NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 7:48 AM ET
NHL Injury Updates and Game Results
The Vegas Golden Knights got a major boost espn.com with captain Mark Stone's return from a five-game upper-body injury absence, as he helped lead the team to a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Meanwhile, Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews suffered a significant setback espn.com after leaving Thursday's game against Anaheim following a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, with the Leafs captain's status now uncertain. The NHL also rescinded a controversial penalty espn.com against Colorado Avalanche star Nathan Mac Kinnon, who had received a game misconduct during Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Edmonton. The league's decision came after the Avalanche sharply criticized espn.com the officials' call, which the team believed was unwarranted.
Team Ownership and League Developments
The Carolina Hurricanes announced new minority ownership espn.com as team owner Tom Dundon sold portions of the franchise to three new investors. In Ottawa, the PWHL's Charge explored partnership options espn.com with the NHL's Senators to remain in the city after their current home arena announced downsizing plans. The Professional Women's Hockey League also secured national television exposure espn.com for an upcoming Detroit game, marking continued growth for women's professional hockey. Additionally, the NHL cleared the Ottawa Senators espn.com of any wrongdoing in a 2022 trade controversy involving winger Evgenii Dadonov, confirming they will not forfeit their 2026 first-round draft pick.
Player Contracts and Performances
Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz agreed to an eight-year extension espn.com worth $64 million, avoiding free agency this summer. The deal represents one of the NHL's larger recent contracts and secures Schmaltz's long-term future with the franchise. On the ice, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy delivered a dramatic overtime winner espn.com against the Los Angeles Kings, scoring 39 seconds into the extra period for Boston's 13th consecutive home victory. McAvoy's heroics came at a cost, as he immediately left for dental work after losing additional teeth during the physical contest.
Playoff Picture and Trade Deadline Analysis
As the regular season nears its conclusion, analysts are examining potential Stanley Cup matchups, with the Dallas Stars-Edmonton Oilers series drawing playoff matchup comparisons espn.com. The Western Conference wild card race remains fiercely contested espn.com, with teams jockeying for position in the final weeks. Following the trade deadline, experts evaluated the market's impact espn.com, separating legitimate contenders from teams that may have overestimated their post-deadline potential. Fantasy hockey players are also preparing for playoff strategies espn.com, with experts offering tips on lineup optimization and key player selections for championship runs.
Prospect Movement and Future Impact
The NHL trade deadline saw significant movement of top prospects, with analysts now assessing the long-term implications espn.com of these deals. Scouting reports detail how recently traded players like Rosen and Jiricek might impact their new teams, providing insight into which organizations made the most strategic additions for both immediate and future success.