NHL News

Auston Matthews • C • Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs Confident of Keeping Auston Matthews

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews looks set to stay put this offseason, ESPN's Kristen Shilton reports. Matthews' future has appeared murky after the team missed the playoffs this season, but Toronto's new general manager, John Chayka, expects the star forward to stick around after meeting with him. "What I saw was a happy captain," Chayka said at the NHL scouting combine on Friday. "[Someone] who's got a lot of pride in being the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, someone who wants to win in Toronto, which aligns with how we're thinking about it." Matthews has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Maple Leafs but hasn't advanced past the second round of the playoffs. He has recently dealt with health issues, posting a career-low 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) in 60 games this season. Matthews is poised for a strong bounce-back season in 2026-27, and it appears he will be wearing a Maple Leafs uniform.

4 hours ago

Andrei Vasilevskiy • G • Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy Wins Second Vezina Trophy

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has won his second Vezina Trophy. The league's general managers voted Vasilevskiy the best goaltender of the 2025-26 NHL season, ahead of Ilya Sorokin (New York Islanders) and Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins). Vasilevskiy, who first won the award in 2018-19, led the league with 39 wins in 58 starts. He was second in the NHL with a 2.31 goals-against average and third with a .912 save percentage. Vasilevskiy recorded two shutouts during his ninth consecutive 30-win season. Martin Brodeur is the only other netminder to post as many consecutive 30-win campaigns, and he holds the NHL record with 12. Vasilevskiy will have a chance to catch Brodeur if he stays healthy, as the Russian shot-stopper will turn only 32 in the offseason. He should have several high-caliber fantasy campaigns left.

4 hours ago

Brayden McNabb • D • Golden Knights

Brayden McNabb Uncertain for Game 3 Against Hurricanes

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb's (face) status for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night is unclear, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski reports. The 35-year-old suffered a facial injury in Game 2 after being hit by a puck, exiting the contest in the first period. On Saturday morning, Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella said there was no update on McNabb. Kaedan Korczak is expected to replace McNabb in the lineup if he can't play. Although he hasn't yet appeared in the Finals, Korczak has made 12 appearances this postseason, averaging nearly two hits per game and contributing three assists on offense.

5 hours ago

Marcus Johansson • LW

Marcus Johansson Returning to Europe

Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson has signed a contract with Farjestad in his native Sweden, The Athletic's Michael Russo reports. This likely signals the end of Johansson's NHL career, as he will turn 36 at the start of next season. Considering he earned a respectable 49 points (15 goals, 34 assists) in 75 games in 2025-26, his highest-scoring total in eight campaigns, it's somewhat surprising that Johansson has decided to move on from the NHL. He could have drawn decent offers as a free agent this summer. Johansson also played for Farjestad before starting his NHL career in 2010 with the Washington Capitals. He has played for six NHL franchises, recording 566 points (200 goals, 366 assists) in 1,058 career games.

Yesterday

Cole Caufield • RW • Canadiens

Cole Caufield Earns Lady Byng Trophy

Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield has been voted the winner of the 2025-26 Lady Byng Trophy, awarded to "the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability." This season, Caufield became the first Canadiens player to score 50 regular-season goals since Stephane Richer in 1989-90. He had a career-high 88 points (51 goals, 37 assists) in 81 games. Caufield received only seven minor penalties and 14 penalty minutes. The last time a Montreal player won the Lady Byng Trophy was in 1987-88, when Mats Naslund captured the award. At 25, Caufield has only just gotten started in the NHL and still has untapped fantasy potential.

Yesterday

Nick Suzuki • C • Canadiens

Nick Suzuki Lands Selke Trophy

Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki has been named the 2025-26 Frank J. Selke Trophy winner. He became only the third player in Canadiens history to win the award, which honors the NHL's best two-way player. Suzuki had a standout year, reaching a career high of 101 points (29 goals, 71 assists) and continuing to build his reputation as a strong defensive contributor. The 26-year-old won the Selke Trophy ahead of Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Brock Nelson (Colorado Avalanche). For five consecutive seasons, Suzuki has increased his scoring, and with his prime years just beginning, he still has room to improve, a prospect that should excite fantasy managers.

