Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Buzz

Welcome to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Buzz.

The Opening Ceremony will be on Feb. 7 with the first men’s hockey games on Feb. 11.

This is the first time NHL players will participate in the Winter Olympics since 2014 in Sochi.

With the first games less than a month away, NHL.com is taking a daily look at any news, notes and numbers that impact the Olympics:

Here is the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Buzz for Friday:

Jan. 23

New York Islanders

Bo Horvat will return for the Islanders against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday (1 p.m. ET; MSGSN, MSG-B, SN) after missing nine games with a lower-body injury. The forward, who is on Team Canada's roster for the Olympics, practiced with the team Friday after going on the ice on his own before practice. He centered New York's top line with Emil Heineman and Jonathan Drouin and was also on the first power-play unit. "I think it's a big thing, obviously: No. 1 to be ready to go for the Islanders but also getting some games in before you head to Milan," Horvat said. "It's super important not only for me but I think for the team, as well. Kind of get back in the swing of things, get back into game shape. I'm just really excited to be back." Horvat leads the Islanders with 21 goals and is third on the team with 33 points in 36 games.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Oliver Ekman-Larsson will play against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN, SCRIPPS). The defenseman, who is on Team Sweden's roster for the Olympics, was a full participant in the Maple Leafs morning skate. Ekman-Larsson sustained a lower-body injury in the first period of a 2-1 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. He left the game at 8:57 of the first period after his right leg appeared to get twisted as he was tangled with Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond, who is also on Team Sweden's roster for the Olympics. Ekman-Larsson didn't return to the game. He has 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists) in 50 games this season.

Jan. 22

Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl rejoined the Oilers for a 6-3 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. The forward took a leave of absence Jan. 17 to attend to a family illness in Germany and mised three games. He was minus-1 and had four shots on goal in 19:17. Draisaitl has 67 points (25 goals, 42 assists) in 48 games this season. He will represent his country for the first time in the Olympics after playing in the IIHF World Junior Championship twice (2013, 2014) and IIHF World Championship five times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019).

Washington Capitals

Tom Wilson was activated from injured reserve and had one assist, one shot on goal and one hit in 20:20 of ice time in a 4-3 loss at the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. The Capitals forward, who will play for Team Canada at the Olympics, missed eight games because of a lower-body injury. Wilson has 43 points (22 goals, 21 assists) in 42 games this season.

Vancouver Canucks

Teddy Blueger, who is on Team Latvia's roster, had three shots on goal and four hits in 18:24 of ice time against the Capitals in his return Wednesday after missing three months because of a lower-body injury. The 31-year-old forward, who played his first game since Oct. 19 (43 games missed), has one goal in three games this season.

Jan. 21

Washington Capitals

Tom Wilson was activated from injured reserve and is likely to return against the Vancouver Canucks (10 p.m. ET; SNP, MNMT). The Capitals forward, who will play for Team Canada at the Olympics, missed eight games because of a lower-body injury. "I'm getting ready to go," Wilson said after the morning skate. "My mentality right now is I'm going to try and play. I haven't talked to the training staff; we just wanted to kind of attack this day and see how it felt. So, we've got some stuff to discuss, but I don't know 100 percent what the plan is. But I'm feeling a little better, so hopefully I'm close." Wilson has 42 points (22 goals, 20 assists) in 41 games this season. ... Forward Ivan Miroshnichenko was reassigned to Hershey of the American Hockey League.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Erik Karlsson (lower body) will not return for the Penguins when they visit the Calgary Flames on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN1, SNW, SN-PIT). The defenseman practiced in a regular jersey Tuesday for the first time since being placed on injured reserve Jan. 13, when it was announced he was expected to miss at least two weeks. Karlsson, who is on Team Sweden's roster for the Olympics, has 33 points (four goals, 29 assists) in 44 games.

Vancouver Canucks

Teddy Blueger (lower body) will play for the first time since Oct. 19 (43 games) when the Canucks host the Capitals (10 p.m. ET; SNP, MNMT). The forward, who is on Team Latvia's roster, is in his third season with Vancouver. Blueger had 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 2024-25. "He's probably one of the top [penalty] killers in the League, so he'll help us in that sense," Canucks forward Conor Garland said after the morning skate. "Very underrated offensively, really good rush game and understands where to go for soft areas. Really easy guy to play with, and we're very happy to get him back."

