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Welcome to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Buzz.
The Opening Ceremony will be on Friday 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 week 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 Thursday:
Jack Hughes will miss his third straight game for the when the Devils host the New York Islanders on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; MSGSN2, MSGSN) because of a lower-body injury. The forward, named to Team USA's roster for the Olympics, was injured during the first period of a 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators on Jan. 29. "Based on what [the doctors have] told me, they're not concerned about [his availability for the Olympics], Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said Wednesday. "Jack is not improved enough that our medical team will let him out there. He's not going to be available (Thursday). They say he's in the day-to-day category and we don't have a lot of days left here. … the players have earned the right to go over [to the Olympics] and I think it can be an outstanding showcase for our league and for the players themselves."
Brayden Point was a full participant in the Lightning's optional morning skate but will not be in the lineup against the Florida Panthers on Thursday (7:30 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+, SNP, SNW, SNO, TVAS) and is questionable for the Olympics. The forward has been out since Jan. 12 with an undisclosed injury. "That decision is being made today so, I can't answer that," Lightning and Team Canada coach Jon Cooper said of Point's availability in the Olympics.
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Gabriel Landeskog will be healthy enough to play for Team Sweden at the Olympics. Landeskog, a forward and Colorado’s captain, will miss his 13th straight game on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks (9 p.m. ET; NBCSCA, ALT) because of an upper-body injury but will be available for the tournament. He has 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 47 games. “The first two weeks [after the injury], I wasn't very confident at all, but once I kind of passed the first two weeks [I] started making some really steady progress, kind of overnight, really every day,” Landeskog said. “So yeah, I'm excited to be here, excited that I'm able to go and represent my country. It's a huge honor, so I'm excited.” ... Martin Necas (Team Czechia) will miss his third straight game with a lower-body injury, but coach Jared Bednar told Altitude Sports Radio the forward will also be ready for the Olympics. Necas has 62 points (22 goals, 40 assists) and is plus-35 in 52 games.
Anton Lundell participated at the morning skate for the Panthers and is likely to return from an upper-body injury against the Boston Bruins (7 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, TNT, TVAS). The center, who will represent Team Finland at the Olympics, has missed three straight games. He has 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists) in 52 games this season ... Forward Brad Marchand (Team Canada) will play after missing the previous two games. He ranks second for Florida with 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 45 games; … Sam Bennett will play after the center left a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Monday with an upper-body injury. Bennett, who was named as a replacement by Canada for injured Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli on Tuesday, has 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) in 55 games.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will not play for Team Finland because of a lower-body injury and was replaced by Boston Bruins goalie Joonas Korpisalo. The 26-year-old has been out since he was removed from a 7-4 win at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 27 at 12:14 of the first period. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Monday that Luukkonen was progressing but had not been on the ice with the team since the injury occurred. Luukkonen was one of three Sabres chosen for the Olympics with defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (Team Sweden) and forward Tage Thompson (Team USA). He's 11-7-2 with a 2.73 goals-against average and .903 save percentage in 21 games (20 starts) this season.
Jack Hughes will miss his second straight game for the Devils against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, MSGSN) because of a lower-body injury. The forward, named to Team USA's roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, was injured during the first period of a 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators on Jan. 29. Hughes skated briefly after practice Monday and skated and shot pucks on his own Tuesday. "It's just a level of strength and obviously pain subsiding but it's more so the strength and to be able to have the necessary reinforcement that you need to play in an NHL game," New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe said. "His goal is to play on Thursday (against the New York Islanders) and he's trying to do everything that he can to get to that point, but it's really up to the medical team. They're not confident with where he's at but we'll just see what [Wednesday] brings." Hughes has 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) in 36 games.
Forwards Anthony Cirelli and Nick Paul will each miss the Lightning's final two games before the Olympic break because of undisclosed injuries. Cirelli, on Team Canada's roster, was injured on an open ice hit by Mark Kastelic in the first period of the Lightning's 6-5 shootout win against the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series. "We'll have to evaluate from there," coach Jon Cooper said. "It was just a really awkward collision in the neutral zone. Same with Paul, he injured himself in overtime. It's two huge losses for us." Paul's power-play goal at 16:13 of the second period cut Boston's lead to 5-4, part of Tampa Bay's rally from down 5-1 for a 6-5 shootout victory. … Like Cirelli, Brayden Point's availability for Team Canada remains in question. The forward took part in an optional morning skate Tuesday and was on the ice for warmups before the Stadium Series. He's been out since Jan. 12 with an undisclosed injury. "Those are questions for a whole different press conference," said Cooper, who will coach Team Canada. "It's a wait and see." … The Lightning are home against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday (7:30 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+) and the Florida Panthers on Thursday.
