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NHL News

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

Tuesday, February 24

Barkov Nearing Return After Knee Surgery, Donates $1M to Hospital

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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.

Kings Inquired About Laine But Found No Fit

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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.

Avalanche Acquire Veteran Defenseman Brett Kulak in Trade from Penguins

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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.

Red Wings Actively Shopping Erik Gustafsson; Veteran D Sits Month in Press Box

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Detroit Red Wings veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson, 33, is actively being shopped ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. Gustafsson, who once recorded a 60-point season and tallied 31 points with the Rangers in 2023-24, has seen very limited action this season, appearing in just two NHL games and 22 AHL games. He has been sidelined in the press box for nearly a month, not playing since late January. This lack of playing time has cooled earlier trade interest, raising questions about his market value as an impending unrestricted free agent. GM Steve Yzerman aims to recoup assets for the blueliner, with a potential short audition before the deadline to showcase his readiness.

Jack Eichel to Miss Wednesday's Game Post-Olympics, Expected Friday Return

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Vegas Golden Knights' Jack Eichel will sit out Wednesday's road game against the Los Angeles Kings. The absence is not injury-related but due to an extended stay in Milan after the Olympics, where he and teammate Noah Hanifin picked up golden hardware. The Golden Knights expect the 29-year-old forward to rejoin the team for Friday's road game against Washington, where he is anticipated to resume his role as the top-line center. Eichel has compiled 47 assists and 68 points in 50 appearances this season.

Noah Hanifin to Miss Wednesday's Game Post-Olympics

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Defenseman Noah Hanifin will not be in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Kings. He was placed on the non-roster list following his return from the Winter Olympics. Prior to the break, Hanifin was experiencing a 28-game goal drought and an eight-game pointless streak. The Golden Knights have recalled Dylan Coghlan from the minors to cover his absence.

Kirill Marchenko (Lower Body) Cleared to Play Thursday vs. Boston

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Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko (lower body) is confirmed to play against Boston on Thursday. He had missed two games due to illness before the NHL's Olympic pause and subsequently sat out the first two team practices with a lower-body issue. Despite these setbacks, Marchenko has been a regular on the top line during recent Blue Jackets sessions. This season, he has registered 19 goals, 46 points, 152 shots on net, 30 blocked shots, and 40 hits across 50 appearances.

Kempe Skates with Panarin, Laferriere Ahead of Kings' Vegas Game

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Adrian Kempe was observed practicing on a line with Artemi Panarin and Alex Laferriere, as reported by Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site. This line combination was seen during preparations for the Los Angeles Kings' upcoming Wednesday clash with Vegas. Kempe's presence on this specific line indicates his potential role and deployment in the team's offensive strategy for the game, working closely with his linemates.

Panarin Set for Kings Debut, Joins Top Line and Power Play

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Artemi Panarin (not injury related) is set to make his Los Angeles Kings debut Wednesday against Vegas. He was seen working on a line with Alex Laferriere and Adrian Kempe and is expected to join the No. 1 power-play unit. In 52 games with the Rangers this season, the veteran winger recorded 19 goals and 38 assists, including 17 power-play points. Panarin could miss the 35-goal mark for the first time since 2022-23.

Laferriere Practices on Line with Panarin, Kempe for Kings' Vegas Matchup

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Alex Laferriere was observed practicing on a line alongside new teammate Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe, as reported by Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site. This line combination was seen during preparations for the Los Angeles Kings' upcoming Wednesday clash with Vegas. Laferriere's inclusion on this specific line suggests his potential role and deployment in the team's offensive strategy for the game, working closely with his linemates.

Stars' Rantanen Sidelined Minimum Two Weeks with Olympic Lower-Body Injury

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Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen (lower body) is on injured reserve, expected to miss at least two weeks after sustaining an injury during the 2026 Winter Olympics' Finland-Canada semifinal. While an exact return timeline is unclear, he's anticipated back before the regular season concludes. This season, Rantanen has recorded 20 goals, 69 points, 126 shots, 27 blocked shots, and 38 hits in 54 appearances.

