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NHL News

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

Friday, February 20

Theodore Blasts Game-Tying Goal, Propels Canada to Olympic Gold Medal Game

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Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore scored a critical goal midway through the third period against Finland, tying the Olympic semifinal game for Canada. His pivotal shot, blasted on the short side after Brad Marchand's contentious net-front play, allowed Canada to rally from a 2-1 deficit. Canada ultimately secured a 3-2 victory, advancing to the men's gold-medal game. Theodore's instrumental performance was key to Canada's dramatic comeback in the Olympic semifinals.

Saros Starts for Finland, Concedes Key Goal in Olympic Semifinal Loss

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Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros started for Finland in the 2026 Winter Olympics semifinals against Canada. After an initial loss to Slovakia, the 30-year-old had been outstanding, stopping 70 of 73 shots to lead Finland to the semifinals. However, in the semifinal, he conceded a critical goal to Shea Theodore after Brad Marchand was shoved into him, delaying his ability to get set. Saros, who allowed the tying goal in Finland's 3-2 loss, commented on Marchand's typical "pesky" play.

Insider Suggests Jordan Kyrou Likely to Depart St. Louis Blues by 2026-27

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Insider David Pagnotta reports that Jordan Kyrou is unlikely to remain with the St. Louis Blues next season, with a trade potentially happening before the deadline or in the offseason. The 27-year-old forward is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause for the right situation. Despite struggling earlier this season with 13 goals and 32 points in 47 games, Kyrou has recently improved, notching five goals and 12 points in his last eight games before the Olympic break. He is currently in the third year of an eight-year, $8.125 million contract.

Crosby 'Better Chance' for Gold Medal Game After Lower-Body Injury

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Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was initially ruled out of Team Canada's Olympic semifinal game against Finland due to a lower-body (leg) injury sustained in Wednesday's quarterfinal. While he missed Friday's contest, coach Jon Cooper now indicates there's a 'lot better chance' Crosby will play in the gold medal game. The injury, previously specified as lower-body, is now referred to as undisclosed in the latest update. Connor McDavid wore the 'C' for Team Canada in Crosby's absence for the semifinal.

Samuel Hlavaj to Start for Slovakia in Olympic Semifinal vs. USA

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Samuel Hlavaj will start for Slovakia in Friday's Olympic semifinal matchup against the United States. He has a 3-1-0 record with a 2.67 GAA and .932 save percentage in four Olympic appearances. Hlavaj was productive in the quarterfinals, allowing two goals on 27 shots in a 6-2 victory against Germany, but faces a tough test against the United States.

MacKinnon's Late Heroics Send Canada to Olympic Gold Medal Game

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Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon scored the decisive go-ahead goal with just 35.2 seconds left in the Olympic semifinal, propelling Canada to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Finland. MacKinnon's clutch performance ensured Canada's dramatic comeback and secured their spot in the men's gold-medal game. His late-game heroics were key to the team's advancement.

Islanders' Romanov Progresses Post-Shoulder Surgery, Returns to Ice for Shots

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New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov is showing progress in his recovery from right shoulder surgery, having returned to the ice to take shots for the first time since his November 18 injury. The 26-year-old sustained the injury after a hit from Mikko Rantanen and underwent surgery with a 5-6 month recovery timeline. Islanders GM Mathieu Darche suggested a potential return in the mid-rounds of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Romanov, who recorded one assist in 15 games this season, is in the first year of an eight-year, $6.25 million contract.

Robert Thomas Returns to Practice After Leg Procedure

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St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas (leg) participated in Friday's practice session. Thomas underwent a minor leg procedure in late January, with the team anticipating his return for the first game post-Olympic break. While his availability for Thursday's game against Seattle remains uncertain, his presence at practice is an encouraging sign for his recovery and potential return to action.

Jordan Binnington to Start for Canada in Olympic Semifinals

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St. Louis Blues netminder Jordan Binnington is slated to start for Team Canada in Friday's Olympic semifinals match against Finland. Binnington made crucial saves in Canada's 4-3 overtime victory over Czechia on Wednesday. He boasts a 3-0 record in the Olympics, having allowed just five goals on 64 shots across wins against Czechia (twice) and France. Finland advanced to the semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-2 in overtime.

Morrissey Not Ready to Return for Olympic Semifinal vs. Finland

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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (undisclosed) has been ruled out of Team Canada's Olympic semifinal game against Finland on Friday, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN. Morrissey suffered an injury during Canada's first game of the tournament and, despite having returned to the ice, is not yet fit enough to play. He has recorded 10 goals and 32 assists across 56 appearances for Winnipeg this season. His status for Canada's remaining game this weekend is still uncertain.

