NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 16, 2026, 10:30 PM ET
League Operations & Future Events
The National Hockey League officially confirmed tournament sites for the return of the World Cup of Hockey in February 2028, naming Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague as the initial hosts, though Commissioner Gary Bettman indicated uncertainty regarding the participation of Russia and its contingent of NHL players, stating that "time will tell" on their invitation status for the event. This forward-looking planning contrasts with the immediate focus on the current postseason picture, where analysts are tracking which teams might pull off a bracket-busting run similar to past dark horse contenders, while also monitoring the draft lottery standings.
Team Building & Player Value
In personnel news, the Chicago Blackhawks secured a three-year entry-level contract with Sacha Boisvert, signaling a commitment to one of their leading prospects as the franchise navigates its rebuilding phase. Meanwhile, as the regular season winds down and playoff seeding solidifies, fantasy hockey managers are advised to scout immediate pickups like Blake Coleman and Troy Terry based on favorable weekly matchups. Furthermore, veteran players still chasing their first championship, such as Brent Burns, are being tracked as prime candidates for the "old guys without a Cup" narrative heading into the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.