NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 3:43 PM ET
NHL International Expansion
The NHL is expanding its global footprint with the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators set to play two games in Germany next season as part of the league's Global Series initiative espn.com. This marks the first regular-season NHL games to be held in Germany, continuing the league's push into European markets after previous games in Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic.
Stanley Cup Playoff Picture
The Edmonton Oilers' postseason path is taking shape as analysts project their potential playoff matchups espn.com. The Stars-Oilers rivalry has intensified, with many viewing their upcoming contests as potential conference finals previews espn.com. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche saw their captain Nathan Mac Kinnon's game misconduct from Tuesday's matchup against Edmonton rescinded by the NHL espn.com, a decision that came after the league reviewed the goalie interference call that had sparked controversy espn.com.
Player Injuries and Returns
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews exited Thursday's game against Anaheim after a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, with the Leafs calling it a "dirty play" espn.com. In contrast, Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone returned from a five-game absence due to an upper-body injury and helped his team defeat Pittsburgh 6-2 on Thursday espn.com. Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy scored the overtime winner against Los Angeles before rushing for emergency dental work after losing multiple teeth in the contest espn.com.
Ownership and League Developments
Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon has sold minority stakes in the team to three new investors, though financial terms weren't disclosed espn.com. The Ottawa Senators avoided major penalties when the NHL decided against forcing them to forfeit their 2026 first-round draft pick for their involvement in a canceled 2022 trade between Vegas and Anaheim involving Evgenii Dadonov espn.com.
Women's Hockey Expansion
The Professional Women's Hockey League is making significant strides with a Detroit game scheduled for national television broadcast in the United States espn.com. The PWHL is also exploring a partnership with the NHL's Ottawa Senators to secure a home venue as the team's current arena undergoes renovations that will reduce capacity espn.com.
Contract Extensions
Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz agreed to an eight-year, $64 million contract extension, choosing to remain with the team rather than test free agency this summer espn.com. The deal represents one of the larger commitments made ahead of the trade deadline as teams look to secure core pieces for long-term contention.
Fantasy Hockey Focus
With the fantasy hockey playoffs approaching, analysts are providing guidance on key pickups and lineup strategies espn.com. The ESPN Fantasy postseason has prompted discussions about which players could make the difference in championship matchups, with specific recommendations for each NHL team espn.com.
Trade Deadline Analysis
The NHL trade deadline concluded with a flurry of moves that have sparked debate about which teams truly improved their championship chances espn.com. While some view the Colorado Avalanche as now unbeatable after their deadline acquisitions, others argue that Eastern Conference contenders missed opportunities to make impactful moves. The final week of trading activity has led to numerous hot takes about which overreactions are justified and which are off base.