NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 2:43 PM ET
International & Schedule News
The NHL will return to Germany espn.com next season with the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators playing two games as part of the Global Series, marking the league's latest push into the European market. This development follows a broader trend of international scheduling, even as the league navigates domestic logistical challenges. The Ottawa Senators are also eyeing a team-up with the PWHL espn.com to secure a long-term home for the Professional Women's Hockey League's Ottawa franchise, a partnership necessitated by the planned downsizing of the Charge's current arena during renovations. Meanwhile, the PWHL's growing visibility continues as a Detroit game secures national TV espn.com in the United States, expanding the league's broadcast footprint.
Injury & Disciplinary Updates
Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone returned from injury espn.com after missing five games with an upper-body injury, immediately impacting a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. In stark contrast, Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews exited with a knee injury espn.com after a knee-on-knee hit from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, a play his team labeled "dirty." The Colorado Avalanche received a significant reprieve when the NHL rescinded Nathan MacKinnon's espn.com game misconduct penalty from Tuesday's contest against Edmonton, a decision the team had sharply criticized espn.com following their 4-3 loss. The initial ejection stemmed from a goalie interference call on a play that also saw Oilers goalie injured.
Fantasy Hockey & Playoff Projections
As the ESPN Fantasy Hockey playoffs commence, analysts have identified a key pickup espn.com for each team to help managers win a title, focusing on players poised for increased roles or favorable matchups. This guidance complements a broader playoff preparation guide espn.com detailing lineup strategy and tips to navigate the postseason. On the actual ice, Stanley Cup playoff projections espn.com are taking shape, with the Edmonton Oilers' potential path under scrutiny and questions arising about whether a Stars-Oilers series could be a Western Conference finals preview espn.com.
League Business & Transactions
The Carolina Hurricanes announced three new minority stakeholders espn.com, with owner Tom Dundon selling a portion of the franchise. In a separate hockey operations matter, the NHL ruled the Senators will keep espn.com their 2026 first-round draft pick, ending the threat of forfeiture related to their role in the canceled 2022 Evgenii Dadonov trade with Vegas and Anaheim. On the contract front, Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz re-signed for $64 million espn.com, agreeing to an eight-year extension that secures a core player and avoids free agency. A final wave of analysis is dissecting the trade deadline's overreactions espn.com, separating legitimate roster shifts from hot takes, particularly regarding the Avalanche's moves. Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy scored the OT winner espn.com and subsequently lost more teeth during the celebration, extending the team's streak to 13 straight home wins.