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NHL News

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

Tuesday, February 17

Markstrom Expected to Start for Sweden in Olympic Qualifier vs. Latvia

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Jacob Markstrom is slated to start in goal for Sweden against Latvia in Tuesday's 2026 Winter Olympics qualification matchup. He was the first netminder off the ice at morning skate, indicating his second consecutive start for the Swedes. Markstrom, 36, previously stopped 29 of 32 shots in a 5-3 victory over Slovakia on Saturday. The Latvians finished last in Group C during round-robin play. The winner of this game will advance to face the United States in Wednesday's quarterfinals.

Bruins Reportedly Targeting Blues Defenseman Justin Faulk in Trade

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St. Louis Blues veteran defenseman Justin Faulk is drawing significant trade interest, with the Boston Bruins reportedly emerging as serious contenders. Faulk, who has 11 goals and 30 points in 57 games this season, would fill a top-four role and potentially quarterback a power-play unit for the Bruins. Other teams, including the Canadiens, Stars, Sabres, Panthers, and Utah Mammoth, are also reportedly interested in the 33-year-old blueliner.

Lundell Cleared to Play for Finland in Olympic Quarterfinals After Illness

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Anton Lundell (illness) participated in Tuesday's practice and is set to play for Finland in their 2026 Winter Olympics quarterfinal matchup against Switzerland on Wednesday. Lundell had previously sat out Saturday's 11-0 victory over Italy after contracting the norovirus. The forward has recorded one goal in two games for Finland during the tournament.

Merzlikins Set to Start for Latvia Against Sweden in Olympic Qualifier

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Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is slated to start for Latvia against Sweden on Tuesday in the qualifying round of the 2026 Winter Olympics, as reported by Brian Hedger. This marks his first start since the tournament's opening game, with Arturs Silovs having handled the previous two preliminary round contests. Merzlikins previously allowed five goals on 38 shots in a 5-1 loss to the Americans on Thursday. Sweden, their upcoming opponent, finished third in Group B with a 2-0-0-1 record.

Andersen to Start for Denmark vs. Czechia After 33-Save Olympic Win

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Frederik Andersen is confirmed to start in net for Denmark against Czechia on Tuesday in the 2026 Winter Olympics qualifying round, as reported by Elliotte Friedman. Andersen previously made 33 saves in Denmark's 4-2 victory over Latvia on Sunday, marking the nation's first-ever Olympic win with NHL players. This strong performance positions him as the likely starter for the crucial qualification playoff game, aiming to advance Denmark further in the tournament.

Jeremy Swayman's Puck Visibility Concerns Lead to Olympic Board Change

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U.S. goaltender Jeremy Swayman experienced difficulty tracking the puck against the dark boards during his Olympic game against Denmark, even joking about being colorblind. This issue, along with concerns from other players, prompted the NHL and NHLPA to successfully lobby the International Olympic Committee to change the rink boards to a lighter blue and green for improved puck visibility in the knockout rounds.

Flyers Prospect Jett Luchanko Thrives in New Right Wing Role

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Philadelphia Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko, 19, has found significant offensive success after being moved from third-line center to first-line right wing for the Brantford Bulldogs. In his last four games at wing, the 2024 No. 13 overall pick recorded two goals, six assists, and eight points, accounting for 21% of his season's 38 points in 33 games. While his NHL faceoff percentage is 48.3%, his speed and playmaking are proving valuable on the wing.

Kraken's Grubauer Starts for Germany vs. France in Olympic Qualifier

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Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer is slated to start for Germany against France in Tuesday's 2026 Winter Olympics qualification game. Grubauer has posted a 2.56 GAA and a .917 save percentage across two Olympic outings, including a 37-save performance in a 3-1 victory over Denmark and an 18-save effort in a 4-3 loss to Latvia. The winner of this crucial match will advance to face Slovakia in Wednesday's quarterfinals.

Monday, February 16

Brandon Bussi Inks 3-Year, $5.7M Extension with Hurricanes After Breakout Season

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Goaltender Brandon Bussi has signed a three-year, $5.7 million extension with the Carolina Hurricanes, securing him through 2028-29 with an annual $1.9M salary. Claimed off waivers from the Panthers in October, Bussi seized the starting role due to injuries to Andersen and Kochetkov. He's posted an impressive 23-3-1 record with two shutouts, a 2.16 GAA, and a .906 SV% in 27 games, tying for 3rd in NHL wins and 2nd in GAA. The deal reflects his unlikely rise, with GM Tulsky calling him a "winner." The Hurricanes also made a $10k donation to the Autism Society in his honor.

Opponent Who Fought Capitals' Wilson Banned by French Federation

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Pierre Crinon, a French hockey player, has been officially suspended by the French ice hockey federation. This disciplinary action comes after Crinon was involved in a notable on-ice fight with Canada's Tom Wilson during the recent Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The suspension was formally announced on Monday, directly stemming from the altercation that featured the prominent Washington Capitals forward. The federation's decision highlights the consequences for players involved in such incidents during international competition.

