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NHL News

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

Saturday, February 21

Huberdeau Placed on Injured Reserve, Season Concludes After Hip Surgery

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Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau (hip) has officially been placed on injured reserve. This move confirms the end of his 2025-26 season, as he had already been ruled out following hip surgery. Huberdeau concludes the year with 10 goals and 25 points through 50 regular-season games. The 32-year-old is expected to return to Calgary next season, given his eight-year, $84 million contract, which includes a no-movement clause and runs through the 2030-31 campaign.

Hlavaj to Start Bronze Medal Game for Slovakia Against Finland

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Samuel Hlavaj will start in goal for Slovakia against Finland in Saturday's Olympic bronze-medal game. He was pulled in Friday's semifinal loss to Team USA after allowing four goals on 23 shots, bringing his tournament GAA to 3.39. Despite this, he boasts a strong .915 save percentage across four Olympic outings. Following the medal game, Hlavaj is expected to rejoin AHL Iowa, where he posted a 3.33 GAA and .884 SV% in 18 appearances during the 2025-26 season.

Rantanen Out for Bronze Medal Game with Lower-Body Injury

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Mikko Rantanen (lower body) will not participate in Saturday's Olympic bronze-medal game against Slovakia. The Dallas Stars forward sustained the injury late in Finland's semifinal loss to Canada on Friday. In his absence, Oliver Kapanen will step into the top line alongside Sebastian Aho and Artturi Lehkonen. Rantanen's status for Wednesday's NHL game against Seattle remains uncertain, as he is scheduled for further evaluation upon his return to Dallas.

Canucks Prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki Out for Season After Shoulder Surgery

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Vancouver Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki is reportedly set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery for the 2025–26 campaign. Despite the setback, Lekkerimäki had a strong season, recording 13 goals and 7 assists in 21 AHL games with the Abbotsford Canucks, alongside 2 goals and 1 assist in 13 NHL games. His season was marred by earlier injuries, including leaving a game on October 19 and missing time in late December/early January, culminating in this latest surgery.

Pavel Zacha Cleared to Return Thursday vs. Columbus

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Pavel Zacha (upper body) is cleared to return to the Boston Bruins lineup Thursday against Columbus. He was injured Jan. 29 versus Philadelphia and missed time for Czechia. Zacha is expected to play on the second line with Casey Mittelstadt and Viktor Arvidsson. This season, he has recorded 15 goals and 22 assists in 54 appearances, including 15 power-play points.

Aaron Ekblad Expected to Return Thursday vs. Toronto

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Aaron Ekblad (undisclosed) is anticipated to return to play against Toronto on Thursday, as reported by Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site. Ekblad had been sidelined for a 6-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Feb. 5 before the Olympic break but has since been a regular participant in practices. Through 55 appearances this season, he has accumulated three goals, 21 points, 74 shots on net, 88 blocked shots, and 67 hits.

Jonathan Quick Exits Practice Early with Lower-Body Injury

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Jonathan Quick (lower body) left Saturday's practice early as a precaution, per Peter Baugh. Quick has started 10 of the last 14 games for the New York Rangers due to Igor Shesterkin's (lower body) absence, for which there's no return timeline. If healthy, Quick might start Thursday's game against Philadelphia. He holds a 4-14-2 record with a 3.10 GAA and an .890 save percentage in 20 appearances this season.

Maple Leafs Goalie Joseph Woll Returns to Practice After Illness

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Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll (illness) returned to the ice, participating in Saturday's practice. This marks his first session back after sitting out Thursday's practice due to the flu. Woll has posted a 13-7-4 record this season, including two shutouts, a 2.92 goals-against average, and a .908 save percentage across 25 appearances. He is now expected to compete with Anthony Stolarz for starting duties as the Maple Leafs' schedule resumes against Tampa Bay on Wednesday, providing a key update on his availability.

Crosby (Lower Body) Game-Time Decision for Gold Medal Game

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Sidney Crosby (lower body) is a game-time decision for Team Canada's gold-medal game against the United States on Sunday, according to Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site. Crosby, who has 27 goals and 59 points in 56 games with Pittsburgh this season, skated at a closed practice Saturday. He sustained the injury Wednesday in quarterfinals action versus Czechia and subsequently missed Friday's semifinal matchup against Finland.

Tkachuk: 'Hatred There' in Canada-USA Gold Medal Rivalry

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On the eve of the Olympic gold medal game, Brady Tkachuk stated that for Team USA to achieve its ultimate goal, his teammates must defeat Canada, a team they both envy and despise. Tkachuk emphasized the intense rivalry, noting 'there's hatred there' between the two nations as they prepare to face off for the gold medal. His comments highlight the high stakes and emotional intensity surrounding the upcoming championship match.

