NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 7:41 PM ET
NHL Disciplinary Actions
The NHL Department of Player Safety handed Radko Gudas a five-game suspension espn.com for a knee-on-knee hit that ended Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews' season, marking one of the harshest penalties this year for on-ice violence. The suspension comes as the league intensifies its focus on dangerous hits, particularly those targeting star players during the crucial playoff push.
Player Returns and Contract News
Vegas captain Mark Stone made his return from injury espn.com Thursday night, helping the Knights defeat Pittsburgh 6-2 in his first game back after missing five contests with an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, the Sharks secured Ty Dellandrea with a two-year extension espn.com worth $3.25 million, locking up the forward through the 2025-26 season as San Jose builds for the future.
Draft and Trade Developments
The NHL decided against forfeiting the Senators' 2026 first-round pick espn.com despite Ottawa's involvement in the canceled 2022 trade between Vegas and Anaheim involving winger Evgenii Dadonov. The league determined that while procedural errors occurred, the penalty would be too severe given the circumstances surrounding the nullified deal.
International Expansion
The Blackhawks and Senators will play two games in Germany espn.com next season as part of the NHL's Global Series, marking the league's continued push into European markets. The games, scheduled for the 2024-25 season, represent another step in the NHL's international growth strategy following successful events in Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic.
Playoff Picture Developments
With the regular season winding down, the NHL released updated Stanley Cup playoff projections espn.com showing the Stars-Oilers matchup potentially serving as a conference finals preview. The projections indicate a highly competitive Western Conference where Edmonton's path could face significant challenges, while the Bruins-Capitals game highlighted Saturday's 14-game slate that will help determine final seeding.
Team Ownership Changes
Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon sold minority stakes to three new investors espn.com, though financial terms were not disclosed. The move adds fresh capital to the organization while maintaining Dundon's controlling interest, a common strategy among NHL owners to strengthen team resources without relinquishing majority control.
Player Discipline Updates
Colorado Avalanche star Nathan Mac Kinnon had his game misconduct rescinded espn.com by the NHL after receiving the penalty during a game against Edmonton. The decision came following a review of the incident, highlighting the league's willingness to correct officiating errors when clear evidence supports overturning initial calls.
Women's Hockey Milestone
The PWHL announced a Detroit game will air nationally espn.com in the United States, marking a significant step for women's professional hockey as it seeks to build television exposure. The broadcast represents the league's growing efforts to establish itself in the competitive sports media landscape and attract new fans to women's professional hockey.
Fantasy Hockey Considerations
With fantasy hockey playoffs approaching, analysts recommended strategic pickups espn.com for teams looking to make final pushes toward championships. The advice focuses on players with favorable schedules and those stepping into larger roles due to injuries or trades, providing crucial guidance for fantasy managers in their championship pursuits.