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NHL News

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

Tuesday, February 24

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.

Monday, February 23

Avery Hayes Recalled to Penguins Roster

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Avery Hayes has been recalled to the Pittsburgh Penguins' NHL roster from the AHL. He scored six goals and an assist in five AHL games during the Olympic break. Hayes made his NHL debut on Feb. 5, scoring two goals against the Buffalo Sabres. He was on the top line with Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust at practice.

Erik Karlsson Returns to Penguins Practice

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Erik Karlsson has returned to Pittsburgh Penguins practice after representing Sweden at the Olympics. He was paired with his usual defensive partner, Parker Wotherspoon. Rickard Rakell and Arturs Silovs also returned to practice Sunday. The Penguins are preparing for their game against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.

Rantanen Placed on IR with Lower-Body Injury

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Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen has been placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained during Finland's Olympic semifinal loss. He missed the bronze medal game and is expected to miss upcoming games, with no current timeline for his return. Rantanen has recorded 20 goals and 69 points in 54 games this season, leading the Stars and ranking eighth in the NHL.

Jets' Morrissey Placed on IR with Upper-Body Injury; Out Until March 3

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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (upper body) has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining an injury during Canada's Olympic opener following a collision with Ondrej Palat. He missed five Olympic games and is expected to miss at least three NHL games, with his earliest return targeted for March 3 against Chicago. Morrissey has 10 goals and 42 points in 56 games this season. He requires further evaluation by the Jets' medical staff upon his return from Italy.

Stromgren Named AHL Player of the Week

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Calgary Wranglers forward William Stromgren has been named AHL Player of the Week. The 22-year-old recorded six points (3G, 3A) in three games with a +6 rating. Stromgren has 37 points (10G, 27A) in 45 games this season and made his NHL debut on January 7, 2026.

Sabres Should Prioritize Alex Tuch Extension

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The Buffalo Sabres should focus on signing pending UFA Alex Tuch to a contract extension rather than trading him. Tuch is a crucial part of their top six and a respected leader. He has recorded 22 goals, 26 assists, and 48 points with a +14 rating in 56 games this season.

Boeser in Non-Contact Jersey Due to Illness

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Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser wore a non-contact jersey at practice due to illness symptoms, not a concussion concern. The team is cautious due to a locker room bug and his prior concussion. Coach Adam Foote expects Boeser to return to a regular jersey soon.

Jones and Barkov Skating as They Recover

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Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones is nearing clearance for regular team practices, likely starting in a non-contact jersey. Captain Sasha Barkov is still rehabbing his surgically repaired knee. Both players have been skating on their own with skills coach Max Ivanov.

Stenberg's Future with the Blues Debated

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Otto Stenberg is currently with the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds, with 4 goals and 12 points in 28 games. Despite a balanced game, his offensive production is modest. The St. Louis Blues may recall him before the March 6 trade deadline, but prioritize his offensive development in the AHL.

Bruins, Oilers Interested in Ristolainen

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The Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers are reportedly among five or six teams interested in Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Ristolainen has another year on his contract with a $5.1 million cap hit.

Lankinen Out Wednesday vs. Jets After Olympic Travel

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Kevin Lankinen will not suit up for the Vancouver Canucks against the Jets on Wednesday. He is currently returning from Milan after participating in the Winter Olympics with Finland, causing travel delays. The Canucks have recalled Nikita Tolopilo from AHL Abbotsford, though it's unclear if Tolopilo or Jiri Patera will start. Despite the travel, Lankinen is expected to be back in time to get the nod for Saturday's road game versus Seattle.

Celebrini Favored for Hart Trophy

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Macklin Celebrini is a strong candidate for the Hart Trophy, with odds at +315. He led the Olympics with five goals and five assists for Canada and ranks second in individual points percentage among NHL regulars, with 81 points in 55 games for the San Jose Sharks.

Koskenvuo Re-assigned to ECHL

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Aku Koskenvuo has been re-assigned to the ECHL by the Vancouver Canucks. He had been practicing with the team after being recalled to the AHL in place of Nikita Tolopilo. Kevin Lankinen is expected back soon after winning bronze with Finland.

Tolopilo Recalled by Canucks

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The Vancouver Canucks have recalled goaltender Nikita Tolopilo from the AHL. He has a 3-3-1 record with a 3.04 GAA and .910 SV% in nine games for the Canucks this season. Aku Koskenvuo was re-assigned to the ECHL.

Comrie to Start Wednesday vs. Vancouver, Riding Three-Game Win Streak

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Winnipeg Jets goaltender Eric Comrie is confirmed to start Wednesday's road game against Vancouver. Comrie enters the contest on a three-game winning streak, having stopped 72 of 75 shots during that span. This season, he holds a 9-9-1 record with a 3.07 GAA and an .892 save percentage across 19 appearances. Vancouver ranks 29th in the league with 2.54 goals per game in the 2025-26 season, presenting a favorable matchup for Comrie.

Hintz Questionable for Wednesday's Game Due to Illness

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Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Kraken due to an illness. Hintz has been productive recently, recording three goals and nine assists, including four power-play points, in his last 14 games. His potential absence, alongside Radek Faksa (upper body) also questionable and Mikko Rantanen (lower body) sidelined, suggests the Stars may need to call up additional forwards for the upcoming contest.

DeSmith Confirmed to Start Wednesday for Stars vs. Seattle

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Dallas Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith is confirmed to start Wednesday's home game against Seattle. His backup for the game is uncertain due to travel logistics, with Jake Oettinger's availability unknown and a potential AHL recall. DeSmith holds an 11-4-5 record this season with one shutout, a 2.37 GAA, and a .911 save percentage across 21 appearances. Seattle's offense ranks 23rd in the league, averaging 2.88 goals per game this campaign.

Gavrikov Reportedly Unhappy with Rangers' Direction

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Vladislav Gavrikov is reportedly unhappy with the New York Rangers' current direction and may be open to a move. He signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Rangers in July. Gavrikov has nine goals this season, exceeding his previous career best.

Josh Norris Cleared to Play Wednesday After Rib Injury

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Buffalo Sabres' center Josh Norris (ribs) has been cleared to return for Wednesday's game against New Jersey, head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed Monday. Norris had been sidelined since mid-January due to his rib injury but is now available for the team's first game post-Olympic break. In 19 appearances this season, he has recorded six goals, 11 assists, 11 blocked shots, and six hits, averaging 15:57 of ice time. His return provides a boost to the Sabres' lineup.