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NHL News

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

Thursday, January 15

Devils Prospect Seamus Casey Earns Second Consecutive AHL All-Star Nod

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New Jersey Devils defenseman Seamus Casey, 22, has been named to his second straight AHL All-Star Game, representing the North Division. The 2022 second-round pick has tallied 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 26 AHL games for the Utica Comets this season. He also appeared in two NHL games this season, recording zero points, following 14 NHL appearances and eight points with the Devils in the 2024-25 season. Casey is among 30 AHL All-Stars who have played in the NHL this season.

Hellebuyck Confirmed Starter vs. Minnesota Thursday

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Connor Hellebuyck is slated to start on the road against Minnesota on Thursday. The 32-year-old netminder has won his past two starts but has allowed at least three goals in each of his last five appearances. His season record stands at 11-12-4 with a 2.75 GAA and .899 save percentage through 27 outings. In two starts against Minnesota this season, Hellebuyck holds a 1-0-1 record with a 3.48 GAA and an .870 save percentage.

Daccord to Start Against Bruins in Hometown Return

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Joey Daccord is slated to start on the road against the Bruins on Thursday, marking a return to his hometown. The Kraken likely adjusted their goalie rotation for this back-to-back set to accommodate this. Daccord has been strong recently, winning four of his last six outings and posting a .917 save percentage during that span. He faces a challenging Bruins team that has won five of their last six games, though their only loss in that stretch was against Seattle on January 6.

Flyers' Dan Vladar Exits Game with Injury, Out Thursday vs. Penguins

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Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar, 28, left Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres with an unspecified injury after surrendering two goals on five shots. He did not return and will not suit up Thursday against the Penguins, missing at least one game. His timeline to return is currently in question, with Samuel Ersson and prospect Aleksei Kolosov handling goaltending duties. Vladar, in the final year of his entry-level contract, faces a pivotal moment for his future with the organization.

Sabres' Colten Ellis Starting Thursday Against Canadiens

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Buffalo Sabres goaltender Colten Ellis will start Thursday's home game against the Montreal Canadiens. This marks his third start in the last five games, indicating a potential timeshare with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The 25-year-old has posted a 1-1-0 record in his previous two outings, allowing five goals on 63 shots. He faces a Canadiens team that has scored 22 goals over their last six games, going 4-1-1 in that span.

Kraken Assign Jacob Melanson to AHL After Impressive NHL Stint

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Seattle Kraken winger Jacob Melanson, 22, has been assigned to the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds to free up a roster spot for Brandon Montour. In his 15-game NHL stint, Melanson scored his first career NHL goal and added three assists, impressing coaches with his physicality and aggressiveness. He averaged 9:25 of ice time, throwing 65 hits and blocking six shots. Melanson returns to the Firebirds with seven goals and 14 points in 23 AHL games, positioning himself as a contender for next year's NHL roster.

Kraken Activate Brandon Montour from IR, Expected to Return After Hand Injury

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Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour has been activated from the injured reserve, poised to return after missing 14 games with a hand injury. His return frees up a roster spot, leading to Jacob Melanson's assignment to the AHL. Montour was considered a possibility for the Kraken's matchup against the Boston Bruins, though it remains undetermined which player he will replace in the lineup.

Macklin Celebrini Dominates with 70 Points, Leads Sharks to Playoff Spot

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San Jose Sharks' 19-year-old phenom Macklin Celebrini, the 2024 first overall pick, is dominating the league with 70 points (24 goals, 46 assists), ranking third overall in NHL scoring. His performance has been crucial, with 38 more points than the team's next leading scorer, propelling the Sharks into the second Wild Card playoff spot. Celebrini has also been named to Team Canada's Olympic roster. Opponents like the Red Wings acknowledge his incredible impact and plan to focus on neutralizing him.

Kevin Lankinen Slated to Start Thursday's Game Against Columbus

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Kevin Lankinen is slated to start Thursday's road game against Columbus. He has yet to secure a win in four appearances this year, holding an 0-2-1 record with a 2.98 GAA and .894 save percentage. His last start against the Blue Jackets on Nov. 8 resulted in a 4-3 victory, where he stopped 29 of 32 shots.

Samuel Ersson to Start Thursday's Road Game Against Pittsburgh

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Samuel Ersson will start Thursday's road game against Pittsburgh. He draws the start after Dan Vladar (undisclosed) exited Wednesday's game against the Sabres. Ersson has taken losses in his last three outings. He is expected to serve as the Flyers' No. 1 netminder if Vladar misses time, with Aleksei Kolosov also called up Thursday.

