NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: March 18, 2026, 10:30 PM ET

NHL Prospect Signings & Player Returns

The New York Islanders secured a key asset, signing 2024 first-round pick Cole Eiserman to a three-year entry-level contract after he concluded his tenure as the career goal-scoring leader for the U.S. National Team Development Program securing the deal. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins received a significant boost ahead of their crucial matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, as captain Sidney Crosby returns to the lineup immediately following his lower-body injury suffered during the Olympics resuming action. This contest against the Hurricanes assumes massive importance for Pittsburgh's postseason aspirations, with playoff projections closely monitoring the standings as the regular season winds down.

International Honors & Playoff Picture

In a unique administrative decision, the Hockey Hall of Fame confirmed it will withhold the puck from Jack Hughes’ gold-medal-winning goal at the Milan Cortina Olympics, asserting the artifact remains the property of the governing body, not the player denying the request. As the league navigates the final stretch, the tight race between the Penguins and Hurricanes remains a central focus, influencing the final draft lottery positioning following Tuesday's slate of games affecting draft odds.