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NHL News

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

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Kirby Dach Sidelined 4-6 Weeks with Fractured Foot, Adding to Canadiens' Injury Woes

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Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach will miss four-to-six weeks due to a fractured foot, as announced by the team. This injury adds to a growing list for the Canadiens, who are also without Kaiden Guhle (adductor muscle surgery, up to 10 weeks), Alex Newhook (broken ankle procedure, four months), and Patrik Laine (core muscle surgery, three-to-four months). Dach, the No. 3 pick in 2019, had recorded five goals and seven points in 15 games this season, logging 14:43 of ice time and one shot on goal in their recent 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins. This marks another setback for the 24-year-old, who was limited to just two games in the 2023-24 season after tearing his ACL and MCL, and subsequently missed 25 games the following year due to another knee injury. The Canadiens currently hold a 10-6-2 record, sitting second in the Atlantic Division, but have lost their last three games and five of their last six.

Jakub Dobes Set to Start Monday for Canadiens, Seeking to Rebound

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Jakub Dobes is slated to start in goal for the Montreal Canadiens on Monday against the Blue Jackets. The 24-year-old goaltender will be looking to rebound after being pulled from his last start against the Stars, where he allowed five goals on just 13 shots. Dobes aims to rediscover his early-season form, having allowed two goals or fewer in each of his first four starts before giving up three or more in every subsequent outing. He currently holds a 6-1-1 record with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage heading into Monday's game. Dobes signed a two-year, $1.93 million contract with the Canadiens in July 2025.

Will Cuylle Poised for Breakout Season with Rangers Under New Coach Mike Sullivan

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New York Rangers forward Will Cuylle is poised for a significant leap forward this season, seeing a major opportunity under new head coach Mike Sullivan, who joined the team from the Penguins. Cuylle views the coaching change and the departure of veteran Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks as a chance to fill a crucial void in the lineup. Coming off a sophomore season where he achieved his first 20-goal campaign and recorded 45 points—more than double his rookie total—Cuylle demonstrated his effectiveness by scoring 14 of his 20 goals from high-danger areas, accounting for 60 of his 152 shots on goal. He is expected to see increased power-play minutes, having previously skated less than one-third of Kreider's time with the man advantage. His even-strength production last season was notable, tying for 46th among nearly 300 skaters with 2.1 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five. Known for his forechecking and physical play, Cuylle led the Rangers and tied for third in the NHL with 301 hits last season. He aims for incremental growth, focusing on a 200-foot game and consistent hard work.

Taylor Makar Recalled by Avalanche Amidst Forward Injuries, Seeks Full-Time Roster Spot

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Taylor Makar has been recalled by the Colorado Avalanche from the Colorado Eagles for the third time this season, ahead of their game against the New York Islanders on November 16, 2025. He previously made his season debut on November 1 before the San Jose Sharks game and was also called up on November 13 for the Buffalo Sabres game. Makar has averaged just over six minutes of ice time and, despite not yet registering his first point, has played well in a bottom-six role, creating numerous chances. This latest call-up underscores the Avalanche's ongoing forward injury issues, with Logan O’Connor and Joel Kiviranta sidelined, and Valeri Nichushkin recently injured against the Anaheim Ducks. Makar's opportunity is crucial for him to demonstrate continued growth and vie for a permanent spot in the lineup.

Jesper Wallstedt's Historic Shutouts Highlight Remarkable Growth and Wild's Goaltending Strength

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Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, 23, has achieved historic success, becoming the first rookie in franchise history with consecutive shutouts and the youngest Wild netminder to do so. He leads the NHL in back-to-back shutouts, boasting a 3-0-0 record with a 0.67 goals-against average and a .978 save percentage in his last three starts. Wallstedt's season record stands at 4-0-2 with a 2.10 GAA and .924 SV% in six starts, having not lost in regulation this year. Head coach John Hynes attributes Wallstedt's strong performance to overcoming adversity from a challenging previous season (9-14-5 AHL, 0-2-0 NHL), noting his improved physical fitness, mental toughness, and practice habits. Wallstedt, who signed a two-year, $2.2 million extension, expressed personal satisfaction, stating, "This felt really good" after proving doubters wrong, while also crediting the team's collective defensive effort for their recent success.

Jack Hughes Sidelined for Weeks Following Finger Surgery, Devils Aim to 'Hold the Fort'

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New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes is expected to be sidelined for the next several weeks after undergoing surgery on his finger. His absence comes as the Devils continue their road trip, with captain Nico Hischier acknowledging the team's challenge, stating, "Good teams find a way and we’ve got to hold the fort for (Jack Hughes)." The team secured a 3-2 shootout victory against the Washington Capitals, with head coach Sheldon Keefe noting the team's ongoing battle with injuries and adversity throughout the season. The Devils are focused on finding ways to cope and earn points during Hughes' recovery period.

