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NHL News

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

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Matt Grzelcyk Emerges as Blackhawks Trade Deadline Target

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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is emerging as a popular trade target ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline, as the struggling Blackhawks are likely to be sellers. Grzelcyk, a pending unrestricted free agent, could provide blueline depth for contenders. Potential landing spots include the Colorado Avalanche, who have been previously linked to him, and the Detroit Red Wings, seeking an experienced left-shot defenseman to boost their defensive group.

Kane Returns to Red Wings Lineup Sunday After Six-Game Absence

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Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane (upper body) is confirmed to return to the lineup for Sunday's home game against Toronto, ending a six-game absence. The veteran winger will skate on the second line alongside Alex DeBrincat and Andrew Copp. Prior to his injury, Kane was productive, recording three goals and 14 points across his last 12 appearances. His return is a significant boost for the Red Wings.

Hildeby to Start for Maple Leafs Sunday Despite Recent Struggles

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Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby will get the road start against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. Hildeby has faced recent struggles, posting a 4.41 GAA and an .851 save percentage with an 0-3-1 record across his last four outings. He hasn't secured a win since December 8th, when he recorded a 29-save shutout against the Lightning. The Red Wings currently rank 14th in the NHL, averaging 3.08 goals per game.

Talbot Starts for Red Wings Against Maple Leafs in Back-to-Back

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Detroit Red Wings goaltender Cam Talbot will defend the home crease Sunday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This start marks the second half of a back-to-back for the Red Wings, following John Gibson's start in Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Hurricanes. Talbot holds a season record of 10-6-2 with a 3.00 GAA and an .887 save percentage through 19 appearances. The Maple Leafs, coming off a 7-5 win over Ottawa, have scored 13 goals in their last two games.

Knight to Start for Blackhawks Against Struggling Penguins

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Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight is set to start between the home pipes against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday. Knight has lost four consecutive games in regulation, during which he posted a 2.81 GAA and a .902 save percentage. This matchup is the second half of a back-to-back for Chicago, while the Penguins, who have dropped nine of their last 10 games, will be playing their first game out of the holiday break.

Flames' Rasmus Andersson Linked to Kings in Trade Rumors

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Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson has been linked to the Los Angeles Kings as a 'sensible destination' by NHL insider Chris Johnston. The Kings reportedly explored a fit for Andersson last summer. Andersson, a pending UFA in the final year of a six-year, $4.55 million contract, was reluctant to sign an extension during the offseason. He's having a career-best season with 7 goals, 18 assists (25 points) in 38 games, averaging 24:10 ice time, and is on pace for 15 goals and 54 points.

Vladar to Start for Flyers Against Low-Scoring Kraken Sunday

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Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar will guard the road goal against the Seattle Kraken on Sunday. Vladar is coming off a strong 23-save performance in Monday's 5-2 win over Vancouver. This season, he holds a 13-5-3 record with a 2.39 GAA and a .910 save percentage through 21 appearances. The Seattle Kraken currently rank 31st in the league, averaging only 2.54 goals per game this year.

Easton Cowan Draws Back Into Maple Leafs Lineup Amid Nylander's Injury

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Easton Cowan (Toronto Maple Leafs) will return to the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Wings, filling in for the injured William Nylander. The rookie forward has been a healthy scratch for the past three games. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed Cowan's inclusion, emphasizing good communication with the 20-year-old. Cowan has recorded four goals and seven assists in 26 games this season. His return marks the only skater change for the Leafs as they face the division-leading Red Wings.

Maple Leafs' Nylander Out Sunday vs. Red Wings with Lower-Body Injury

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William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs) is out of Sunday's lineup against the Red Wings due to a lower-body injury sustained in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Senators, where he scored a power-play goal before exiting. Coach Berube confirmed he won't play, marking his fifth missed game this season, though he traveled with the team. The injury occurred after getting tangled with Artem Zub. Nylander is considered day-to-day, with the next game Tuesday vs. Devils. Easton Cowan will replace him. Nylander has 14 goals and 27 assists in 33 games this season.

