NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 9:44 PM ET
Team Moves & Injuries
The Maple Leafs' Stanley Cup aspirations suffered a major blow with captain Auston Matthews ruled out for the remainder of the regular season after being diagnosed with a torn MCL in his left knee. In a separate transaction, the Sharks added cost certainty by signing forward Ty Dellandrea to a two-year contract extension worth $3.25 million, locking up a young depth player.
International Expansion & Postseason Outlook
The NHL's global push continues as the Blackhawks and Senators will headline the league's Global Series next season with two games scheduled in Germany. As the playoff race intensifies, focus turns to the Western Conference where the Oilers' projected postseason path suggests a challenging first-round matchup against a strong Central Division opponent, with full Stanley Cup projections and draft lottery standings also updated.
Playoff Push & Fantasy Impact
A key boost for the Vegas Golden Knights came with the return of captain Mark Stone from a five-game absence due to an upper-body injury; his presence immediately helped fuel a 6-2 victory over the Penguins. For fantasy hockey managers in the ESPN postseason, the latest power rankings highlight a pickup from each team, identifying players like Stone who can provide a late-season surge to help win a championship.