NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: March 16, 2026, 3:30 AM ET

NHL Injury & Prospect Moves

Montreal sustained a blow Sunday night when forward Kirby Dach was forced from the game against the Anaheim Ducks due to an upper-body injury following a high collision with winger Jeffrey Viel. Amidst the current campaign's intensity, the Washington Capitals secured a long-term asset, signing defenseman Cole Hutson to a three-year contract after his sophomore season at Boston University concluded in the Hockey East tournament Saturday. This influx of young talent arrives as the Ducks attempt to navigate a difficult path toward securing the Pacific Division title, with playoff projections remaining fluid across the Western Conference standings.