NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Honors & Ceremonies
President Donald Trump announced that Connor Hellebuyck, the goaltender for the gold-medal-winning U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Meanwhile, the full U.S. men’s hockey team was feted at the White House and later received a bipartisan standing ovation at Tuesday’s State of the Union address.
Transactions
The Kraken agreed to two-year contract extensions with forwards Ben Meyers and Ryan Winterton, per ESPN NHL. In a separate move, the Penguins traded defenseman Brett Kulak to the Avalanche for Samuel Girard and a 2028 first-round pick.
Injuries & Updates
Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, recovering from knee surgery, aims for a season debut “soon.” Mikko Rantanen of the Stars, however, faces an extended absence after a lower-body injury in the Olympics.
Playoff Picture
With the Olympics concluded, the NHL’s regular-season finale is underway. Analysts are tracking how teams like the Stars and Avalanche position themselves for postseason success.
Controversy
The Hughes brothers addressed backlash over Trump’s remarks about the women’s hockey team, emphasizing their support for all athletes.
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