NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 17, 2026, 2:30 PM ET
Playoff Picture & Prospect Movement
The playoff race remains intensely competitive as teams vie for positioning, with the San Jose Sharks still holding the possibility of securing either a Wild Card berth or the final Pacific Division spot, according to the latest projections. While the immediate focus remains on the postseason bracket, some franchises are already solidifying their future core, as evidenced by the Chicago Blackhawks signing top prospect Sacha Boisvert to a standard three-year entry-level contract. This forward-looking activity contrasts sharply with the immediate on-ice performance surge seen in Detroit, where Patrick Kane netted twice in a 5-2 victory over Calgary, propelling him into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time goals list for U.S.-born NHL players.
International Hockey & Event Planning
The NHL is actively shaping its international calendar, confirming that the World Cup of Hockey will return in February 2028, with host cities announced including Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague. However, the inclusion of Russia in that marquee event remains an open question; Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that "time will tell" whether the nation, which boasts several NHL stars, will receive an invitation to participate. Meanwhile, fantasy managers are advised to look ahead to weekly roster adjustments, with guides detailing essential matchup-based player pickups like Blake Coleman and Troy Terry to gain an edge in upcoming contests.