Hellebuyck to Start for USA in Olympic Semifinal Against Slovakia

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Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will patrol the crease for the United States in their Olympic semifinal contest against Slovakia on Friday, as reported by Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. Hellebuyck delivered a stellar performance on Wednesday, turning aside 28 shots in a 2-1 quarterfinal overtime victory over Sweden. Throughout the tournament, he has allowed just three goals on 71 shots in wins over Germany, Latvia, and Sweden, showcasing strong form for Team USA.

Anthony Mantha Exceeds Expectations with 20 Goals, 42 Points for Penguins

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Anthony Mantha is enjoying a resurgent season, having produced 20 goals and 42 points through the first 56 games. Signed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with an additional $2.0 million in potential performance bonuses, Mantha has provided tremendous value, exceeding expectations and trending towards career-highs. Only Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have more points on the team. This strong performance marks a significant turnaround for the 30-year-old, who is getting his career back on track after past struggles and injuries.

Thursday, February 19

Penguins Prospect Avery Hayes Dominates AHL with Multiple Hat Tricks

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Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Avery Hayes is on a remarkable scoring streak for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. After scoring two goals in his NHL debut on February 5, Hayes was reassigned to the AHL, where he immediately recorded a hat trick on February 7. He recently added another hat trick against the Springfield Thunderbirds, making a strong case for a full-time NHL call-up after the Winter Olympics. Hayes' impressive performance highlights his potential to become a full-time NHL player soon.

Jonathan Quick Expresses Desire to Remain with Rangers Amid Trade Rumors

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Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick, a pending unrestricted free agent with a 20-team no-trade clause, has made his stance clear: he wants to remain with the New York Rangers. Despite being traded twice last season and the team's current sell-off ahead of the March 6 deadline, Quick stated, "I'm happy here. I want to be here." He plans to honor his one-year contract, emphasizing his focus on his current team. Quick holds a 4-14-1 record with a 3.10 GAA in 20 appearances this season.

Kings' Brandt Clarke, a Pending RFA, Awaits Contract Extension Amid Strong Season

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Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke, a pending restricted free agent, is in the final season of his entry-level contract, yet there's little news regarding an extension. The 23-year-old is projected as a cornerstone defenseman, leading Kings blueliners with 6 goals and 27 points in 56 games this season, and is tied for second on the team in plus-minus (+8). Despite his impressive offensive and defensive metrics, questions are being raised about the Kings' urgency to secure a long-term deal for the young blueliner.

AHL Goal-Scoring Leader Lassi Thomson Pushing for NHL Return with Senators

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Former first-round pick Lassi Thomson is making a strong case for another NHL opportunity, leading all AHL defensemen in scoring with 12 goals and tallying 11 points in his last 15 games for Belleville. The 25-year-old, praised for his gifted skating, re-signed with the Senators last summer but was waived and sent to the AHL. As a Group 6 UFA this summer, Thomson may seek a fresh start, but the Senators are considering one last look at the blueliner given his recent surge in performance.

Logan Stanley Prioritizes Extension with Jets Amid Career Season

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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Logan Stanley, a pending unrestricted free agent, is prioritizing a long-term commitment with the team that drafted him. Amid a career season with 18 points in 55 games, Stanley has expressed his desire to remain in Winnipeg and expects contract talks between his agent, Pat Morris, and the Jets organization to commence in the coming days. The 27-year-old former first-round pick's decision introduces an intriguing dynamic for the Jets' front office ahead of the trade deadline.

Brad Marchand Returns to Olympic Play After Missing Two Games

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Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand has returned to Olympic competition after missing two games due to an unspecified issue. His brief absence and subsequent return were noted amidst ongoing discussions about player injuries during the Olympics and the implications for NHL teams, highlighting the risks involved for players competing on the international stage.

Josh Morrissey Sustains Olympic Injury, Degree Unknown

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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey has sustained an injury during the Olympic games, with the exact degree and timeline for his return currently unknown. His injury is part of a broader discussion regarding the risks of NHL players participating in the Olympics, alongside other notable players who have also been sidelined, contributing to the ongoing debate about the cost versus benefit for NHL teams.

Kings' Kevin Fiala Out for Season with Leg Injury, Playoff Return Possible

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Los Angeles Kings left winger Kevin Fiala suffered a serious leg injury while playing for Switzerland against Canada in the Olympics, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season. The injury has contributed to the ongoing debate about NHL participation in the Olympics. Despite being sidelined, there remains a chance Fiala could return for the playoffs, provided the Kings secure a spot.