NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 10:50 PM ET
NHL Hockey Briefing
Discipline& Injuries
The NHL's Department of Player Safety continued its enforcement actions, with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas receiving a five-game suspension espn.com for a knee-on-knee hit to Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews, ending Matthews's season. Simultaneously, Colorado Avalanche center Nathan Mac Kinnon's game misconduct for goalie interference was rescinded espn.com, a move the Avalanche sharply criticized as they lost 4-3 to Edmonton on Tuesday. This highlights ongoing scrutiny over player safety and officiating consistency in high-stakes games.
Transactions
The San Jose Sharks finalized a two-year, $3.25 million extension for forward Ty Dellandrea espn.com, while the Vegas Knights welcomed back captain Mark Stone from an upper-body injury espn.com, who returned to action Thursday to help defeat Pittsburgh 6-2. Conversely, the Ottawa Senators avoided a draft pick forfeiture espn.com for their canceled 2022 trade involving Evgenii Dadonov with Anaheim, preserving their 2026 first-round selection. These moves underscore the dynamic roster adjustments teams are making ahead of the playoffs.
International Play
The NHL's Global Series continues to expand, with the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators confirmed to play two games in Germany next season espn.com. This follows the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) securing a national TV audience for its Detroit game espn.com, signaling growing interest in women's professional hockey. Additionally, the PWHL is exploring a partnership with the Senators to maintain its Ottawa presence espn.com, crucial as the Charge's home arena undergoes renovations.
Playoff Watch
Playoff projections remain fluid, with updated analyses suggesting the Stars-Oilers series could serve as a conference finals preview espn.com. The Edmonton Oilers' path to the postseason is under intense scrutiny, alongside full Stanley Cup projections. Fantasy hockey enthusiasts are advised to focus on key performers like Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who scored 39 seconds into overtime to secure a 2-1 win and a 13th straight home victory espn.com, though he required dental work afterward.
Ownership & Finance
Tom Dundon has sold a portion of the Carolina Hurricanes to three new minority owners espn.com, continuing the team's ownership evolution. Meanwhile, Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz signed an eight-year, $64 million extension espn.com, avoiding free agency and solidifying his role with the team. These transactions reflect the significant financial commitments and strategic shifts occurring within NHL franchises.