Lightning's Johansson to Start Sunday vs. Canadiens

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Jonas Johansson (Tampa Bay Lightning) will patrol the home crease against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday. This start marks the second half of Tampa Bay's back-to-back, following Andrei Vasilevskiy's appearance Saturday. The 30-year-old goaltender holds a 7-6-1 record with a 2.76 GAA and an .897 save percentage through 15 appearances this season. Montreal is tied for seventh in the league with 3.27 goals per game.

Ullmark Takes Personal Leave from Senators; Duration Unclear

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Linus Ullmark (Ottawa Senators) has been granted a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons, with the duration currently unclear. The Senators goalie has posted a 14-8-5 record, one shutout, a 2.95 GAA, and an .881 save percentage in 28 appearances this season. The team may recall Mads Sogaard or Hunter Shepard from AHL Belleville to fill his spot during his absence.

Islanders' Rittich Records Shutout, Starts Sunday Amid Sorokin's Absence

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David Rittich (New York Islanders) secured his second shutout of the season Saturday, making 27 saves in a 2-0 victory over the Rangers. He has started three consecutive games during Ilya Sorokin's (lower body) absence, posting a 2-0-1 record while allowing only three goals on 91 shots. Rittich will start again Sunday against the Blue Jackets. The 33-year-old netminder holds a 9-3-2 record with a 2.25 GAA and a .919 save percentage this season. Sorokin is potentially eyeing a return as early as Tuesday, which could impact Rittich's future starts.

Jack Eichel Out for Monday's Game, Misses Sixth Straight

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Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights) will miss his sixth consecutive game Monday against Minnesota due to a lower-body injury. His return timeline before the team's three-game road trip, starting Friday, is uncertain. Eichel has recorded 12 goals, 41 points, and 117 shots on net in 31 appearances this season for the Golden Knights.

Kevin Lankinen to Start Monday's Game Against the Kraken

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Kevin Lankinen (Vancouver Canucks) is slated to start Monday's game against the Kraken, marking just his second start in eight games. The 30-year-old netminder has a 5-10-3 record this season, accompanied by a 3.51 GAA and an .880 save percentage. He will be starting the second game out of the holiday break.

Jonathan Marchessault Linked to Canadiens in Trade Rumors

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Jonathan Marchessault (Nashville Predators) has been identified as a potential trade target for the Montreal Canadiens, according to insider Chris Johnston. The winger, who has a No-Movement Clause and a $5.5 million cap hit through 2028-29, is having a down season with 7 goals and 10 points in 28 games. However, he previously recorded 21 goals and 56 points last season, and 42 goals and 69 points in 2023-24 with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Calvin Pickard to Start in Net for Oilers Against Winnipeg

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Calvin Pickard (Edmonton Oilers) will start Monday's road game against Winnipeg, returning to the crease after Connor Ingram's three consecutive starts. The 33-year-old goaltender holds a 3-5-2 record this season, with a 3.93 GAA and an .861 save percentage across 13 appearances. Winnipeg's offense ranks 21st in the league, averaging 2.92 goals per game.

Scott Sabourin Fined $2,018.23 by NHL After Panthers-Bolts Clash

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Scott Sabourin (Tampa Bay Lightning) has been fined $2,018.23 by the NHL for his actions during Saturday's penalty-filled game against the Florida Panthers. The disciplinary action follows a review of the physical contest.

Anton Lundell Fined $5,000 by NHL After Panthers-Bolts Clash

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Anton Lundell (Florida Panthers) has been fined $5,000 by the NHL for his actions during Saturday's penalty-filled game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The fine was issued following a review of the incident from the intense matchup.

Lightning Acquire Prospect Michael Milne from Wild in Trade

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The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired prospect Michael Milne from the Minnesota Wild in a trade for Boris Katchouk. Milne, a 23-year-old forward drafted 89th overall in 2022, has been injury-prone. This season, he recorded 2 goals and 5 points in 15 AHL games with Iowa, accumulating 32 goals and 65 points over 172 career AHL games.

Wild Acquire Boris Katchouk from Lightning in Trade Deal

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The Minnesota Wild have acquired veteran power forward Boris Katchouk from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for prospect Michael Milne. Katchouk, 27, has played 3 NHL games this season with no points and 5 hits. Over 179 career NHL games, he has recorded 15 goals, 21 assists, 36 points, and 310 hits. He is expected to report to the AHL's Iowa Wild.