Calgary Flames

Martin Pospisil will make his season debut against the Penguins on Wednesday (9:30 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN1, SNW, SN-PIT). The forward, who is expected to play for Team Slovakia, sustained an undisclosed injury in a preseason game Oct. 1. He centered a line with Adam Klapka and Ryan Lomberg at practice on Tuesday. "It's a long path for him and he went down [to Calgary of the AHL] and played a few games for the Wranglers and had a bunch of practices with them while we were on the road, so I know he's excited and I know he's going to bring a great deal of energy to our game tonight," Flames coach Ryan Huska said. Pospisil had 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 81 games last season.

Florida Panthers

Brad Marchand (undisclosed), who will play for Canada, is questionable to return against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; TSN3, SCRIPPS). The Panthers forward has missed their past six games. He ranks second for Florida with 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 46 games. "He's certainly close," Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Wednesday. "Day to day. Whether it happens on this road trip, we don't know yet." Florida visits the Minnesota Wild on Saturday and the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.

Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) will miss his fourth straight game when the Blackhawks play the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+, SN1). When asked if the forward, who will play for Team Finland at the Olympics, will return before then, Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said, "I can't say 100 percent, but I don’t anticipate, it's not something where we're like, he won't be back before that, you know what I mean? It's still a day-to-day thing. He's not going to travel so he's not playing tomorrow but after that I would take it as day by day." Teravainen has 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games.

Jan. 20

Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl is expected to rejoin the Oilers later this week, coach Kris Knoblauch said Tuesday before their game against the New Jersey Devils (10 p.m. ET; TVAS, SNW, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX). The forward took a leave of absence on Saturday to attend to a family illness in Germany. He will represent his country for the first time in the Olympics after playing in the IIHF World Junior Championship twice (2013, 2014) and IIHF World Championship five times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). Draisaitl will miss his third consecutive game Tuesday; he has 67 points (25 goals, 42 assists) in 48 games this season.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Victor Hedman is back on the ice and moving closer to returning and being ready to play for Team Sweden at the Olympics. The 35-year-old defenseman hasn’t played since Dec. 9 and had surgery on his elbow Dec. 15. The Lightning said at the time that Hedman would be back in time to play at the Olympics. Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said before its game against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; The Spot, NBCSCA, SNP, SNW, SNO) that Hedman, and defensemen Ryan McDonagh (undisclosed) and Emil Lilleberg (lower body) have been skating. “That's definitely a good sign,” Cooper said. Hedman was one of the first six players named to Sweden’s roster on June 16. He served as its captain at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season and would be among the leading candidates to wear the “C” in Milano Cortina.

Florida Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk's primary focus is helping the Panthers climb back into the Stanley Cup Playoff race in the Eastern Conference, but the forward playing 20:58 in a 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Monday was also a significant step in his preparation to play for the Team USA at the Olympics. The 28-year-old forward played for the first time since having surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia on Aug. 22. “Personally, I will say it was such a relief and nice to be out there,” said Tkachuk, who had three shots on goal, one hit and one blocked shot. “Felt better as it went along. First period was weird, I will say. It was a little strange. Just nothing, nothing mimics a game. It was weird, but the second period felt a little bit better and then the third kind of felt pretty much back to normal.” The Panthers have nine games remaining before the Olympic break, next at the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; TSN3, SCRIPPS), for Tkachuk to sharpen his game before the U.S. plays its Olympic opener against Team Latvia on Feb. 12.

Jan. 19

Anaheim Ducks

Team Sweden officials are monitoring the recovery of Ducks center Leo Carlsson and will judge his progress before deciding if they will need to replace him for the Olympics. “We’re going to give him at least a week to see how he reacts after his treatment,” coach Sam Hallam said in a text to NHL.com on Monday. Carlsson underwent a procedure last week to treat a left thigh injury, leaving his Olympic participation in doubt. The original prognosis had him missing 3-5 weeks. Carlsson leads Anaheim with 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games.