Yesterday

Shayne Gostisbehere • D • Hurricanes

Shayne Gostisbehere Dishes Out Two Power-Play Assists in Comeback Win

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere recorded two power-play assists as the team tied the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights with a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 2 on Thursday. The Hurricanes struggled to generate scoring chances for most of the game, but their offense erupted for three goals in 5:05 midway through the third period. Gostisbehere registered his first assist on the third goal, a deflection by Jordan Staal. After Vegas forced overtime, Gostisbehere collected another helper when Seth Jarvis ended the contest. Gostisbehere has heated up just at the right time for Carolina, stringing together a five-game point streak. He has three goals and six assists in 15 postseason appearances.

Yesterday

Seth Jarvis • C • Hurricanes

Seth Jarvis Ties Finals With Power-Play Goal

Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis scored the game-winning goal in a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. He was set up by Shayne Gostisbehere and Sebastian Aho for a power-play goal 3:56 into overtime. Jarvis became only the sixth player in Finals history to score an overtime goal on the power play. His fourth goal of the playoffs was a massive relief for the Hurricanes, who were facing a 2-0 series deficit after giving up a late game-tying goal in the third period. Jarvis has struggled to make an impact in the playoffs, but this could be a confidence booster for him. In 15 postseason outings, Jarvis has tallied only nine points (four goals, five assists).

Yesterday

Mark Stone • RW • Golden Knights

Mark Stone Scores Sixth Playoff Goal in Overtime Defeat

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone potted a late game-tying goal in Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. John Tortorella's team blew a 2-0 lead in the third period, but Stone's sixth goal of the playoffs extended the contest. Four of Stone's goals have come in his last six outings. After missing some action in the postseason due to a lower-body injury, Stone has started to gain momentum. Since returning to the lineup, he has averaged a point per game. The Vegas captain has recorded 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 13 postseason outings overall, averaging two SOG per game.

Yesterday

Mitch Marner • RW • Golden Knights

Mitch Marner Records Two Assists in Game 2 Loss

Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner finished Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals with two assists. He set up Brett Howden with a lob pass in the first period and bagged another helper when Mark Stone sent the game into overtime late in the third. Marner tied teammate Jack Eichel for the most assists in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has helped set up 17 goals in 18 games, adding seven goals. Currently, Marner is the only player to reach at least 20 points this postseason, putting him in a good position to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy if Vegas wins the Finals.

Yesterday

Brett Howden • C • Golden Knights

Brett Howden Matches Franchise Record With Another Productive Outing

Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden remained red-hot in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday night, scoring twice in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Two goals from Howden gave Vegas a 2-0 lead, but Carolina stunned the visitors with a third-period comeback. Howden reached 13 goals in the playoffs, tying him with Jonathan Marchessault for the most for Vegas in a single playoff campaign. He is now one of only seven players in NHL history to score at least 10 regular-season goals and then exceed his total in the playoffs. The 28-year-old has emerged as a serious Conn Smythe Trophy contender, amassing 16 points in 18 postseason games.

Yesterday

Brayden McNabb • D • Golden Knights

Brayden McNabb Hospitalized After Taking Puck to Face

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (face) was taken to the hospital after he was hurt early in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against Carolina on Thursday, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski reports. McNabb took an 87 mph slap shot to his face in the first period, exiting the action after logging only seven shifts. Jeremy Lauzon moved up to the first defensive pairing, while the rest of the blue line also saw a heavier workload. McNabb contributed three assists in Game 1 against Carolina and has totaled seven points (one goal, six assists) in 16 games during the playoffs. Kaedan Korczak and Ben Hutton are options to enter the lineup if McNabb can't play in Saturday's Game 3.

Yesterday

Frederik Andersen • G • Hurricanes

Hurricanes Retain Confidence in Frederik Andersen

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen retains the confidence of head coach Rod Brind'Amour despite a recent tough stretch. In the first two rounds of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Andersen had a .950 save percentage. Over the last six games, it has declined to .867. In Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, Andersen allowed five goals with a .783 save percentage. "I think a couple of those games, we weren't giving up a lot of shots. So the save percentage count is a tough one for our team," Brind'Amour said ahead of Game 2. "We don't give up a lot. There's still quality chances. There's just not a lot of fluff. So yeah, I'm not concerned about it." Andersen has lost back-to-back starts only twice this calendar year and will look to bounce back on Thursday night against Vegas.