Gavrikov's Praise Helped Lure Artemi Panarin to Kings

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Vladislav Gavrikov played a role in Artemi Panarin's decision to join the Los Angeles Kings. Panarin, who had a no-move clause, spoke with Gavrikov, a former King (2023-2025), extensively. Gavrikov's positive remarks about the organization, teammates, and living situation helped sway Panarin to accept a trade to Los Angeles and sign a two-year, $22 million extension.

Artemi Panarin Traded to Kings, Signs 2-Year, $22M Extension

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Artemi Panarin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on February 4th, signing a two-year, $22 million contract extension. The New York Rangers had made their intentions not to re-sign him public, and Panarin's no-move clause allowed him to dictate his destination. Conversations with former Kings player Vladislav Gavrikov, who praised the organization and city, helped sway Panarin's decision to join Los Angeles.

Red Wings Prospect Cossa Ties Griffins Shutout Record

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Detroit Red Wings prospect Sebastian Cossa is having a stellar AHL campaign with the Grand Rapids Griffins. In their recent 5-0 shutout win over the Texas Stars, Cossa made 26 saves to earn his fifth shutout of the season. This achievement ties a Griffins franchise record for most shutouts by a goaltender, a mark not seen since Jared Coreau in the 2015-16 season. Cossa, alongside Trey Augustine, is viewed as a potential long-term goaltender for the Red Wings.

Senators' Lars Eller Leads Denmark in Olympic Quarterfinal Bid

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Ottawa Senators veteran Lars Eller is leading Denmark's charge in the Olympic Qualification Playoff round against Czechia, with the winner advancing to face Team Canada in the quarterfinals. The only Danish player to win a Stanley Cup, Eller captained Denmark to their second Olympic appearance in 2024. In the current games, he has recorded one assist, 4 PIM, and a -2 rating. He is one of just six Danish players on the roster with NHL experience this season, hoping for a chance to upset Canada.

Penguins Prospect Avery Hayes Making Strong Case for NHL Return

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Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Avery Hayes is pushing for an NHL return after a two-goal debut and strong AHL play. Following his NHL stint, he recorded a hat trick and an assist with a fight in his first AHL game back. With the NHL roster maximum disappearing after the March 6th trade deadline, Hayes, along with Rutger McGroarty, could provide fresh options for the Penguins' difficult March schedule. Management is intrigued, and this could serve as an audition for Hayes, as current fourth-liners Acciari and Dewar are impending free agents.

Canadiens Prospect Jacob Fowler Shines at AHL All-Star Classic

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Montreal Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler, a goaltender for the Laval Rocket, attended his first AHL All-Star Classic after a strong professional debut season. The 21-year-old played 10 NHL games in a surprise call-up and boasts a 17-7-0 record with a 2.21 GAA and .916 SV% in the AHL. Despite an upper-body injury preventing on-ice participation, he represented the organization proudly. Fowler recently backstopped the Rocket to a 6-1 win, making 23 saves, and is seen as a bright spot for Montreal's future in net.

Sunday, February 15

Fiala's Leg Surgery Successful; Out for Season, Playoff Return Uncertain

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LA Kings forward Kevin Fiala sustained a lower-leg fracture Friday during Switzerland's Olympic game against Canada, requiring surgery. The Kings announced Sunday that Fiala's surgery was successful, but the 29-year-old will miss the remainder of the regular season. He is expected to be reevaluated at the end of the season, with a potential playoff return not anticipated before mid-April. The team is considering placing him on long-term injured reserve.

Celebrini Makes Olympic History with Two Goals, Assist for Canada

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Macklin Celebrini scored two goals, including a penalty shot, and added an assist in Canada's 10-2 Olympic round-robin victory over France on Sunday. The 19-year-old phenom made history as the first NHL player to score on an Olympic penalty shot. He now holds the Olympic record for most goals by a teenager with four in three games and is tied with Evgeni Malkin for most points by a teenager with six. Celebrini will aim to break the points record in Canada's quarterfinal game Wednesday.

Matthews Nets Two Goals, Assist in USA's Unbeaten Olympic Run

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Auston Matthews scored two goals and assisted on Zach Werenski's goal with a textbook pass, contributing significantly to Team USA's 5-1 victory over Germany on Sunday night. This win allowed the U.S. to finish Olympic group play unbeaten, securing the No. 2 seed for the knockout rounds.

Werenski Scores Goal in Team USA's 5-1 Olympic Victory Over Germany

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Zach Werenski scored a goal for Team USA in their 5-1 victory over Germany on Sunday night, which concluded their unbeaten run in Olympic group play. His goal was set up by a pass from Auston Matthews. Team USA secured the No. 2 seed for the knockout rounds.