Connor McDavid Delivers Three Points in Overtime Win, Continues Dominant Offensive Career

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Connor McDavid recently contributed two goals, including a power-play marker, and an assist in the Edmonton Oilers' 4-3 overtime victory against the Hurricanes. This performance highlights his consistent offensive prowess, following a 2023-24 season where he comfortably surpassed the 100-point plateau for the fourth consecutive year with 32 goals and 100 assists, tying for third-most power-play points despite missing six games. He was also one of the first players since Wayne Gretzky in 1990-91 to collect 100 assists in a season. After a sluggish start with 10 points in his first 11 games, McDavid exploded for 122 points in his final 65 outings, finishing third in league scoring. The 27-year-old has reached the 100-point mark in seven of the last eight seasons, including a career-best 153 points in 2022-23, making him a perennial top fantasy draft pick due to his unparalleled offensive consistency.

Leon Draisaitl Scores Overtime Winner, Poised for Contract Year Dominance

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Leon Draisaitl recently secured the overtime winner and added two assists, one on the power play, in the Edmonton Oilers' 4-3 victory over the Hurricanes. This performance follows a 2023-24 season where he recorded 41 goals and 106 points, marking his fifth time surpassing the 100-point plateau in the last six seasons, despite being a slight step back from his career-high 128 points in 2022-23. Draisaitl dealt with rib and hand injuries during the recent playoffs but is expected to be ready for training camp, potentially with limitations until the regular season. The 2024-25 season is significant as it's the final year of his eight-year, $68 million contract, suggesting high motivation for point accumulation. An elite player capable of carrying his own line and excelling in all situations, Draisaitl is consistently a top fantasy choice, often intertwined with Connor McDavid on the Oilers' potent power play.

Juuse Saros to Start Global Series Game, Confirmed as Predators' Long-Term No. 1 Goalie

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Juuse Saros is slated to start in net for the Nashville Predators in Sunday's Global Series game in Sweden against Pittsburgh. Saros has consistently been a workhorse, hitting 60-plus games and 30-plus wins for the third consecutive season, though his 2023-24 numbers saw a career-worst 2.86 GAA and .906 save percentage. Despite this, the 29-year-old Finnish netminder shows little sign of diminished returns and recently solidified his future with an eight-year contract extension in July, committing him to the Predators for the rest of the decade. With Scott Wedgewood as his veteran backup for 2024-25, Nashville plans to rely on Saros as their primary goaltender behind an improved lineup, positioning him as a potential No. 1 overall fantasy goalie. His consistent performance includes a 33-23-7 record with a 2.69 GAA and .919 save percentage in 64 games during the 2022-23 season.

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Chandler Stephenson Secures Long-Term Deal with Kraken After Career-Best Season, Continues Offensive Production

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Chandler Stephenson recently collected three assists, two blocked shots, and a plus-3 rating in a 4-1 victory over the Sharks. The 30-year-old center has signed a significant seven-year, $6.25 million AAV contract with the Seattle Kraken, extending through the 2030-31 season. Coming off a career year with 16 goals and 49 assists in 81 contests, Stephenson is expected to compete for a top-six role and a spot on a power-play unit with Seattle, despite the team's center depth. Known for his versatility and pass-first tendencies, he projects to maintain similar productivity, potentially reaching 20 goals and 60 points. His previous career high of 64 points with the Golden Knights was boosted by an increased power-play role. Stephenson's journey includes developing from a bottom-six forward with the Capitals to a top-line option in Vegas, showcasing his value as an all-situations player.

Jaden Schwartz Scores Two Goals, Eyes Healthy Bounce-Back Season with Kraken

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Jaden Schwartz recently scored two goals on six shots, adding two hits and a plus-3 rating in a 4-1 win over the Sharks. The 32-year-old Seattle Kraken winger has been significantly impacted by injuries, missing at least 10 games in each of the last four seasons, including 2023-24 where he recorded 30 points in 62 contests, with 10 on the power play. Historically, he's battled injuries like a broken ankle in 2015-16 and 2017-18. Despite these setbacks, Schwartz demonstrated his capability in 2022-23 with 21 goals and 19 assists in 71 games. Looking ahead to 2024-25, he is expected to fill a middle-six role, aiming for a 20-goal, 40-point pace if he can maintain health. Signed to a five-year, $27.5 million deal, Schwartz is considered a bounce-back candidate for the Kraken, offering fantasy value as a late-round pick due to his potential and injury risk.

Nick Foligno Sidelined Four Weeks with Hand Injury After Puck Deflection

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Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno will miss four weeks after injuring his hand in Saturday's 3-2 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The injury occurred with 90 seconds left in the second period when a shot from Jake McCabe deflected off his hand. Foligno, 38, immediately favored his hand and did not return for the third period, finishing with three shots on goal and 10:41 of ice time. With six points in 15 games, Foligno's absence impacts the Blackhawks' fourth-line center position, where he anchored a combination with Sam Lafferty and Landon Slaggert. This is the second injury to the Blackhawks' forward group, as Jason Dickinson is also on injured reserve. The Blackhawks (9-5-4) are currently third in the Central Division.

