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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Zach Werenski scored the game-winning goal in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Chicago, marking his 20th goal of the season. This makes him the first defenseman in history to reach 20 goals prior to an Olympic break. He's also the third American defenseman ever with consecutive 20-goal campaigns. Werenski is riding a seven-game point streak (2 goals, 10 points) and will join Team USA in Milan.
Jonathan Huberdeau will undergo hip surgery, effectively ending his 2025-26 campaign, as reported by Elliotte Friedman. The 32-year-old winger has reportedly played through the hip issue all season and decided to shut it down with Calgary out of playoff contention. He concludes the year with 10 goals and 15 assists in 50 games, marking the lowest point total of his career. Huberdeau will now focus on recovery for the 2026-27 season.
Jet Greaves made 21 saves in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Chicago, securing his second shutout of the season and fourth of his career. This clean sheet comes just one night after teammate Elvis Merzlikins also recorded a shutout. Greaves enters the Olympic break on a hot streak, having won six straight decisions since January 11th, during which he has posted an impressive 2.10 GAA and .924 save percentage.
Andrei Kuzmenko scored two power-play goals on four shots in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Kraken, celebrating his 30th birthday with his first multi-point effort since January 5th. The Kings winger, who plays in a middle-six role, has seen his offense sparked by power-play time. For the season, Kuzmenko has recorded 13 goals, 23 points, 68 shots on net, and a minus-4 rating over 50 appearances, with all 13 of his power-play points contributing to his season total.
Shane Wright scored two goals, including one on the power play, in Wednesday's 4-2 victory against the Kings. This marks the 22-year-old Kraken center's second two-goal effort in his last four games. Wright has solidified a third-line role this season, improving his two-way play while still contributing offensively. Through 56 appearances, he has accumulated 11 goals, 22 points, 84 shots on net, 43 hits, 42 blocked shots, and a plus-5 rating.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard registered three assists, two shots on goal, two blocked shots, and two PIM in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Flames. He contributed assists on both of Leon Draisaitl's power-play goals and a Kasperi Kapanen tally. Bouchard has been performing well over his last 10 games, earning four goals, 13 helpers, and a plus-8 rating. This season, he has accumulated 63 points (22 on the power play), 161 shots, 78 blocked shots, 24 PIM, and a plus-11 rating through 58 appearances.
Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl scored two power-play goals on five shots in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Flames. He has been productive recently, with four goals and nine assists over his last six games, bringing his season total to 29 tallies and 80 points (34 on the power play) in 55 appearances. Additionally, Draisaitl was named one of Germany's flag-bearers for the Milan Cortina opening ceremony, securing the honor after winning both an internal poll among German athletes and a public vote, highlighting his significant recognition ahead of the Olympic Games.
Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn delivered a stellar performance in Wednesday's 5-4 victory over the Blues, scoring two goals and adding a power-play assist for a three-point night. His second goal, netted with just 23 seconds remaining in the third period, proved to be the game-winner. Benn, 36, also snapped a 15-game goal drought with his first tally, which put the Stars up 4-2. He has now recorded two goals and six assists in his last four outings, finding a rhythm on the third line with Matt Duchene. This season, Benn has accumulated 9 goals, 13 assists, 46 shots, 47 hits, and a plus-10 rating through 35 appearances.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski continued his impressive form, recording a point for the seventh consecutive game. This milestone was achieved during the Blue Jackets' dominant 4-0 victory over the Blackhawks on Wednesday. Werenski's consistent offensive contribution has been a key factor for his team.
Artemi Panarin has been traded from the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings in a deal involving Liam Greentree and a conditional 2026 third-round pick, with the Rangers retaining 50% of his cap hit. Following the trade, Panarin signed a two-year, $22 million extension with Los Angeles. He is not expected to debut Wednesday or Thursday but will join the team Feb. 18 post-Olympics, with his Kings debut likely Feb. 25 against the Golden Knights. Panarin, needing one more goal for 20 this year, is set for a top-six role.
Joey Daccord will start in goal for the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings, marking the second half of a back-to-back set. He enters the game on a strong run, having won his last three outings while allowing a total of six goals on 89 shots. The Kings, despite a 4-1-1 record in their last six games, have struggled offensively, scoring only 17 goals in that period, potentially offering Daccord a favorable matchup.
Darcy Kuemper is set to start in goal for the Los Angeles Kings at home against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday. While he has secured two wins in his last three starts, the 35-year-old netminder has allowed nine goals on 81 shots during that stretch. He might benefit from facing a Kraken team playing the second half of a back-to-back, following their 4-2 loss to the Ducks on Tuesday, potentially offering an opportunity for a stronger outing.
John Gibson is slated to start Wednesday's road game for the Detroit Red Wings against the Mammoth, marking his sixth consecutive start. Gibson led the team onto the ice, confirming his role. This follows his strong rebound performance on Monday, where he secured a 21-save shutout against the Avalanche, after being pulled from Saturday's game. The Mammoth have scored 21 goals in their last six outings, winning three of those contests.
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand (undisclosed) is now slated to play Wednesday against the Bruins, contrary to an earlier report stating he would miss his third consecutive game. Marchand was a surprise participant in warmups, taking his regular turn on the third line, which means Jesper Boqvist will exit the lineup. The 37-year-old veteran, who has recorded 25 goals and 50 points in 45 outings this campaign, had four points over four games between a pair of injury absences before this recent two-game stint on the shelf. He is expected to quickly regain momentum.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko (illness) will not play Wednesday against the Blackhawks. Marchenko was initially considered a game-time decision but did not participate in warmups, confirming his absence. As a result, Danton Heinen is expected to remain in the lineup. Marchenko is presumably expected to recover and be available when the Blue Jackets' schedule resumes on February 26 versus the Bruins.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones has been suspended 20 games for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The suspension is effective immediately.
The New Jersey Devils have acquired forward Nick Bjugstad in a trade with the St. Louis Blues. The transaction was completed on Wednesday, just before the Olympic roster freeze took effect.
Prospect Liam Greentree has been acquired by the New York Rangers on Wednesday as part of the trade that sent forward Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. The deal also included a conditional third-round pick going to the Rangers. Greentree's acquisition marks a future-focused move for New York as they offload Panarin.
Kevin Lankinen is slated to start in goal for the Vancouver Canucks on the road against Vegas on Wednesday. Lankinen has faced a tough stretch, posting an 0-4-0 record over his last five appearances, during which he's allowed 17 goals on 76 shots, resulting in a .776 save percentage. For the 2025-26 season, he holds a 7-18-4 record with a 3.62 GAA and an .877 save percentage across 31 outings. He faces a Vegas team that has dropped seven of its last eight games.
Adin Hill is slated to start at home against Los Angeles on Thursday. He aims to rebound after an 0-2-1 record, allowing 14 goals on 81 shots (.827 SV%) in his last three outings. Hill's season record stands at 3-3-3 with a 3.51 GAA and .856 SV% in 11 appearances. The Kings, averaging 2.40 goals per game over their last 25 (9-9-7), will be on the second half of a back-to-back.