Tristan Jarry Trade Tree Continues to Yield Assets for Penguins

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Two-time All-Star goaltender Tristan Jarry was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in December in a deal that brought Brett Kulak to Pittsburgh. This move is now part of a larger 'Jarry trade tree,' where the Penguins have effectively turned Jarry and his contract into Stuart Skinner, Samuel Girard, and two second-round draft picks. Jarry's contract was previously considered unmovable after he was on waivers and in the AHL a year prior.

Julien Gauthier Traded to Blues, Eyes NHL Comeback After Injuries

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Forward Julien Gauthier has been acquired by the St. Louis Blues from the New York Islanders in exchange for Matt Luff. The 28-year-old, a former first-round pick (21st overall in 2016), has played 181 NHL games (19 goals, 41 points) and 228 AHL games (86 goals, 130 points) in his career. This season, he has five goals and seven points in 14 AHL games, but has been hampered by injuries, missing most of last season and playing only one NHL game for the Islanders in 2024-25. Gauthier, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound sniper, will report to the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) and aims for an NHL comeback with the Blues.

Islanders Acquire Matt Luff from Blues in AHL-Focused Trade

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Forward Matt Luff has been traded to the New York Islanders from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Julien Gauthier. The 28-year-old, who signed a two-way contract with the Blues, has recorded one goal in five NHL games and 14 goals with a team-leading 39 points in 42 AHL games this season for the Springfield Thunderbirds. Luff, a 6-foot-3 winger with 16 goals in 111 career NHL games, will report to the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL) and is considered a top recall candidate. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

Brayden Point: Set to Return from Lower-Body Injury Wednesday vs. Toronto

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Brayden Point (lower body) is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday against Toronto. The Lightning center was placed on injured reserve Jan. 16 after getting hurt Jan. 12, then transferred to LTIR in early February, missing the 2026 Winter Olympics. Prior to his injury, Point was playing at an extremely high level, amassing eight goals, 19 points, and a plus-16 rating across a 15-game stretch. It may take some time for him to get back up to speed.

Victor Hedman: Confirms Return for Wednesday's Game Against Maple Leafs

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Victor Hedman (lower body) confirmed Tuesday he will be ready for Wednesday's home game versus the Maple Leafs and expects to be in the lineup. The blueliner sustained his lower-body injury during warmups of last Wednesday's quarterfinals matchup for Sweden against the United States. Hedman has already missed 34 games this season due to an elbow injury. He should be good for his role in all situations against Toronto, though his ice time might be relatively low in the first half of a back-to-back.

Flyers' Emil Andrae Generating Trade Buzz Ahead of Deadline

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Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Emil Andrae, 24, is reportedly a trade candidate as the NHL deadline nears. With the Flyers outside a playoff spot, a roster shake-up is possible. Potential suitors for the young blueliner include the San Jose Sharks, who need defensive depth and could benefit from his young upside, and the Winnipeg Jets, who are focused on acquiring younger talent. Andrae could fit into a bottom pairing and power-play role for an acquiring team.

John Tavares: Expected to Play Wednesday Despite Flu-Like Illness

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John Tavares (illness) is expected to be available for Wednesday's divisional matchup in Tampa Bay, despite not practicing Tuesday due to the flu. Barring any setbacks, the 35-year-old center should be good to go in what will be a crucial game for the Maple Leafs. Tavares will likely skate between Matias Maccelli and William Nylander on the second line against the Bolts.

Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj Subject of Trade Speculation, Contract Talks Pending

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Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj, a pending restricted free agent, is generating trade speculation, with some suggesting moving him would be a mistake. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound blueliner, known for his unique blend of skills and toughness, leads the Canadiens with 135 hits this season despite averaging just 11:20 of ice time. While he occasionally makes defensive errors, his physicality is valued. There have been no contract extension talks, but signing him before a potential trade is suggested to maximize his value.

Sidney Crosby's Injury Status Uncertain Post-Olympics

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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby's availability is uncertain due to a lower-body injury that kept him out of the final two Olympic games. After receiving his silver medal on Monday, Crosby had a travel day, with coach Dan Muse indicating more information is pending. The Penguins have recalled Avery Hayes as a contingency, with Rickard Rakell practicing at center in Crosby's absence. An update on his condition is anticipated Wednesday, as the team prepares for a busy stretch of games.