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Devon Toews returned against the Detroit Red Wings after missing 13 games because of an upper-body injury. The defenseman is on Team Canada’s roster for the Olympics. “I never really thought about it,” Toews said of potentially missing the tournament. “I was just more so focused on getting better, figuring out what the plan was to get better as quick as possible, and not only get back as quick as possible, but be back and feel good.” Toews has 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) and is plus-25 in 41 games. … Martin Necas (Team Czechia) missed his second straight game; the forward is day to day with a lower-body injury sustained in a 7-3 loss at the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. Necas could be available when Colorado hosts the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. “He's got an aggravation, a lower-body injury that's kind of been bugging him for a little bit,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “He'll skate again tomorrow, and then he'll skate pregame and then we'll make a decision.” … Gabriel Landeskog (Team Sweden) didn’t play Monday and is unlikely to play on Wednesday. Colorado’s captain has missed 12 games with an upper-body injury sustained in a 2-1 loss at the Florida Panthers on Jan. 4. Landeskog, who has 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 47 games, is still a possibility to play at the Olympics. “He's pushing the timeline pretty tight, right? So, after Wednesday, I think it's still like another week before those games in the Olympics, and there's some practices in there,” Bednar said. “With the amount of time before they actually start playing competitive games over there, I think it's probably one of those where you're like, if you're not ready on Wednesday, you can still be ready to start the Olympics.”
Leon Draisaitl (Team Germany) will play against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday (8:30 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN) after the Oilers forward appeared to injure his right hand in a 7-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Draisaitl got tangled with Minnesota defenseman Jared Spurgeon on the first shift of the second period and crashed into the end boards in the offensive zone, taking out a referee in the process. He left the game and returned midway through the period but did not play the last 5:40 of the third period. “It’s all right, it’s all good,” Draisaitl said Monday. “I think I just caught a rut and went into the ref. I don’t think the ref was the reason why I fell; I think I just caught an edge and went in pretty hard.” Draisaitl, who has 78 points (27 goals, 51 assists) in 53 games, wore the black German helmet, pants and gloves he will be using at the Olympics during practice Monday. “It feels good; now it’s a good time to get used to it a little bit,” he said. “I’ll get to wear it in a couple of days. It certainly feels like it’s getting closer. I’m very excited, looking forward to it, but there are two more games here that we want to finish well and figure our game out heading into the break.”
Jack Hughes is questionable to play for the Devils against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, MSGSN). The forward, who will play for Team USA at the Olympics, sustained the injury in the first period of a 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators on Thursday. Hughes skated briefly after practice Monday, but coach Sheldon Keefe wasn’t certain he’d be able to play against Columbus. “I haven't been able to talk to the [training staff] yet here to get an assessment of [his status] going forward, but it's obviously positive,” Keefe said. “Whether he's available tomorrow or not, I think that's still very much up in the air here still. But obviously it's a positive step." Hughes has 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) in 36 games.
Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell will not play against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday (7 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, MSG-B). Marchand will miss his second straight game since leaving a 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday after the second period. The forward, who will represent Team Canada at the Olympics, ranks second on the Panthers with 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 45 games. Lundell, a center, has 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists) in 52 games; he will miss his third straight game but is expected to play for Team Finland. Florida coach Paul Maurice said Marchand and Lundell are day to day and have not been ruled out to play before the Olympic break later this week. The Panthers host the Boston Bruins on Wednesday and then visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.
Logan Thompson (Canada) could start against the Nashville Predators on Thursday, Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said prior to their game against the New York Islanders on Monday (7 p.m. ET; MNMT, MSGSN). Thompson, who has been dealing with an upper-body injury, participated in the morning skate but will not play Monday or at the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday. “He’s real close,” Carbery said. “We’re going to still call him day to day, and just for the purposes of clarity for his situation, the target is for him to come back before the break.” Thompson is 18-16-4 with a 2.46 goals-against average, .912 save percentage and two shutouts in 38 games this season.
