NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 9:51 AM ET
Playoff Implications & Draft News
The Edmonton Oilers' path to the Stanley Cup involves navigating a treacherous Western Conference, with projections indicating a likely first-round matchup against either the Los Angeles Kings or Vancouver Canucks. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators avoided a significant future penalty as the NHL ruled they will not forfeit their 2026 first-round draft pick for their role in the canceled 2022 Evgenii Dadonov trade with Vegas. This decision preserves a valuable asset for a team firmly in the midst of a rebuild, with current draft lottery standings showing them positioned to add another high-end prospect this June.
Injury & Discipline Updates
A major injury concern surfaced for the Toronto Maple Leafs as captain Auston Matthews exited Thursday's game with a knee injury following a knee-on-knee hit from Anaheim's Radko Gudas, a play his coach termed "dirty." In a positive development for the Vegas Golden Knights, captain Mark Stone returned from a five-game absence and immediately contributed to a decisive 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. In Colorado, star Nathan Mac Kinnon had a game misconduct rescinded by the league following a Tuesday incident with Edmonton, clearing him for upcoming games as the Avalanche jockey for position in the West.
Team Business & Ownership
The Carolina Hurricanes announced a significant change in their ownership structure as controlling owner Tom Dundon sold a minority stake to three new investors. The move introduces fresh capital to the organization without altering Dundon's controlling interest, providing financial flexibility for the team as it continues to establish itself as a consistent Stanley Cup contender under his tenure.
Fantasy Hockey Playoffs
With the ESPN fantasy hockey postseason underway, analysts identified a key pickup from every team to help managers win a championship, focusing on players poised for increased roles or favorable matchups. This aligns with a broader playoff preparation guide that emphasizes meticulous lineup strategy, streaming options for goaltenders, and tracking injury news to maximize weekly point totals during the critical final weeks of the fantasy season.
Women's Hockey Broadcast
The Professional Women's Hockey League received a significant visibility boost as a Detroit PWHL game was set for national U.S. television. This broadcast deal marks a crucial step in the league's growth strategy, providing broader access to the new league's high-level competition as it seeks to build a sustainable audience in its inaugural season.