Josh Norris Out for Thursday's Game Against Montreal with Ribs Injury

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Josh Norris (ribs) will miss Thursday's game against Montreal. He sustained the injury during Wednesday's 5-2 win over Philadelphia. Norris has recorded six goals and 17 points in 19 outings during the 2025-26 season. Konsta Helenius has been called up from the minors and is expected to fill in for Norris.

Carter Hart Placed on Injured Reserve with Lower-Body Injury

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Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, January 15, 2026, having been sidelined since January 8 due to the injury. In 12 outings this season, Hart holds a 5-3-3 record with a 3.28 GAA and an .871 save percentage. The move corresponds with Adin Hill's activation from IR. Upon his return, Hart is expected to compete for the No. 2 netminder spot alongside Akira Schmid, potentially getting starts on a semi-regular basis.

Blackhawks Prospect Kevin Korchinski Named to AHL All-Star Team Again

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Chicago Blackhawks prospect Kevin Korchinski has been named to the AHL All-Star Game with the Rockford IceHogs. Korchinski, who was the AHL All-Star MVP last season, is currently playing with Rockford. This season, he has recorded 2 goals and 17 assists for 19 points in 33 AHL games. He also has one assist in two NHL games played last week. The two-day All-Star event will take place at the BMO Center on February 10-11.

Blackhawks Prospect Nick Lardis Earns AHL All-Star Nod in Rookie Season

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Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis has been named to the AHL All-Star Game with the Rockford IceHogs in his first professional season. His success earned him a call-up to the NHL, where he has recorded four goals and one assist for five points in 15 games. In 24 AHL games, Lardis has posted an impressive 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess. The All-Star Classic will take place Feb. 10-11 in Rockford, Ill.

Panthers Prospect Jack Devine Earns AHL All-Star Nod in Stellar Rookie Season

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Florida Panthers winger Jack Devine, 22, has been selected to represent the Charlotte Checkers at the 2026 AHL All-Star Game, capping a stellar rookie campaign. Devine leads the Checkers with 24 points (11 goals) in just 29 games, despite playing six fewer games than most teammates. He also played six NHL games earlier this season, averaging 8:26 of ice time and impressing coaches, though he did not record a point. His selection is described as an impressive and deserving feat.

Panthers Prospect Tobias Bjornfot Named AHL All-Star Representative

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Florida Panthers defenseman Tobias Bjornfot has been selected to represent the Charlotte Checkers at the 2026 AHL All-Star Game. Bjornfot, in his second full season with the Panthers organization, has recorded one goal and six assists for seven points in 22 AHL games. While he hasn't played in the NHL this year, he skated in 14 games last season and is currently on the NHL roster as an extra defenseman due to injuries. He's noted as a trusted defensive defenseman with strong skating.

Matt Luff Named AHL All-Star; Leads Thunderbirds with 30 Points

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St. Louis Blues and Springfield Thunderbirds forward Matt Luff, 28, has been selected as the Thunderbirds' representative for the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic, held Feb. 10-11 in Rockford, Ill. Luff leads the team with 12 goals and 30 points in 29 AHL games this season. He also saw NHL action in December, scoring one goal in five games for the Blues while averaging 9:08 of ice time, following a recall due to injuries.

Cole McWard Earns AHL All-Star Nod; Leads Bridgeport Defensemen in Points

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Bridgeport Islanders defenseman Cole McWard, 24, has been selected to the AHL's Atlantic Division All-Star team for the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic (Feb. 10-11). McWard leads Bridgeport defensemen with 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 29 games this season. He signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the New York Islanders organization this past offseason and has appeared in three NHL games with New York, going pointless, and recently serving as a healthy scratch.

Matthew Knies to Play vs. Golden Knights Despite Missing Skate for Maintenance

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies is set to play against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, January 15, 2026, despite missing the morning skate for "maintenance," as confirmed by head coach Craig Berube. Knies logged 14:45 of ice time in the previous game. He may be moved to the fourth line for the first time this season, potentially to limit his minutes. Knies previously missed three games in November due to a lower-body injury that had been nagging him for a month.

Easton Cowan Receives Memorial Cup Ring; Integral to Maple Leafs with 14 Points

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan, 20, is receiving his Memorial Cup Championship ring from the OHL's London Knights. Cowan was the Memorial Cup MVP, recording 3 goals and 4 assists in 5 games, and tied Mitch Marner's franchise record with 15 points in back-to-back tournaments. He holds London's playoff points record with 96 points in 60 games. Now in his first NHL season, Cowan is an integral part of the Maple Leafs, having scored 7 goals and 7 assists through 35 games, including a recent OT winner. He faces Marner and the Golden Knights on Thursday.