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NHL News

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

Friday, January 16

Hurricanes Acquire Minor League Defenseman Kyle Masters from Sharks

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The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired minor league defenseman Kyle Masters and a fourth-round draft pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2027 NHL Draft. The Sharks made the move to clear a contract, enabling rookie Michael Misa to continue playing for the team. Masters, 22, has not yet played in the NHL but was drafted in the fourth round by the Minnesota Wild in 2021. He has recorded 35 career points in 69 ECHL games and six points in 35 AHL games.

Will Smith Returns to Sharks Lineup from Upper-Body Injury

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San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith (upper body) is set to return to the lineup for Friday's game in Detroit, ending a 13-game absence. The fourth overall pick in the 2023 Draft, Smith has impressed with 12 goals and 17 assists in 33 games this season. He is expected to play on one of the top two lines, potentially reuniting with Macklin Celebrini, which could significantly boost his fantasy value.

Sharks Clear Contract to Allow Rookie Michael Misa to Continue Playing

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The San Jose Sharks traded defenseman Kyle Masters to the Carolina Hurricanes to clear a contract slot, enabling rookie Michael Misa to continue playing for the team. Misa required a roster spot to play in his 10th NHL game, and the Sharks were at their 50-contract limit prior to the trade. This move ensures Misa's ongoing presence in the Sharks' lineup.

Darcy Kuemper to Start for Kings Against Ducks

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Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper is confirmed to start in goal for Friday's home game against the Anaheim Ducks. Kuemper enters the contest on a four-game losing streak, posting an 0-2-2 record with a .841 save percentage, having allowed 14 goals on 88 shots during that span. Overall this season, the 35-year-old holds a 12-9-8 record with a 2.50 GAA and a .904 save percentage. He faces a Ducks team ranked 11th in NHL scoring.

Cole Schwindt Returns to Panthers Lineup After 26-Game Absence

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Florida Panthers center Cole Schwindt will return to the lineup tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes, having missed 26 games due to a broken arm. The 24-year-old, who previously scored two goals in 10 games for the Panthers this season, will center the fourth line alongside Jesper Boqvist and Luke Kunin. Schwindt has played 59 career NHL games, tallying three goals and 10 points. His return comes as Jack Studnicka exits the lineup, while Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand remain out.

Brayden Point Placed on Injured Reserve with Lower-Body Injury

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Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point (lower body) has officially been placed on injured reserve, confirming his week-to-week status. Prior to his injury, Point was in strong form, accumulating five goals and six assists, including three power-play points, in his last eight games. This extended absence means the Calgary native is at risk of missing the 80-point mark for the first time since the 2021-22 season, impacting the Lightning's offensive depth.

Predators Recall Defenseman Andreas Englund from Milwaukee Admirals

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The Nashville Predators have recalled defenseman Andreas Englund from the Milwaukee Admirals due to a lower-body injury to Adam Wilsby. Englund, a 6-foot-3, 201-pound defenseman, played 24 games for Nashville last season, recording two assists. This season with Milwaukee, he has six points (two goals, four assists) in 30 games. Englund was claimed by the Predators in February 2025 and is expected to bolster the team's blue line, potentially taking Wilsby's spot or joining the third defensive pairing as the Predators begin a two-game road trip.

Wilson a Game-Time Decision for Saturday's Panthers Matchup

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Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson (lower body) is a game-time decision for Saturday's game against the Panthers. Sidelined since early January, Wilson has shown progress in his recovery, participating fully in Friday's practice. He was previously considered for Thursday's game but was ruled out. If he remains sidelined Saturday, Brett Leason is expected to stay in the lineup. Wilson's return would be a boost for the Capitals.

Marchand Misses Fourth Straight Game with Undisclosed Injury

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Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (undisclosed) will miss his fourth consecutive game, sitting out Friday's contest against Carolina. The veteran forward is dealing with a lingering undisclosed injury. While he's on pace for a strong season, potentially reaching 90 points, his continued absence could impact that. With the Panthers facing a back-to-back, it's unlikely Marchand will return for Saturday's game against Washington, though he hasn't been officially ruled out yet.

Islanders' Kyle Palmieri Out with Torn ACL Since November 28

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New York Islanders forward Kyle Palmieri has been sidelined since November 28 after sustaining a torn ACL during a 4-3 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. His significant absence has created a void in the team's offense, which Simon Holmstrom and Anthony Duclair have recently begun to fill. The Islanders have also been without Bo Horvat for an extended period, missing six straight games and 11 of the last 14.

Bobrovsky Starts Fifth Straight Game, Aims for 20th Win Friday

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Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will be between the pipes on the road against the Hurricanes on Friday. This marks his fifth consecutive start in the crease. In his last four outings, Bobrovsky has posted a 2-2-0 record with a 3.33 GAA. With one more victory, the veteran backstop will reach the 20-win mark for the fifth consecutive season, and he remains capable of hitting 30 wins this year.

