penguins. He's expected to provide depth for the Avalanche's defense, likely slotting into the third pairing or as a seventh defenseman, bringing experience as a stay-at-home blueliner.
