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NHL News

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

Wednesday, February 11

Pronger Declares Seider a 'True Number One' NHL Defenseman

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Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider is drawing high praise, with Hall of Famer Chris Pronger declaring him a 'true number one' NHL defenseman. On the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Pronger noted Seider's mean and enormous play, comparing him to his own game. Seider leads Red Wings defensemen in ice time, points, and boasts a team-best plus-13 rating, firmly placing him in the Norris Trophy conversation. His top defensive pairing with Edvinsson has been crucial to Detroit's strong position before the Olympic break.

Rangers Coach Mike Sullivan Demands Improvement from Brennan Othmann

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New York Rangers forward Brennan Othmann, after a 10-game NHL stint including third-line and power-play duties, was scratched before the Olympic break. Coach Mike Sullivan clarified the scratch was not CBA-related, but due to Othmann's play not meeting expectations. Sullivan stated, 'elements of his game that have to continue to improve' for him to establish himself in the NHL. Othmann has recorded just one point in 16 NHL games this season and acknowledges needing to build trust. A potential AHL assignment remains possible before the Rangers resume play on Feb. 26.

Gustavsson to Start for Sweden Against Italy in Olympic Opener

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Filip Gustavsson is now expected to start for Team Sweden against Italy on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics, contrary to earlier reports. The Minnesota Wild goaltender, who holds a 20-9-6 record with a 2.64 GAA and .906 save percentage in 36 outings this season, will face an Italian team composed of non-NHL players, making Sweden heavy favorites. He will tend the twine instead of Jacob Markstrom, who was initially slated to start.

Markstrom Won't Start for Sweden; Gustavsson Gets Nod vs. Italy

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Jacob Markstrom will not start for Team Sweden in Wednesday's 2026 Winter Olympics game against Italy, despite earlier reports. Filip Gustavsson will instead tend the net. Markstrom, who has a 15-13-1 record, 3.20 GAA, and .882 save percentage in 30 outings with the New Jersey Devils this season, will still dress as the backup goaltender. It's possible he could see playing time if the score becomes lopsided.

Jesper Wallstedt Out for Sweden's Olympic Opener vs. Italy

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Jesper Wallstedt (illness) is unavailable for Team Sweden's opening game against Italy on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Minnesota Wild goaltender previously missed his NHL team's 6-5 overtime win over Nashville due to an illness, though it's unclear if his current absence is solely illness-related or a coaching decision. Wallstedt holds a 14-5-4 record with a 2.72 GAA and .913 save percentage in 23 outings for the Wild this season. Filip Gustavsson is slated to start for Sweden.

William Nylander Cleared to Play for Sweden in Olympic Opener

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William Nylander (groin) is confirmed to be in Team Sweden's lineup for Wednesday's preliminary round game against Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics. His status was previously uncertain due to a groin injury sustained in late January, but he has fully participated in recent practices and received clearance. While it's encouraging that the Toronto Maple Leafs forward will be available for the tournament opener, Sweden may still exercise caution with his playing time later in the competition.

Slafkovský Scores Twice, Leads Slovakia to Shocking 4-1 Upset Over Finland

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Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovský scored two goals, including the game's opening tally, to power Slovakia to a commanding 4-1 upset victory over Finland in their 2026 Winter Olympics opener. The 21-year-old, who previously had a dominant MVP performance at the 2022 Olympics, now boasts 9 career Olympic goals in just 8 games. Expected to play a major role for his country, Slafkovský skated on the first line and first power play unit, delivering on his pre-tournament motivation to "give my best performance" and help his team win.

Hlavaj Shines with 38 Saves in Slovakia's Upset Win Over Finland

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Minnesota Wild prospect Samuel Hlavaj delivered a spectacular 38-save performance, backstopping Slovakia to a stunning 4-1 upset victory over Finland in their 2026 Winter Olympics opener. The 24-year-old, who signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Wild in April 2024, was confirmed to start earlier today. Despite a 3.33 GAA and .884 SV% in 18 AHL Iowa outings this season, Hlavaj was resolute, turning aside numerous high-quality chances. He expressed excitement, stating, "It felt like we were playing at the home rink.”

Elias Lindholm Activated from IR, Joins Team Sweden for Winter Games

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Elias Lindholm (upper body) has been activated from injured reserve as of Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Lindholm missed Boston's final three games before the Olympic break due to the injury. Despite not returning to play for the Boston Bruins until February 26, he is expected to represent Team Sweden in the 2026 Winter Games, commencing with Wednesday's game against Italy. This season, Lindholm has recorded 11 goals and 37 points in 44 appearances.

Fehervary Finds Olympic Pace Faster Than NHL in Slovakia's Opener

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Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary played in the first men's hockey game at the Milan Cortina Olympics, where Slovakia upset Finland. Fehervary commented on the game's intensity, stating, "The pace of the game was really fast. I felt like it was even faster than in the NHL.” He was still catching his breath after the fast-paced start to the tournament, marking the return of NHL players to the Games for the first time in 12 years.