Anthony Cirelli (Canada) is questionable to play against the Sabres on Tuesday (7:30 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+). The forward sustained an undisclosed injury from an open ice hit by Mark Kastelic in the first period of the Lightning’s 6-5 shootout win against the Boston Bruins in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series on Sunday. Cirelli, a center, left the game and did not return. Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper, who will also coach Canada at the Olympics, said Cirelli sustained “some kind of stinger” and gave no timeline for a return. “Cirelli's a tough kid,” Cooper said. “For him not to come back, clearly there's something wrong with him, so hopefully he'll be OK. There's some big games coming up for him.” Cirelli has 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 48 games this season.
Elias Lindholm (Team Sweden) and Pavel Zacha (Team Czechia) each has an upper-body injury and did not play in the Stadium Series. The forwards did not travel for the start of a two-game road trip, which ends at Florida on Wednesday. Lindholm missed a 6-3 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, and Zacha left in the second period of that game. Boston coach Marco Sturm said they are day to day and that the injuries aren’t serious enough to affect either for the Olympics, with play beginning Feb. 11. Lindholm was placed on injured reserve by the Bruins on Monday, retroactive to Jan. 27.
Leon Draisaitl appeared to have sustained an injury to his right hand 13 seconds into the second period of a 7-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. The Oilers forward, who will represent Team Germany at the Olympics, got tangled up with Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon and slid into the end boards. Draisaitl left the game to be evaluated and returned midway through the second. He did not play the last 5:40 of the third period, and there was no update on his status after the game. Draisaitl scored a goal and finished with 17:22 of ice time. He has 78 points (27 goals, 51 assists) in 53 games. The Oilers host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday (8:30 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN) and play their last game before the Olympic break at the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. Draisaitl is one of three finalists to be the male Germany flag-bearer for the Opening Ceremony in Milan on Friday.
Martin Necas (Team Czechia) was a late scratch for the Avalanche’s 5-0 win at the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday because of a lower-body injury. Colorado coach Jared Bednar said the forward is day to day. Necas ranks second on the Avalanche with 62 points (22 goals, 40 assists) in 52 games. His plus-35 rating is tied for second with defenseman Josh Manson. Team Canada forward Nathan MacKinnon leads Colorado in goals (40), assists (51), points (91) and plus/minus (plus-46). The Avalanche host the Red Wings on Monday (9 p.m. ET; FDSNDET, KTVD, ALT).
Logan Thompson (Canada) participated in an optional practice Sunday in his goalie equipment for the Olympics, one day after he missed a 4-3 overtime win against the Carolina Hurricanes because of an upper-body injury. It is uncertain whether Thompson will be available for the Capitals against the New York Islanders on Monday (7 p.m. ET; MNMT, MSGSN). "Logan is not on IR (injured reserve) and is just day to day," Washington coach Spencer Carbery said on Saturday. Thompson is 18-16-4 with a 2.46 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage and two shutouts in 38 games this season.
Brad Marchand did not play for the Panthers against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday because of an undisclosed injury. The forward, who is on Team Canada's roster for the Olympics, left a 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday after the second period. Marchand ranks second for Florida with 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 45 games. ... Anton Lundell (Team Finland) was unavailable for a second straight game because of an upper-body injury. He has 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists) in 52 games.
William Nylander will return from a groin injury when the Maple Leafs visit the Vancouver Canucks (7 p.m. ET; CBC, SNO, SNW, SNP). The forward, who has missed seven games, will play for Team Sweden at the Olympics. He skated Thursday and had said "Yeah" when asked Friday if he was ready to return. Nylander leads Toronto with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 37 games. “Missed so many games this year, most I've ever missed, so it's been very tough not being out there every night and playing," Nylander said Friday. "So, it will be nice to hopefully be out there tomorrow night. ... I feel like when the schedule started getting crazy is when I kind of got hurt. So, I had like two weeks off, I played a week, and now two weeks off. So, I haven't really been in the thick of it yet, but coming back from Olympic break, I'll feel it for sure.”
