NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 31, 2026, 3:40 PM ET

Kucherov Trade Saga

Lightning coach Jon Cooper insists star winger Nikita Kucherov espn.com remains committed to Tampa Bay, even as reports surface that the reigning MVP has requested a trade. Sources say Kucherov has asked out espn.com in the final year of his contract, though the Lightning have "no intention" of moving him. CBS Sports has already ranked five potential landing spots cbssports.com for the winger, arguing his days in Tampa appear to be over.

Discipline and Suspensions

Senators forward Hayden Hodgson was ejected espn.com after driving Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke into the boards, and the league has suspended him two games espn.com for boarding. In Detroit, the Red Wings suspended Dylan Larkin espn.com on Thursday as trade talks intensify, with players reportedly eager to move on.

Games and Results

Logan Cooley completed a hat trick espn.com with a second left in regulation, lifting the Utah Mammoth to an overtime stunner over his hometown Penguins. Oilers coach Mike Babcock is sending a message espn.com early in his tenure by scratching players to stress accountability.

Rankings and Analysis

Carolina remains atop espn.com ESPN's updated power rankings, which also cast all 32 teams as horror films. Elsewhere, Wyshynski weighed in espn.com on the early-season overreactions now that every team has played double-digit games.

PWHL

Four-time Olympian Kendall Coyne Schofield is taking the season off espn.com from the Minnesota Frost after announcing her pregnancy.

Coming Up

Tonight's ten-game slate, including Devils-Knights, Jets-Panthers and Kraken-Flames espn.com, is previewed with betting intel and broadcast details.