NHL Hockey 3h Briefing
×Last updated: May 12, 2026, 2:30 PM ET
NHL Playoff & Personnel Moves
The Colorado Avalanche seized control espn.com of their second-round series against the Wild, bouncing back in Game 4 on Monday night to take a commanding 3-1 series lead, though the victory came at a cost as star forward Nathan Mac Kinnon was forced off after taking puck to face espn.com from teammate Devon Toews, leaving him bloodied. Minnesota center Michael McCarron subsequently labeled Avs defenseman Manson espn.com a "dirty player" following Manson's return from a five-game absence, which included drawing a double minor penalty for striking McCarron with the blunt end of his stick. Elsewhere in playoff action, the Sabres confirmed Luukkonen espn.com would return to the crease for Game 4 against Montreal on Tuesday, signaling their commitment to their starting goaltender despite the ongoing series pressure.
Contract & Future Stability
Team management demonstrated commitment to both long-term assets and veteran leadership this period, as the Columbus Blue Jackets secured Coyle espn.com to a significant six-year contract extension valued at $36 million, locking in their center through his prime years. Concurrently, the Carolina Hurricanes retained Jankowski espn.com by agreeing to a two-year extension carrying an average annual value of $1.85 million for the 31-year-old forward. Meanwhile, Penguins GM Dubas expressed desire espn.com to keep longtime center Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh next season, hoping the future Hall of Famer returns for a 21st campaign with the franchise.
League Administration & Off-Ice Matters
In league administration news, the NHL opened voting espn.com for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award through May 24, announcing three finalists from both the U.S. and Canada, with winners slated for a June reveal recognizing community service efforts. Separately, legal proceedings continued in the case involving the fatal crash that claimed Gaudreaus espn.com, as the accused driver's attorneys unsuccessfully argued that charges should be dropped due to a reported discrepancy in the reporting of the driver's blood alcohol level following the incident.