Nico Hischier (Team Switzerland) did not participate in the morning skate because of an illness and will be a game-time decision against the Ottawa Senators (7 p.m. ET; SN1, TVAS2, MSG). The center and Devils captain leads New Jersey with 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) in 54 games. ... Jack Hughes (Team USA) will not play because of a lower-body injury. Hughes, a center, sustained the injury in the first period of a 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators on Thursday. Hughes has 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) in 36 games. “Evaluation yesterday confirmed good news, which is that it’s not anything serious,” Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said Saturday. “I think we’ll see him on the ice soon.”
Victor Hedman (Sweden) is expected to return from an elbow injury in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS). The defenseman and Lightning captain was injured during a 6-1 victory against the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 9. Hedman was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 11 and has been recovering from surgery. “Like I said before, playing in this game has been a big motivation in me coming back,” Hedman told NHL.com on Saturday. “It’s up to (coach Jon Cooper) and the trainers, so we’ll see at game time. “But I felt good out there. All the signs are positive.” Hedman had 12 assists and was averaging 21:05 of ice time for Tampa Bay prior to the injury.
Logan Thompson (Canada) will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury when the Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday (5 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, MNMT), but Washington coach Spencer Carbery said his No. 1 goalie is not in jeopardy of being unable to compete at the Olympics. “Logan is not on IR and is just day to day,” Carbery said. Thompson is 18-16-4 with a 2.46 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage and two shutouts in 38 games.
Elias Lindholm (Sweden) and Pavel Zacha (Team Czechia) are expected to miss the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series against the Lightning on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN, TVAS). The forwards are not traveling for the start of a two-game road trip, which ends at Florida on Wednesday. Each is day to day because of an upper-body injury; Lindholm missed a 6-3 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, and Zacha left in the second period of that game. Boston coach Marco Sturm said he didn't think the injuries were serious enough to affect either player for the Olympics, with play beginning Feb. 11; Lindholm is set to represent Sweden and Zacha will suit up for Czechia.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is "going to miss a little bit of time" with a lower-body injury, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Thursday, but there has been no determination yet whether the goalie will be available to play for Team Finland at the Olympics. Ruff said Luukkonen will be reevaluated in one week. The 26-year-old was injured during the first period of Buffalo's 7-4 win at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. In 21 games (20 starts) this season, Luukkonen is 11-7-2 with a 2.73 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. He was selected as one of three goalies on Finland's Olympic roster along with Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators and Kevin Lankinen of the Vancouver Canucks. "I'd say right now we're looking at a week and then see where he's at after that," Ruff said. "We really haven't talked about [the Olympics] yet. We don't want to rule it out or rule it however we have to rule it. Let's just see where we get by early next week."
Anton Lundell won't play when the Panthers visit the St. Louis Blues on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; FDSNMW, SCRIPPS) because of an upper-body injury. "We'll list him as upper body, day to day, so hopefully it won't be too long," Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. Lundell, who is on Team Finland's roster for the Olympics, did not play in the third period of Florida's 4-3 loss to the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday after being knocked down on hit from Jack McBain on his final shift of the second period. The 24-year-old center has 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists) in 52 games this season and is expected to play a significant role for Team Finland in Milano Cortina with Panthers teammate Aleksander Barkov unable to play following knee surgery.
Elias Lindholm is day to day with an upper-body injury and won't play when the Bruins host the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSP+, NESN, SNE). The 31-year-old forward, who was selected to play for Team Sweden at the Olympics, left in the second period of Boston's 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Coach Marco Sturm said the Bruins hope to have a better idea of the timeline for Lindholm's recovery after he's examined by the team's doctors. "So, hopefully, not too long," Sturm said. "He just had treatments yesterday. Today, he's going to be with the doctors, so hopefully we're going to know more tonight." Lindholm has 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games this season.
Logan Thompson is day to day with an upper-body injury and will not play for the Capitals at the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday (7:30 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+), coach Spencer Carbery said. The 28-year-old goalie, who is on Team Canada's roster for the Olympics, needed some time to recover after a shot from Vince Dunn knocked his mask off in the second period of Washington's 5-1 loss at the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday, but remained in the game. Thompson is 18-16-4 with a 2.46 goals-against average, .912 save percentage and two shutouts in 38 games this season.