Canadiens Prospect Oliver Kapanen Healthy Scratch for Finland's Olympic Opener

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Montreal Canadiens prospect Oliver Kapanen was confirmed as a healthy scratch for Team Finland's opening game against Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Kapanen, who is part of the Finnish squad, had been the thirteenth forward during the team's practice on Tuesday, leading to the expectation that he would not dress for the initial tournament matchup. Finland ultimately fell to Slovakia 4-1 in the upset.

Maple Leafs' Cowan to Receive Championship Rings Amidst NHL Reset

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan is set to receive his 2025 OHL Championship and Memorial Cup rings tonight with his former London Knights teammates. The Memorial Cup MVP, who holds the Knights' playoff points record (96 points in 60 games), had a historic junior career. Now a rookie with the Maple Leafs, Cowan has recorded 7 goals and 10 assists in 43 games this season, averaging 13:31 TOI. He was a healthy scratch in Toronto's final three games before the Olympic break, with coach Craig Berube noting Cowan "needed a little bit of a reset."

Penguins Prospect Avery Hayes Named AHL Player of the Week After Scoring Spree

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Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Avery Hayes was named the AHL's Player of the Week after an impressive scoring spree, tallying four goals in two games. Fresh off a two-goal performance in the NHL on Thursday, Hayes continued his hot streak by scoring a hat trick against Hershey in a 4-3 overtime win, clinching the game-winner despite breaking his stick. Overall, Hayes recorded a remarkable six goals in three games, combining his time in Pittsburgh and with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Tuesday, February 10

William Nylander Game-Time Decision for Sweden Opener Due to Groin Soreness

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William Nylander (groin) is a game-time decision for Team Sweden's Wednesday preliminary round game against Italy. The Toronto Maple Leafs winger did not practice Tuesday due to soreness, which coach Sam Hallam described as a maintenance issue after two full practices. Sweden is taking a cautionary approach to ensure Nylander doesn't overdo it, especially after he previously missed seven games with the groin injury before returning to the Leafs' lineup on January 31 and playing only three games before the Olympic break. Hallam stated he's "not overly concerned" and Nylander looked "pretty sharp" in earlier practices. Pontus Holmberg or Marcus Johansson could play if he sits out, with Filip Forsberg having skated in his place.

Blues' Robert Thomas Drawing Significant Trade Interest, High Price Tag Expected

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St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas is generating significant buzz on the trade market, though reports indicate a high asking price. The Blues are seeking a substantial return for the 26-year-old No.1 center, who is under contract for $8.125 million until 2031 and possesses a full no-trade clause. The Athletic's insiders predict potential destinations, with Chris Johnston suggesting the Los Angeles Kings and James Mirtle naming the Carolina Hurricanes, both teams having assets to meet the Blues' demands. Other interested teams include the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, and Seattle Kraken. Thomas has recorded 11 goals and 33 points in 42 games this season.

Saros Gets Olympic Start for Finland vs. Slovakia Amidst Recent Struggles

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Juuse Saros, 30, is confirmed to start in net for Team Finland's preliminary round game against Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Nashville Predators goaltender has recently struggled, allowing at least three goals in nine consecutive games, posting a 4-2-2 record during that span. Finland enters the matchup as heavy favorites against Slovakia, despite Saros's recent performance issues with his NHL club.

Rakell (Lower Body) Expected to Play for Sweden in Olympic Opener

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Rickard Rakell, who has been dealing with a lower-body injury, is expected to return to action and play for Sweden against Italy on Wednesday at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 32-year-old forward previously sat out the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-2 loss to Buffalo before the Olympic break but has since been skating alongside Elias Pettersson and Mika Zibanejad in practices. This season, Rakell has recorded 10 goals, 24 points, 103 shots, 30 blocked shots, and 50 hits in 35 NHL appearances.

Macklin Celebrini Dominating Despite Defensive Attention, Sharks Adjusting Strategy

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San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini is adjusting to increased defensive attention this season, showcasing significant growth and becoming the team's most crucial player, with 42 more points than the next closest teammate. Coach Warsofsky highlights Celebrini's improved physicality and experience, strategically deploying him in space, to close periods, and allowing double shifts, including on the power play. Celebrini has evolved mentally, incorporating a give-and-go game and better puck-reading, rather than just speed. The Sharks are also building around him with players like William Eklund and Igor Chernyshov, enabling Celebrini to play off-puck and further enhance his already dominant performance.

Sidney Crosby's Olympic Passion Undimmed, Still Craves Gold at 38

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Sidney Crosby, 38, remains deeply passionate about the Olympic Winter Games, viewing it as a childhood dream despite his decorated NHL career. He expressed relief at the opportunity to return after missing previous cycles, recalling the pressure of the 2010 Vancouver gold. He compares Olympic finals to Stanley Cup Game 7s, emphasizing the high stakes. Crosby appreciates the chance to lead his country again and praises younger teammates, reflecting on what another gold medal would mean.

Avery Hayes Earns AHL Player of the Week After NHL Debut & Overtime Hat Trick

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Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Avery Hayes was named the AHL's Player of the Week. This recognition follows a remarkable week where the 23-year-old forward scored two goals in his NHL debut and then completed an AHL hat trick in overtime. Hayes has been a key contributor for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this season, accumulating 26 points (16 goals, 10 assists) in 32 games. He was one of the first players signed by the Penguins after Kyle Dubas took over in June 2023.