Florida Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk, who will play for Team USA at the Olympics, made his highly anticipated season debut when the Panthers hosted the San Jose Sharks. The forward, who had surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia Aug. 22, took the ice in a regular jersey during the morning skate on a line with Mackie Samoskevich and Evan Rodrigues. Tkachuk's return comes at a critical time for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, who are four points behind the Buffalo Sabres for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. Panthers forward Brad Marchand (undisclosed) participated in the morning skate but missed his sixth straight game. He is set to play for Team Canada next month.

Toronto Maple Leafs

William Nylander (Team Sweden) will miss his second straight game for the Maple Leafs because of a groin injury when they host the Minnesota Wild (7:30 p.m. ET; Prime, FDSNNO, FDSNWI). "I don't know how long time line will be for him," Toronto coach Craig Berube said after the morning skate. "When he feels good enough to get on the ice and he goes out there and skates and it feels good, I expect him to be back fairly quick then. But until then, I'm not sure when he is going to be on the ice." Nylander leads the Maple Leafs with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 37 games.

Philadelphia Flyers

Rodrigo Abols will not play for Team Latvia after the Flyers forward sustained a lower-body injury during the first period of a 6-3 loss to the New York Rangers on Saturday. Abols was battling for a puck along the boards when he fell, his right leg twisting awkwardly underneath him, at 6:10 of the first period. He was helped off the ice and went straight to the locker room, not putting any weight on his right leg. "It's not good. I'm not going to get into it, but it's not good," Philadelphia coach Rick Tocchet said. Abols, who has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 42 games this season, will be replaced at the Olympics by Rihards Bukarts.

Jan. 18

Vegas Golden Knights

Mark Stone and Mitch Marner continue to play big roles for the red-hot Golden Knights as they prepare to play together for Team Canada. Stone scored his 10th goal in his 11-game point streak in Vegas’ seventh straight win, 7-2 against the Nashville Predators on Saturday. Stone is tied with Tomas Hertl for the second-longest point streak in franchise history, one behind Jack Eichel, who had a 12-game run in 2023-24. Hertl will play for Team Czechia and Eichel for Team USA at the Olympics. Stone has 18 points in his point streak since Dec. 29, tied with Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche for the most among Canadian Olympic players in that time. Marner has produced two points in five of the past seven games to set the Golden Knights record for fastest to 50 career points with them (47 games).

Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews is on a hot streak that he and the Maple Leafs absolutely needed, and the United States has to feel great about. Matthews, who will play for Team USA at the Olympics, has 10 goals and 17 points since the League returned from the holiday break on Dec. 27 after producing 23 points (14 goals, nine assists) in his previous 31 games. He scored a goal and assisted on Max Domi's overtime goal in a 4-3 win against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday. Toronto is 8-1-3 in 12 games since Dec. 27. Matthews didn't play in a 4-0 win against the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 30.

Washington Capitals

Tom Wilson could be ready to return when the Capitals play the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver on Monday (4 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, MNMT, truTV, TNT). Wilson, who will play for Canada at the Olympics, has missed seven consecutive games with a lower-body injury. He has been skating and was a full participant in an optional morning skate before a 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday. The Capitals sent forward Brett Leason to Hershey of the American Hockey League on Sunday, opening a spot on the roster to activate Wilson off injured reserve. Wilson has 42 points (22 goals, 20 assists) in 41 games this season.

New York Rangers

Mika Zibanejad is playing arguably his best hockey since the 2022-23 season, when he set a personal NHL best with 91 points. It's a great sign for Team Sweden as Zibanejad figures to be one of its most important forwards. Zibanejad had a hat trick in a 6-3 win at the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday to extend his point streak to eight games. He set the Rangers record for most career power-play goals (117) and consecutive 20-goal seasons (nine) and tied the team record for most career hat tricks with his ninth. Zibanejad is tied for the League lead in goals (nine) and tied for third in points (17) since Dec. 31.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Erik Karlsson (lower body) wore a noncontact jersey and practiced with the Penguins on Sunday. Penguins coach Dan Muse said the Swedish defenseman will travel with them on a four-game road trip that begins at the Seattle Kraken on Monday. Karlsson, who was selected to play for Sweden at the Olympics, has missed three games. He is second among Swedish defenseman with 33 points (four goals, 29 assists) in 44 games this season. Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres has 34 points; he will also play for Sweden at the Olympics.

Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Teravainen (upper body) will miss his third straight game for the Blackhawks when they host the Winnipeg Jets on Monday (8:30 p.m. ET; CHSN, TSN3, TVAS). There is no timeline for the forward’s return. The 31-year-old, who will represent Team Finland at the Olympics, has 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games.

Philadelphia Flyers

Rodrigo Abols was placed on injured reserve by the Flyers on Sunday, jeopardizing the forward’s chances of playing for Team Latvia at the Olympics. Abols sustained a lower-body injury during a 6-3 loss to the New York Rangers on Saturday. His right leg twisted awkwardly underneath him as he was battling for a puck at 6:10 of the first period. He did not put weight on his right leg as he was being helped to the dressing room. "It's not good. I'm not going to get into it, but it's not good," coach Rick Tocchet said after the game. Abols has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 42 games this season. Philadelphia recalled forward Lane Pederson from Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League to replace Abols on the roster.

Jan. 17

Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl is taking a leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany, the Oilers announced Saturday before their game at the Vancouver Canucks (10 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, CITY). The forward, who was one of the first six players named to Team Germany's roster, has 67 points (25 goals, 42 assists) in 48 games this season. He is expected to return next week. "Obviously we'll miss him, but [the] job comes second," Edmonton captain Connor McDavid said. "Everybody in here is a brother, father, son, whatever it is, and that stuff comes first and he's got to go home and be with his family. We're obviously thinking about him and his entire family and we’ve got to take care of things while he's gone."

Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Teravainen will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury when the Blackhawks host the Boston Bruins (8 p.m. ET; CHSN, NESN). The 31-year-old forward, who is on Team Finland's roster, has 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games this season.

Dallas Stars

Miro Heiskanen returned to practice after missing the past two games because of a family matter and the defenseman is expected to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday (2 p.m. ET; The Spot, Victory+, NHLN, SN, TVAS). He has 36 points (seven goals, 29 assists) in 46 games and is averaging 26:04 of ice time this season, third in the NHL, and will be one of Finland's leaders at the Olympics.

Pittsburgh Penguins

It'll be a showcase for Team Latvia's goatending in Pittsburgh, where Arturs Silovs and the Penguins play Elvis Merzlikins and the Columbus Blue Jackets (7 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, SN-PIT). Each will represent Latvia in the Olympics. Silovs is 8-6-7 with a 3.06 goals-against average, .892 save percentage and one shutout in 21 starts this season; Merzlikins is 7-7-1 with a 3.84 GAA and .882 save percentage in 16 starts.

Jan. 16

Buffalo Sabres

Tage Thompson continues to play some of his best hockey as he prepares to play in the Olympics for the first time. The forward, who will be representing the United States, had five points (three goals, two assists) in Buffalo's 5-3 win against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. He's the first Sabres player to have a five-point game since defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (two goals, three assists) on Jan. 7, 2023. Thompson also is on a six-game point streak during which he has 12 points (five goals, seven assists).

Anaheim Ducks

Leo Carlsson will be out approximately 3-5 weeks after undergoing a procedure on Friday to treat a Morel-Lavallee lesion in his left thigh. A Morel-Lavallee lesion is a soft tissue injury that is usually caused by a high-velocity force. Carlsson left practice early on Monday and did not return. He then participated in the morning skate on Tuesday and was a game-time decision for their game against the Dallas Stars, but Carlsson did not play in the Ducks' 3-1 victory that ended their nine-game skid (0-8-1). The 21-year-old forward leads the Ducks with 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games this season. He was also named to Team Sweden's roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 earlier this month. Sweden is scheduled to play its first game of the tournament against Italy on Feb. 11.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby reminded Philadelphia Flyers coach and Team Canada assistant Rick Tocchet what he'll bring to the Olympics next month. The Penguins captain had a goal and an assist in Pittsburgh's 6-3 win against the Flyers on Thursday. Crosby, who won gold with Canada at the Olympics in 2010 and 2014, leads the Penguins with 51 points (25 goals, 26 assists) in 46 games. It's the 19th time in 21 NHL seasons that he's had at least 50 points.