Rasmus Ristolainen played two shifts in the Flyers' 5-3 loss at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday before leaving with a lower-body injury. Coach Rick Tocchet did not have an update postgame on Ristolainen, who is slated to play for Team Finland at the Olympics, and the defenseman's status is unknown for Philadelphia’s game at the Boston Bruins on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSP+, NESN, SNE). Ristolainen was playing his second game after returning Monday from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for six games. The 31-year-old was selected to Team Finland despite not making his season debut until Dec. 16 because he was recovering from surgery to repair a torn triceps tendon on March 26. He has three assists and has averaged 19:22 in ice time in 15 games this season.
The Islanders have added a second Olympian to their roster with the acquisition of Ondrej Palat on Tuesday. New York landed the 34-year-old forward in a trade that sent forward Maxim Tsyplakov to the New Jersey Devils. Palat, who will play for Team Czechia, will make his Islanders debut against the New York Rangers on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; MSGSN, MSG 2). A two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning (2020, 2021), Palat had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 51 games for the Devils this season. He took line rushes at the morning skate on the left wing with Islanders center Bo Horvat (Team Canada) and Emil Heineman. “I had, obviously, a bad year in Jersey," Palat said. "They trade me and now I'm here. I want to be better and help the team to win.”
Victor Hedman was back skating with the Lightning on Wednesday in a noncontact jersey and is nearing a return from elbow surgry. The captain, who will play for Team Sweden at the Olympics, was placed on injured reserve Dec. 11 because of an undisclosed injury he sustained in a 6-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 9, his third game back after missing 12 with an undisclosed injury. Hedman has 12 assists in 18 games this season. "I'm feeling great," Hedman said. "Today was obviously a great step. Being out there the whole thing and getting in every single drill. I'm pumped." Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said Hedman was "definitely getting closer" and he was "not ruling anything out" regarding Hedman's ability to return for the Lightning prior to the break for the Olympics. "I think the Olympics are definitely...I don't know when Sweden plays first, probably February 11th or 12th I would imagine and that's still two and a half weeks away, so I would certainly see him there. It's whether he's going to play in a Lightning uniform before then. That's what we're concerned about."
Dan Vladar (Czechia) was activated from injured reserve and will start against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT) after the Flyers goalie missed six games because of a lower-body injury. Vladar had been day to day since leaving a 5-2 loss at the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 14 after the first period. He is 16-7-4 with a 2.46 goals-against average and .905 save percentage in 28 games this season.
Gabriel Landeskog could return to the lineup before the NHL breaks for the Olympics, coach Jared Bednar said on Tuesday. The Avalanche captain, who is also on Team Sweden’s roster, hasn’t played since sustaining an upper-body injury against the Florida Panthers on Jan. 4. The 33-year-old forward skated at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ practice facility Tuesday. “Definitely making improvements,” Bednar said. “So, he's been on the ice for a few days now and getting better, doing more in the gym, and that's a big sign for me -- like when you can stay out, at least do the flow, noncontact drills and be moving around and not look too uncomfortable. So, he's moving in the right direction. … Obviously we're just really hoping that he can get back and be part of the Olympics, and it looks like he's trending in that direction.” Colorado (35-6-9), which won at Toronto on Sunday, visits the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET, TVAS, SN, ALT), the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday and the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. The Avalanche host the Red Wings on Feb. 2 and the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 4 before the Olympic break. ... Devon Toews (Team Canada) will miss his 11th straight game Wednesday because of an upper-body injury. The defenseman is with the team and could play before its four-game road trip ends Saturday. He has 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) and is plus-26 in 40 games this season. "Not ready for contact yet," Bednar said. "I think he's day to to day; he wouldn't be on this road trip if we didn't think there was a possibility of him playing."
Teuvo Teravainen (Team Finland) is likely to return from an upper-body injury against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday (8 p.m. ET; FDSNWIX, FDSNNO, CHSN). The forward practiced with the Blackhawks on Monday on the top line with Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard after missing six games. Teravainen has 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games.