Roope Hintz Delivers Three Assists, Poised for Another 70-Point Campaign

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Roope Hintz dished out three assists, adding three shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Flyers. While maintaining his top-line role in 2023-24, he recorded 30 goals and 65 points in 80 games, including 19 power-play points, marking his first time missing the 70-point mark in three years, attributed to Dallas's more balanced offense. Hintz, a critical factor in all situations and considered the Stars' most complete player, is reasonably estimated for another 30-goal, 70-point campaign given his high shooting percentage. He matched a career-high 37 goals and added 38 assists in 73 games in 2022-23. Despite some injury risk, the 27-year-old is a low-end No. 1 center with point-per-game potential, having consistently produced strong numbers throughout his career.

Bryan Rust Aims for Team USA Olympic Roster After Strong Start

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust, 33, is driven by the goal of making Team USA's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. After missing the first few games due to injury, Rust has since recorded five goals and 15 points in 16 games, continuing his streak of six straight seasons with 20 or more goals and hovering around a point-per-game pace this season. While considered a longshot due to the depth of young talent, his lineup and deployment versatility could be an asset. Rust was invited to Team USA's Olympic Camp this summer and has a strong connection with former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, now Team USA head coach. He expressed gratitude for being in the conversation, calling the opportunity to represent his country "an exceptional dream come true" and a significant motivator.

Rickard Rakell Driven by Olympic Dream Amidst Hand Injury Recovery

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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell is intensely motivated by the prospect of playing in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, an opportunity he has never had before. Currently sidelined with a broken hand, Rakell started the season strong with three goals and eight points in nine games. He was part of Sweden's 4 Nations Roster as a replacement, and is expected to recover in time for the Olympics. Drafted 30th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2011, Rakell was a rookie during the 2014 Sochi Games, missing his chance then. He views the Olympics as "huge" for him and a great motivator for having a better season, following a summer focused on improvement. General Manager Kyle Dubas noted Rakell is among players with "a huge amount to play for" this season.

Erik Karlsson Motivated by 2026 Olympics, Confident in Team Sweden Spot

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Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, 35, is highly motivated by the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina. He has started the 2025-26 season magnificently, recording one goal and 12 points in 18 games. Karlsson, who was one of the first players named to Sweden's 4 Nations roster, expressed confidence in securing a spot on Team Sweden for the Olympics, stating, "I think I'm a lock on that team." He previously led all defensemen in points (four goals, eight points) at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Despite not being named in the initial "First Six" for the Olympics, Karlsson is determined to continue proving he can play at a very high level and believes he is still a top player in the league, making the opportunity to represent Sweden a significant motivator.

Jason Robertson Explodes with Natural Hat Trick, Continues Hot Streak for Stars

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Jason Robertson exploded with a natural hat trick, scoring three goals on six shots and earning a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Flyers. His hat trick, achieved in just 17:50, included the game-winning goal and a power-play tally. With six goals and four assists in his last four games, the 26-year-old left wing is currently one of the league's hottest scorers. Through 19 appearances this season, Robertson has amassed nine goals, 23 points, 82 shots on net, 14 hits, and a plus-5 rating. He appears committed to a volume-shooting approach, though his efficiency is at 11.0 percent. Robertson signed a four-year, $31 million contract with the Stars in October 2022.

Brock Nelson Reflects on Islanders Trade, Avalanche Extension, and Stanley Cup Aspirations

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Brock Nelson, now a Colorado Avalanche second-line center, is set to face his former team, the New York Islanders, for the first time since his trade in March. The trade involved defenseman Oliver Kylington, forward prospect Calum Ritchie, and conditional draft picks. Nelson subsequently signed a three-year, $22.5 million extension with the Avalanche in June, carrying an average annual value of $7.5 million. He reflected on the challenge of processing the trade after spending parts of 13 seasons with the Islanders and the subsequent re-integration into a new organization. Nelson noted that Zach Parise, who finished his career in Colorado, played a meaningful role in his decision to stay with the Avalanche, despite media speculation that he wasn't returning. Nelson is focused on bringing another Stanley Cup to Colorado.

Rutger McGroarty Scores in Impressive Return for WBS Penguins After Injury

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Rutger McGroarty, a top Pittsburgh Penguins forward prospect, made an impressive return to action, scoring a goal in his first AHL game of the 2025-26 season for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins' 3-1 victory over the Springfield Thunderbirds. The 21-year-old forward had been sidelined since the beginning of training camp with an upper-body injury. Despite briefly leaving the game in the first period after being struck in the face by a puck, McGroarty returned in the second period to score just 66 seconds later. WBS head coach Kirk MacDonald praised his outstanding performance, especially considering his lack of training camp. McGroarty had previously impressed the NHL club with a goal and three points in a brief five-game stint last season before an injury ended his year prematurely.

Matt Murray Suffers Lower-Body Injury, Exits Game Amidst Extensive Injury History

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Matt Murray exited Saturday's game against the Sharks in the first period due to a lower-body injury and will not return. This latest setback adds to a long history of injuries for the 29-year-old, who missed most of last season following bilateral hip surgery and last played in the NHL in 2022-23. He was placed on LTIR in July 2023, missing the start of the 2023-24 season with speculation he could miss the entire year. Murray, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with Pittsburgh, has faced inconsistent play and numerous injuries throughout his career, including upper and lower-body issues with Ottawa. Despite his past success, his recent struggles and extensive medical file raise concerns about his reliability and future, making him a middling fantasy option.