New York Islanders

Bo Horvat is unlikely to join the Islanders for the final three games of their seven-game road trip, which continues against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday (3 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, MSGSN). The forward will miss his seventh consecutive game because of a lower-body injury sustained during the third period of a 7-2 loss against the Utah Mammoth on Jan. 1. Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche told Newsday on Friday that Horvat, who was named to Team Canada for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, has been skating for about three days and is expected to return before the Olympic break, possibly Jan. 24 when the Islanders return home to host the Buffalo Sabres. Horvat has 33 points (21 goals, 12 assists) in 36 games.

Minnesota Wild

Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek were placed on injured reserve Friday. Each forward has a lower-body injury. Boldy, who will represent the United States at the Olympics, had an assist and in 19:16 of ice time in Minnesota's 6-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. He leads the Wild with 27 goals in 48 games, and his 51 points are second behind Kirill Kaprizov with 52. Eriksson Ek, who was named to Sweden's Olympic team Dec. 31, has been out since Jan. 8, when he left the second period of Minnesota's 3-2 overtime win against the Seattle Kraken. He has 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 45 games.

Toronto Maple Leafs

William Nylander is doubtful to play for the Maple Leafs against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; CBC, SNO, SNW, SNP, NHLN), and it's unknown whether the forward's absence because of a lower-body injury will be short- or long-term, or could potentially affect his availability for Team Sweden at the Olympics. "Right now, I can't answer that," Toronto coach Craig Berube said Friday. "With the last (lower-body injury) I thought it would be quicker and then obviously (it) wasn't. We'll just see how he feels here going forward." Nylander, who was one of the six players named to Sweden's preliminary roster in June, left at 8:48 of the first period and did not return to Toronto's 6-5 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. It was Nylander's fourth game after he missed the previous six because of a lower-body injury.

Jan. 15

New York Islanders

Bo Horvat will miss his sixth consecutive game with a lower-body injury when the Islanders visit the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday (9 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN1, MSGSN). The forward sustained the injury in the third period of a 7-2 loss against the Utah Mammoth on Jan. 1. Horvat has 33 points (21 goals, 12 assists) in 36 games and was named to Team Canada for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The Islanders are playing the fourth of a seven-game road trip and Horvat did not travel with the team. "Bo's been missing for a bit now and we talk about it, we always have someone coming through for us," Islanders coach Patrick Roy said. "We just go out there and every day try to play for each other, knowing that someone is going to make a difference for us."

Tampa Bay Lightning

Victor Hedman could get back on the ice soon, Lightning coach Jon Cooper said Thursday. The defenseman was projected to return in time to play for Sweden in the Olympics after having a procedure on his elbow Dec. 15. He's been on injured reserve since Dec. 11. Hedman was Sweden's captain at the 4 Nations Face-Off and is expected to be a top defenseman for Sweden at the Olympics. Cooper, who will be Canada's coach at the Olympics, also said there is no update on Brayden Point. The forward, who is on Canada's Olympic roster, will miss his second consecutive game Thursday and is week to week because of an undisclosed injury. Cooper said there still is time for Hockey Canada to make a decision on Point's availability for the Olympics or if they will need to replace him on the roster.

Philadelphia Flyers

Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen did not play for the Flyers because of an upper-body injury and goalie Dan Vladar sustained an unspecified injury during the first period and didn't return in Philadelphia's 5-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Ristolainen, who is one of the eight defensemen named to Finland's Olympic team, is considered day to day. He also was named to Finland's initial roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off last season but could not play because of an upper-body injury. Vladar, who is one of three goalies on Czechia's roster, is expected to be reevaluated with a possible update coming Thursday before the Flyers play against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, SNO, SNE).

