NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 17, 2026, 3:30 PM ET
Western Conference Playoff Races & Injuries
The Edmonton Oilers face a significant hurdle as star forward Leon Draisaitl, who compiled 97 points across 65 games this season, is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a lower-body injury sustained Sunday, severely complicating their postseason positioning. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are still mathematically involved in the playoff picture, with both a wild card berth and the Pacific Division title remaining possibilities according to current projections, even as the team focuses on draft lottery standings. The Chicago Blackhawks looked toward the future, securing their organizational depth by signing top prospect Sacha Boisvert to a three-year entry-level contract just as the Western Conference race tightens.
Individual Milestones & International Hockey
In the East, Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane propelled his team to a decisive 5-2 victory over Calgary by scoring twice, which elevated him into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time goals list for NHL players born in the United States. On the international front, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that "time will tell" regarding the potential inclusion of Russia and its contingent of league stars in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, indicating ongoing deliberation over geopolitical issues affecting player participation. Separately, U.S. star Jack Hughes confirmed his desire to reclaim the overtime goal puck from his gold medal-winning Winter Games performance, currently housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, suggesting a personal connection to the artifact that the Hall displays.
Fantasy Outlook
For fantasy managers preparing for the week ahead, the Monday waiver wire analysis suggests key acquisitions, noting that players like Blake Coleman and Troy Terry warrant immediate pickups based on favorable weekly matchups, providing actionable advice for those looking to optimize rosters for the final push toward the playoffs and secure league advantages.