Morrissey (Upper Body) Ruled Out for Gold Medal Game

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Josh Morrissey (upper body) has been ruled out of Sunday's gold-medal game against the United States, according to Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press. The Winnipeg Jets defenseman was injured in Canada's Olympic opener versus Czechia on Feb. 12 and will now miss his fifth consecutive game. Morrissey, 30, has recorded 10 goals and 42 points in 56 NHL games this season. His availability for the NHL's resumption on Feb. 25 in Vancouver is now considered doubtful.

U.S. Men's Hockey Team Honors Johnny Gaudreau's Memory at Games

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The U.S. men's hockey team, currently competing at the Games and preparing for their gold medal match against rival Canada, has made a point to honor the memory of Johnny Gaudreau. This tribute has been a significant aspect of their journey through the tournament, acknowledging Gaudreau's impact and legacy as the team strives for championship success. The recognition serves as a poignant reminder of his presence, even as the team focuses on their ultimate goal of securing the gold medal.

Friday, February 20

Arshdeep Bains Becomes Abbotsford Canucks All-Time Points Leader

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Vancouver Canucks prospect Arshdeep Bains has set a new Abbotsford Canucks all-time points record, reaching 149 points (47 goals, 102 assists) with a short-handed goal against the Henderson Silver Knights. This achievement surpasses Linus Karlsson's previous record. Bains, who signed with Vancouver in 2022, has had a notable AHL career, including an AHL All-Star Classic MVP and a Calder Cup win in 2024-25. He also made his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks in 2023-24.

Rangers' Matt Rempe to Undergo Second Thumb Procedure, Placed on IR

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New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe is heading to injured reserve to undergo a second procedure on his left thumb, with his return timeline currently unclear. The 23-year-old initially broke his thumb in "many places" during an October 23 fight, leading to surgery and 24 missed games. Despite returning in mid-December, lingering issues impacted his performance, causing him to be a healthy scratch for seven games in January. Rempe, who has just one goal in 26 games this season, played briefly before the Olympic break.

McDavid Sets Olympic Points Record, Fuels Canada's Semifinal Comeback

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Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid delivered two power-play assists in Canada's 3-2 Olympic semifinal win over Finland, sparking a comeback from a 2-0 deficit. He assisted on a San Reinhart tally and set up Nathan MacKinnon's game-winner with 36 seconds left. McDavid has now compiled two goals and 13 points through five tournament games, setting a new record for the most points ever in an Olympics involving NHL players. He will look to add to his total in the gold medal game against the United States.

Tage Thompson Expected to Play Gold-Medal Game Despite Foot Injury

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Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson, 28, is expected to be available for Sunday's Olympic gold-medal game against Canada, despite dealing with a foot injury. Thompson exited Friday's semifinal victory over Slovakia for precautionary reasons after blocking a shot off his foot, which prevented him from finishing the game. While his availability was initially uncertain, reports now indicate he will suit up. It remains unclear if the Sabres will grant him time off once the NHL season resumes.

Jack Hughes Scores Two Goals as U.S. Advances to Olympic Gold-Medal Game

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Jack Hughes scored two goals, leading the U.S. to a dominant 6-2 victory over Slovakia in the Olympic semifinals on Friday night. This win propels the U.S. into the tournament final, where they are set to face top-seeded Canada on Sunday for the gold medal.

Senators Recall Top Prospect Carter Yakemchuk for Practice During Olympic Break

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Ottawa Senators prospect Carter Yakemchuk was recalled from the Belleville Senators to practice with the NHL club during the Olympic break, alongside three other prospects. The 20-year-old AHL rookie defenseman is considered the most likely among them to play NHL games this season. Yakemchuk leads Belleville's blue line with 25 points in 39 games, though he carries a team-worst minus-28 rating. Head coach Travis Green and Thomas Chabot praised his talent, but the organization aims to ensure he's fully ready before his NHL debut.

Brad Marchand's Pesky Play Aids Canada's Olympic Semifinal Victory

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Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand made a "pesky impact" in Canada's 3-2 Olympic semifinal victory over Finland. Midway through the third period, Marchand was shoved into Finnish goalie Juuse Saros by Erik Haula, delaying Saros and allowing Shea Theodore to blast in the game-tying goal. No penalty was called, a decision Canada's coach Jon Cooper and Marchand defended, citing Marchand's attempt to exit the crease. Saros acknowledged Marchand's consistent "pesky" style, as Canada advanced to the gold-medal game.

Erik Haula Involved in Controversial Play in Olympic Semifinal

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During the Olympic men's hockey semifinals, Erik Haula was involved in a controversial play when he shoved Canada's Brad Marchand into Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros. This incident occurred midway through the third period, directly preceding Shea Theodore's critical game-tying goal for Canada. The play, which was not penalized, contributed to Finland's eventual 3-2 loss to Canada. Haula's action was part of a sequence that allowed Canada to rally from a 2-1 deficit.