2 days ago

Vincent Trocheck • C • Rangers

Maple Leafs Interested in Vincent Trocheck

New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck is drawing trade interest, including from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. Recently, the Maple Leafs ruled out Max Domi indefinitely due to complications from an offseason surgery. As a result, the team is looking to bolster its center depth. Trocheck is an attractive target for teams, as his contract carries a very affordable $5.625 million cap hit. He has three years remaining on the deal. The 32-year-old has finished five consecutive seasons with at least 50 points. In 2025-26, he tallied 16 goals and 37 assists in 67 appearances, averaging nearly three hits per game.

2 days ago

Dylan Larkin • C • Red Wings

Dylan Larkin Requests Trade From Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports. Larkin looks eager to move on from Motown after the Red Wings missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a tenth consecutive year. So far, Larkin has shown considerable patience while waiting for a competitive team to be built around him. He has been with the Red Wings since entering the NHL in 2015. The team named him captain in January 2021. Detroit locked Larkin into an eight-year, $69.6 million contract in 2023, giving him a full no-trade clause through next season. While the Red Wings have struggled for a decade, Larkin has been strong individually. He scored a career-high 34 goals this season, adding 33 assists in 74 contests.

2 days ago

Jonathan Toews • C • Jets

Jonathan Toews Expected to Retire

Winnipeg Jets center Jonathan Toews is expected to hang up his skates this offseason, TSN's Darren Dreger reports. After missing two years due to Chronic Immune Response Syndrome and Long COVID, Toews made his NHL comeback in 2025-26. The two-time Stanley Cup champion appeared in all 82 regular-season games, posting 11 goals and 18 assists. He was limited to a third-line role, averaging 14:29 of ice time. Although Toews registered a career-low 29 points, he showed class with a 62.1% face-off win percentage. Toews played on a one-year, $2 million contract this season.

2 days ago

Anders Lee • C • Islanders

Anders Lee Set to Hit Open Market

New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee is heading toward free agency, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports. While the Islanders want to keep their captain, talks over a new contract haven't progressed. Lee, who has spent his entire 14-year NHL career with the Islanders, is coming off a seven-year, $49 million contract. His production has declined with age, but Lee managed a respectable 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) in 82 games this season. Lee will turn 36 in a month, but he still appears to have some gas left and could attract plenty of interest in the open market.

2 days ago

Jalen Chatfield • D • Hurricanes

Jalen Chatfield Records Two Assists in Tuesday's Loss

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield had two assists in Tuesday's 5-4 Game 1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The 30-year-old showcased his playmaking twice early in the game, helping Nikolaj Ehlers grab a pair of goals within the first 12:08 of action. Previously, only nine rearguards in NHL history had tallied multiple assists in the opening period of a Stanley Cup Finals. While Chatfield has occasionally chipped in offensively, he does most of his work in the defensive zone. With 14 games played in the 2026 postseason, Chatfield has registered seven points (one goal, six assists), 24 SOG, 22 blocks, and 10 hits.

3 days ago

Nikolaj Ehlers • LW • Hurricanes

Nikolaj Ehlers Nets Two Goals in Game 1 Loss to Golden Knights

Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers made a terrific start to the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, scoring two goals in a 5-4 loss on Tuesday night. With just 25 seconds played, Ehlers scored the third-fastest goal to open the Stanley Cup Finals, and he put Carolina two goals up at the 12:08 mark in the first period. Ehlers became the first player in 37 years to score two first-period goals in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. He lit the lamp with both of his attempts on net, giving him three multi-point performances in five games. Sebastian Aho's line remained quiet in Game 1 against Vegas, putting additional responsibility on players like Ehlers. The Danish veteran ranks second on his team with six goals and has amassed 11 points in 13 postseason games.

3 days ago

Shea Theodore • D • Golden Knights

Shea Theodore Notches Three Points in Game 1 Win

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore made a mark in Tuesday's 5-4 Game 1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes with a goal and two assists. Vegas' first defensive pairing of Theodore and Brayden McNabb played a major role in the contest, becoming the first set of defensemen from the same team to each record three points in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Theodore has heated up as the postseason nears its conclusion, putting together a three-game point streak. Throughout the playoffs, he has been a steady offensive contributor, logging five goals and nine assists in 17 games.

3 days ago

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