NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing

Injury Updates

Pens' Crosby will miss at least four weeks after being placed on injured reserve. Stars' Rantanen faces an extended absence following a lower-body injury sustained during Olympic play.

Contract Moves

The Kraken secured two-year extensions with forwards Ben Meyers and Ryan Winterton. Penguins traded defenseman Brett Kulak to the NHL-best Avalanche for Samuel Girard and a 2028 pick.

Olympic Celebrations

The U.S. men's hockey team visited the White House and received a bipartisan standing ovation during the State of the Union address. Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom after leading Team USA to gold. The Americans' victory over Canada drew an average audience of 26 million viewers on NBC and Peacock.

Return Timelines

Panthers' Barkov has set a target for his season debut after September knee surgery. The team captain aims to return "soon" as he recovers from ligament repairs.