NHL Hockey 7d

NHL Weekend Recap & News

Star Returns & Emotional Moments

A pair of veteran stars made emotional returns to their former cities. Patrick Toews received a rousing ovation in his first game back in Chicago since his retirement, a moment that brought the United Center crowd to its feet. Meanwhile, Mitch Marner faced a chilly, loud greeting in his return to Toronto, where he now plays for the New Jersey Devils. The reactions underscored the complex relationships between players and the fan bases they once served.

Team News & Roster Moves

The Los Angeles Kings received a major boost as their netminder was cleared to rejoin the team following a frightening neck scare. Darcy Kuemper’s return is crucial for a team navigating the playoff race. In contrast, the Minnesota Wild announced that Jonas Brodin underwent surgery and will miss the upcoming Olympics, a significant blow to their defensive depth. For the Chicago Blackhawks, rookie Frank Nazar returned to practice after taking a puck to the face, and his development is seen as a perfect complement to Connor Bedard’s offensive prowess.

The injury bug also bit the Colorado Avalanche, who held out Valeri Nichushkin following a car accident. On the transaction front, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired defenseman Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames for a package of picks, a move that bolsters their blue line. The San Jose Sharks acquired winger Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks, a trade that graded out as a win for the Sharks according to analysts. The Sharks also had a wild game where their goalies engaged in rare fisticuffs during a blowout victory.

Olympic Fallout & Player Updates

The looming Olympics are already being impacted by injuries and availability. An analysis of which injuries will have the biggest impact on the tournament highlighted several key absences. The New Jersey Devils’ Jack Hughes opted not to have surgery on his upper-body injury, a decision that will keep him out of Olympic consideration. For the Russian players, many are speaking out about missing the Olympics due to the ongoing ban on their national team.

The top players for the Olympic tournament have been ranked, with Nathan Mac Kinnon landing at No. 1. Meanwhile, Seth Jones will miss upcoming games for Team USA, with Jackson LaCombe stepping in as his replacement.

Fantasy & Power Rankings

In the fantasy hockey landscape, managers are looking for weekly lineup adds to close out the season. Players like Ryan Hartman and Hampus Lindholm are highlighted as key pickups. The article also notes that players like Juraj Slafkovsky and Will Cuylle help in other categories beyond just goals and assists.

The NHL’s latest Power Rankings have been updated, offering a new 1-32 poll and a look at each team’s top celebrity fan. The rankings reflect the shifting fortunes of teams across the league.

League-Wide Odds & Disciplinary Action

The Stanley Cup odds continue to evolve, with the Detroit Red Wings seeing their odds improve as they continue their winning streak. On the disciplinary front, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Jake Guentzel received a PWHL-record 4-game suspension for a hit, a move that highlights the league’s continued focus on player safety.

Transactions & Trade Grades

The trade deadline period is heating up. The Golden Knights’ acquisition of Hanifin was one of several moves, while the Sharks’ acquisition of Sherwood graded out as a win for the team looking for depth. The Knights also completed a separate deal to acquire Hanifin, solidifying their roster for a playoff run.

Passing of a Legend

The hockey world also mourned the loss of a historic figure. The Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders announced that Claude Goyette, a former Canadiens forward and the Islanders’ first coach, has died at the age of. His legacy is remembered across the sport.

Around the League

The Florida Panthers saw Matthew Tkachuk make his return in a loss to the San Jose Sharks, though his return was not enough to secure a victory. The Panthers continue to navigate the final stretch of the regular season with key players working their way back into the lineup.