William Nylander hopes to return from a groin injury before the Maple Leafs play their last game prior to the break on Feb. 3. The forward, who will likely miss his sixth straight game Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres (7 p.m. ET; TSN4, MSG-B), is expected to play for Team Sweden at the Olympics; its first game is scheduled for Feb. 11. “Hopefully I’ll be back playing at some point on the road trip,” Nylander said after practice on Monday. The Maple Leafs begin a four-game road trip at the Seattle Kraken on Thursday. They’ll then visit the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, the Calgary Flames on Feb. 2 and the Edmonton Oilers on Feb. 3.
Mads Sogaard, who will represent Team Denmark, earned his first NHL win in more than 15 months on Sunday, making 19 saves in a 7-1 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 25-year-old hadn’t started an NHL game since Dec. 28, 2024, a 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets (he had a relief appearance against the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 8), and he hadn’t won in the NHL since stopping 13 of 17 shots in relief in an 8-7 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 14, 2024. “Obviously, long road back,” Sogaard said. “But to be out there and see how hard the guys were playing, it was really special, and this is one I’m going to remember for a long time.” Sogaard, who is 4-8-4 with a 3.30 goals-against average, .889 save percentage and one shutout in 18 games with Belleville of the American Hockey League this season, will compete for playing time at the Olympics with Frederik Andersen (Carolina Hurricanes) and Frederik Dichow of HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League.
Rasmus Ristolainen (Team Finland) is expected to return from an upper-body injury when the Flyers host the New York Islanders on Monday (7 p.m. ET; MSGSN, NBCSP), and Dan Vladar (Team Czechia) could be back later this week from his undisclosed injury, coach Rick Tocchet said. Ristolainien, a defenseman, hasn’t played since Jan. 12, missing six games. “I’ll see after warmup, but it seems like he's good to go,” Tocchet said. Ristolainen was a question mark for Finland’s roster following surgery to repair a torn triceps tendon on March 26, 2025, but he was selected after making his season debut on Dec. 16. The 31-year-old has three assists and averaged 20:59 in ice time in 13 games this season. Vladar, who has been out since Jan. 14, is almost ready to play after the goalie skated Monday. “If we had to, he could back up tonight,” Tocchet said. “He's going to get in this week. He's put in a lot of work, so he's really close.” Vladar helped the Flyers’ turnaround this season and earned his spot on Czechia’s roster by going 16-7-4 with a 2.46 goals-against average and .906 in 28 games.
Erik Cernak (Team Slovakia) will be a game-time decision against the Utah Mammoth on Monday (7 p.m. ET; The Spot, Utah16) after the defenseman left the Lightning’s previous game with an undisclosed injury. Cernak did not play after being hit by forward Mathieu Olivier in the first period of an 8-5 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. The 28-year-old has five assists while averaging 18:34 of ice time in 31 games this season.
Josh Samanski, who will play for Team Germany, is expected to make his NHL debut when the Oilers host the Anaheim Ducks on “Prime Monday Night Hockey” (8:30 p.m. ET; Prime, KCOP-13, Victory+). The forward was recalled after he had 28 points (seven goals, 21 assists) in 39 games with Bakersfield of the AHL. Samanski, 23, signed a two-year, entry-level contract with Edmonton as an undrafted free agent on April 2, 2025, after he had 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) in 52 games with Straubing of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) last season. Samanski will also be teammates with Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl at the Olympics.
Gabriel Landeskog (upper body) is still aiming to recover in time to play for Team Sweden, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said after their 4-1 win at the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 33-year-old forward was injured early in the second period of a 2-1 loss at the Florida Panthers on Jan. 4. “[He’s] getting better,” Bednar said. “He’s doing more and more in the gym, he’s hitting the ice now, he’s still limited a little bit. He’s sore. Time will tell, but the goal would be for him to be able to go play for the Olympics, and he’s still targeting that. He really wants to play and I really want him to go play. There’s always a little bit of nervousness when you’ve got players going that maybe aren’t fully healthy, but he’ll do the right thing and I’m really hoping that we can watch him in the Olympic tournament because it’s something that he really wants to do -- play for his country again. He’s earned that with his season. Hopefully everything works out, but it’s going to be tight.” Landeskog has 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 41 games. … Devon Toews (upper body) is with the Avalanche for their four-game road trip but missed his 10th straight game Sunday. The defenseman, who is on Team Canada’s roster, has 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) and is plus-26 in 40 games.