Trade Rumors Swirl Around Canucks' Elias Pettersson, Detroit a Potential Fit

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Trade rumors are intensifying around Vancouver Canucks star center Elias Pettersson, with reports suggesting the Detroit Red Wings could be a potential fit. Pettersson, a former 102-point scorer, has seen a significant drop-off this season with 29 points in 39 games, while the Canucks are in last place. Canucks GM Jim Rutherford stated they are "open for just about anything," including potentially trading Pettersson, as the team considers a complete rebuild. Despite his heavy $11.6 million cap hit for six more seasons, the Red Wings, with over $27.4 million in cap space, could accommodate him on their second line alongside Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, though acquiring him would likely require sacrificing significant assets.

Tyson Jugnauth Selected as AHL All-Star in Impressive Rookie Season

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Defenseman Tyson Jugnauth has been selected to represent the Coachella Valley Firebirds at the 2026 AHL All-Star Game, capping an impressive rookie campaign. The Seattle Kraken's 2022 fourth-round pick (100th overall) has quickly adjusted to the AHL, recording four goals and 26 points in 35 games, ranking third on the team in points. Despite his 5-foot-11, 183-pound frame, Jugnauth showcases strong skating and high hockey IQ, demonstrating significant development and a rapid ascent up the depth chart.

Jagger Firkus Named AHL All-Star, Nearing NHL Debut with Impressive Season

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Winger Jagger Firkus has been selected to represent the Coachella Valley Firebirds at the 2026 AHL All-Star Game, highlighting his impressive second AHL season. The Seattle Kraken's 2022 second-round pick (35th overall) has emerged as an offensive force, recording 14 goals and 35 points in just 35 games this year, nearly matching his rookie totals in half the appearances. Firkus ranks sixth in the AHL in points and leads the Firebirds, with expectations that the 21-year-old will soon make his NHL debut.

Tristan Jarry Returns to IR After Trade to Oilers

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Goaltender Tristan Jarry was placed back on injured reserve shortly after being traded to the Edmonton Oilers in a deal that sent Brett Kulak, Stuart Skinner, and a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins. His injury stint has limited his impact with the Oilers, who are 9-5-2 since the trade. The move indirectly opened a path for Connor Ingram's return to the NHL.

Stuart Skinner Thriving with Penguins Since Goalie-for-Goalie Trade

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Goaltender Stuart Skinner has been a significant success for the Pittsburgh Penguins since being acquired from Edmonton in a trade for Tristan Jarry. Skinner, who can be a polarizing figure, has thrilled the Penguins with five quality starts out of eight, easily surpassing Jarry's one. He has found a strong groove since the Christmas break, posting a 4-1-0 record with a .941 save percentage and allowing only seven goals in five games, proving to be a driving factor in recent wins against division rivals like Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Carolina.

Brett Kulak's Addition Bolsters Penguins' Defense, Elevates Letang's Play

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Brett Kulak's acquisition by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade with Edmonton (which also involved Stuart Skinner and a second-round pick for Tristan Jarry) is proving beneficial. Kulak has provided the Penguins with a much-needed second top-four caliber left-side defenseman, significantly improving the defensive pairing alongside Kris Letang. His presence has been credited with elevating Letang's performance, who is now playing his best in a while, thanks to Kulak's above-average defensive impact.

Scheifele Dominates with Four Points in Dominant Win

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Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets was instrumental in Thursday's 6-2 victory over the Wild, tallying an even-strength goal and three assists. Two of his helpers came on the power play, contributing to a strong first period for the Jets. This performance marks Scheifele's fourth multi-point game in his last five outings, extending his impressive streak to 17 points in his last 12 contests. At 32 years old, the center is now on pace for his first career 100-point season.

Ullmark Returns to Practice After Leave of Absence

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Linus Ullmark is back on the ice, returning to practice Friday for the Ottawa Senators for the first time since his leave of absence began Dec. 28. Ullmark's last start saw him allow four goals on 14 shots before being pulled. He holds a 14-8-5 record with a 2.95 GAA and .881 save percentage this season. His absence has contributed to the Senators' struggles, dropping them to 14th in the Eastern Conference. Ullmark could potentially return to the lineup as early as Sunday.

Panthers Sign Defenseman Uvis Balinskis to Two-Year Extension

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The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Uvis Balinskis to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $875,000, securing him through the 2027-28 season. General Manager Bill Zito praised Balinskis as a "dependable NHL blueliner." In his third NHL season, Balinskis has played 36 games this year, recording one goal, eight points, and a plus-1 rating. He has accumulated six goals and 29 points in 138 career games with the Panthers and was recently named to Team Latvia's Olympic team.