Ottawa Senators

Forward Brady Tkachuk and defenseman Jake Sanderson each had a strong showing in front of United States coach Mike Sullivan in the Senators' 8-4 win against the New York Rangers on Wednesday. Sullivan also coaches the Rangers. Tkachuk scored his 200th NHL goal and had three assists for his second NHL four-point game. Sanderson scored the game-winning goal, had an assist and a team-high five blocked shots. Tkachuk is expected to play a top-six power forward role for the U.S. in the Olympics. Sanderson is expected to be a depth defenseman. Each played under Sullivan at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Carolina Hurricanes

Jaccob Slavin practiced in a regular jersey Thursday, an indication that the defenseman could play against the Florida Panthers on Friday (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, SCRIPPS, SNO, TVAS). Slavin did not play in the Hurricanes' 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday because of injury rehab protocol, the team said. The 31-year-old defenseman who will play for the United States in the Olympics was in Carolina's lineup in the two games prior to the game against the Blues but had missed 10 consecutive games with an upper-body injury before that. He has been limited to seven games this season because of injuries.

Vegas Golden Knights

Mark Stone (Canada) extended his point streak to nine games with the overtime goal, and an assist, in the Golden Knights' 3-2 win against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. The forward has 14 points, including eight goals, during his point streak, which started Dec. 29. The only player with as many goals since then is Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson, who will play for the United States in the Olympics. Not to be outdone, Vegas center Jack Eichel (United States) assisted on all three goals against the Kings to extend his point streak to five games (four goals, 10 assists). Canada likely will rely on Stone to play a versatile role in the Olympics, likely killing penalties but potentially getting some power-play time too. Eichel is expected to be one of the top two centers for the U.S. along with Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Minnesota Wild

Jonas Brodin (lower body) will not play against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; FDSNWIX, FDSNNO, TSN3), and Wild coach John Hynes said the Sweden-born defenseman is considered week to week. Hynes said he doesn't think Brodin's availability for the Olympics is in jeopardy yet, but he is going to be shut down for now and will continue to be evaluated. He will not travel with the Wild for their three-game road trip that starts in Buffalo on Saturday and continues in Toronto on Monday and Montreal on Tuesday. In addition, center Joel Eriksson Ek, also from Sweden, is not expected to play against the Jets and is day to day because of a lower-body injury. He will miss his third straight game. Eriksson Ek skated Thursday and will go on the road trip.

Jan. 14

Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid is playing his best hockey ahead of his Olympic debut for Canada. The Oilers captain had two assists in a 4-3 overtime loss at the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, his 29th birthday, extending his point streak to 20 games and taking over the NHL scoring lead. McDavid has 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) during his run, the longest of his NHL career, and 82 points (30 goals, 52 assists) in 47 games.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Brayden Point is week to week for the Lightning because of an undisclosed injury, according to Jon Cooper, coach of Tampa Bay and Team Canada. It is unclear whether Point will be able to play for Canada. The forward left a 5-1 win at the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday after an opponent fell on his right leg and he needed to be helped off the ice.

Carolina Hurricanes

Jaccob Slavin did not play in a 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday because of injury rehab protocol. The 31-year-old defenseman had played Saturday and Monday after missing 10 games because of an upper-body injury. Slavin, expected to play a key defensive role for the United States, has been limited to seven games this season because of injuries.

Dallas Stars

Miro Heiskanen did not play in a 3-1 loss at the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday because of a family matter. The 26-year-old defenseman has 36 points (seven goals, 29 assists) in 46 games and is averaging 26:04 of ice time this season, third in the NHL, and will be one of Finland’s leaders.

Florida Panthers

Forwards Matthew Tkachuk (United States) and Brad Marchand (Canada) each showed progress at practice Wednesday. Tkachuk, who hasn’t played this season because of a lower-body injury, took contact. Coach Paul Maurice said it was a good test for him, and the Panthers will see how he recovers Thursday. Marchand, who has missed three games with an undisclosed injury, jumped into contact drills even though his status remains noncontact. Maurice said he’s still day to day.

Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Teravainen is day to day with an upper-body injury and won’t play against the Calgary Flames on Thursday, Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. The 31-year-old forward, who is on Finland's roster, has 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games for Chicago this season.