Teuvo Teravainen (Team Finland) participated in the morning skate with the Blackhawks prior to a 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in a noncontact jersey and is nearing a return from an upper-body injury. The forward missed his sixth straight game but will practice again Monday. He has 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games. “He’s definitely close,” Chicago coach Jeff Blashill said. “When he gets to the point where he’s full in practice, then he’s right there.”
William Nylander (groin) missed his fifth straight game for the Maple Leafs on Sunday, a 4-1 loss to the Avalanche. The forward skated before practice Saturday, but there remains no timeline for his return. "We will see where he progresses ... we'll see how he felt, hopefully he can keep getting on the ice here and be ready to go," Toronto coach Craig Berube said. Nylander, who is on Team Sweden's roster for the Olympics, leads the Maple Leafs with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 37 games.
Matt Boldy returned for the Wild against the Florida Panthers on Saturday (9 p.m. ET: FDSNWI, FDSNNO, SCRIPPS). The forward, who is on Team USA's roster for the Olympics, missed four games with a lower-body injury. He is tied for the Wild lead in goals (27) and is second in points (51). "Boldy, I would anticipate playing tonight," Wild coach John Hynes said. Boldy skated with Marcus Johansson and Joel Eriksson Ek on the second line at the morning skate.
Brad Marchand returned for the Panthers against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday (9 p.m. ET; FDSNWI, FDSNNO, SCRIPPS). The forward, who is on Team Canada's roster for the Olympics, missed his seventh straight game when the Panthers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in a shootout on Thursday because of an undisclosed injury. "I don't know yet. We'll get him through today," Panthers coach Paul Maurice said after the morning skate Saturday. "He's feeling really strong. We just want to make sure we make a real smart decision. And we're going into back-to-backs (at Chicago on Sunday) so that is part of the consideration." Marchand is second on the Panthers with 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 46 games this season.
Darcy Kuemper returned for the Kings against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; FDSNMW, FDSNW, KCAL). The goalie, who is on Team Canada's roster for the Olympics, sustained an upper-body injury before leaving with 38.8 seconds remaining in the first period of a 4-3 win against the New York Rangers on Tuesday. Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski collided into Kuemper with 57 seconds to go. Kuemper tried to shake off the contact during a stoppage in play but was eventually replaced by Anton Forsberg. "Kind of got hit on the side of my neck, and it pinched my neck and pinched the nerves, and my arm went dead," Kuemper said Thursday. "So, yeah, wasn't allowed to come back in until we did some further testing yesterday."
Alexandre Texier returned for the Canadiens against the Boston Bruins on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; NHLN, NESN, SNP, SNO, SNE, TVAS, CBC). The forward, who will play for Team France at the Olympics, missed the past two games because of a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old has 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 35 games this season.
Bo Horvat returned for the Islanders in a 5-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday after missing nine games with a lower-body injury. The forward, who is on Team Canada's roster for the Olympics, centered New York's top line with Emil Heineman and Jonathan Drouin. He had four shots on goal and was minus-2 in 19:20 of ice time. Horvat leads the Islanders with 21 goals and is third on the team with 33 points in 37 games.
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.
Rasmus Andersson, who was acquired in a trade with the Calgary Flames on Jan. 18, is expected to make his debut against the Maple Leafs on Friday (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN, SCRIPPS). The defenseman, who is on Team Sweden's roster for the Olympics, was with the Golden Knights in Boston for their game against the Bruins on Thursday but did not play due to visa issues. Andersson has 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 48 games this season and led the Flames in time on ice per game (24:14) and was second in blocked shots (90) before he was traded.
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.
Dan Vladar skated with the Flyers on Friday, his first time on the ice with the team since sustaining a lower-body injury in a game against the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 14. Vladar is one of three goalies chosen to represent Czechia at the Olympics and will miss his fifth straight game when the Flyers play the Colorado Avalanche on Friday (9 p.m. ET; NBCSP, ALT). He went from skating on his own in Utah on Wednesday to sharing a net with Alexei Kolosov at the morning skate Friday with Sam Ersson set to start against the Avalanche. Vladar is 16-7-4 with a 2.46 goals-against average and .905 save percentage in 28 games this season.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
