NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 11:49 AM ET
NHL Playoff Picture
The Edmonton Oilers' postseason outlook continues to strengthen espn.com as they remain in contention for the top seed in the Western Conference, with updated Stanley Cup playoff projections showing them as one of the favorites. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars' recent surge has sparked speculation about whether their matchup with Edmonton could be a conference finals preview espn.com, as both teams jockey for positioning in the tightly contested West.
Injury Updates
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews suffered a knee injury espn.com after a controversial hit from Anaheim's Radko Gudas, with coach Sheldon Keefe calling it a "dirty play" that forced Matthews from Thursday's game. The incident adds to mounting injury concerns across the league, as Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone returned from a five-game absence espn.com to help defeat Pittsburgh 6-2, providing a boost to their playoff push.
NHL Discipline
The league's Department of Player Safety rescinded Nathan MacKinnon's game misconduct espn.com from Tuesday's contest against Edmonton, the Avalanche star confirming the decision to The Denver Post. Colorado had sharply criticized the ejection espn.com, arguing the goalie interference call that led to Mac Kinnon's removal was unwarranted in their 4-3 loss to the Oilers.
Business of Hockey
Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon sold minority stakes espn.com to three new investors, though financial terms weren't disclosed in Thursday's announcement. In Ottawa, the Senators avoided potential draft penalties when the NHL decided not to forfeit their 2026 first-round pick espn.com related to the canceled 2022 trade involving Evgenii Dadonov.
Women's Hockey Expansion
The Professional Women's Hockey League announced a nationally televised game espn.com featuring PWHL Detroit, marking a significant step in the league's broadcast strategy. Meanwhile, the PWHL's Ottawa Charge is exploring a partnership espn.com with the NHL's Senators to secure a home venue as their current facility undergoes renovations.
Contract Extensions
Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz signed an eight-year, $64 million extension espn.com Wednesday, avoiding free agency and cementing his long-term future with the franchise. The deal represents one of the larger commitments this offseason as teams look to lock up core players before July 1.
Fantasy Hockey Focus
With ESPN's fantasy hockey playoffs underway, analysts are highlighting key pickup targets, suggesting strategic additions espn.com could make the difference in championship matchups. For those still fine-tuning rosters, comprehensive playoff preparation guides espn.com offer lineup strategies and last-minute advice to maximize postseason success.
Trade Deadline Analysis
The NHL's trade deadline week produced its usual flurry of deals and hot takes, with experts now sorting legitimate takeaways espn.com from overreactions. As teams settle into their post-deadline rosters, the true impact of acquisitions and subtractions will become clearer during the stretch run toward the playoffs.