Evening Notes: Anderson, Luukkonen, Ratzlaff
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson told reporters, including Zach Dooley, Manager of Editorial Content for the team, that he is optimistic to return next game post-break, against Vegas on February 25.
The 26-year-old was able to skate over the break and is on the right track. Anderson left early against Carolina on February 1 with an apparent finger injury, unable to go in the Kings’ last two games before the Olympics. Clearly missing their trusty shutdown sidekick of Drew Doughty, the Kings lost both, and were outscored 8-3. Anderson was placed on injured reserve February 8.
Set to host Vegas in six days, the game will be full of excitement as Artemi Panarin is expected to make his long awaited Kings debut, although with the damper of missing Kevin Fiala after his devastating injury in Milan. Hopefully with Anderson back in the mix, Los Angeles will work on catching Anaheim for the second Wild Card spot and push for the playoffs.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen returned to practice today, noted by Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550, and seems to be on track to return in his club’s next game as well. The soon to be 27-year-old left mid game against Toronto on January 27 due to an apparent lower-body injury, concerning as he had to miss the start of the campaign due to the same ailment. Unfortunately, the injury cost him a spot on Team Finland at the Olympics, opening the door for Bruins netminder Joonas Korpisalo. Luukkonen has posted a .902 save percentage and 2.73 goals against average, to go with an 11-7-2 record. Buffalo is back in action next Wednesday at New Jersey.
- Not surprising given Luukkonen’s positive news, Buffalo reassigned fellow netminder Scott Ratzlaff back to ECHL Jacksonville earlier today. Like many others across the league, Ratzlaff got to fill in and practice with the big club during the Olympic break. A fifth round selection by the team in 2023, the 20-year-old is in his first professional season hailing from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. Ratzlaff has spent most time in the ECHL, posting a strong .916 save percentage in 12 contests, also playing in six games for AHL Rochester, winning three.
Penguins, Evgeni Malkin Expected To Discuss Extension
The Penguins are presumed to sit down with icon Evgeni Malkin and discuss an extension before the NHL season starts again next Wednesday, as outlined by David Pagnotta in an article published by The Fourth Period.
According to Pagnotta, prior to the Olympic break, it had been planned that GM Kyle Dubas and Malkin’s agent J.P. Barry would work through their options. It has yet to happen, but there’s still a plan to do so, at least laying the groundwork for a new contract which could be finalized down the road. Naturally, Malkin’s status has been a major story in Pittsburgh this season, and after this week, both sides should have a stronger indication of what’s next.
As difficult as it is to imagine the 39-year-old wearing anything else other than the black and yellow, 20 years into his Penguins tenure, the club has missed the playoffs in each of their last three seasons. Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff round since 2018, when Phil Kessel was still dishing it around on Malkin’s wing at an elite level.
Former GM Ron Hextall’s efforts to keep the window open proved futile, leaving Dubas with the difficult situation of simultaneously building toward the future, while doing the team’s beloved stars right and not letting them go out quietly.
All of that to say, there was enough reason to speculate if the core had one more run left in them, or if Malkin and Sidney Crosby could split before it is all said and done. Instead, to the credit of Dubas, the Pens are well on their way back to the postseason. Not all of the former Toronto executive’s moves have panned out perfectly, but if anything, the team’s revival is a testament to the legend of Malkin and Crosby. Just last month, it was starting to become apparent that the predicament was fading away, and an extension should materialize.
A -24 last season with 50 points in 68 games, Geno has turned the page in 2025-26, currently at over a point-per-game production in 41 contests. His metrics at even strength have dipped, just below the 50% mark in corsi for in all situations, but Malkin remains elite on the power play and still a vital top six contributor.
Outlined in the article, Malkin is likely willing to take a pay cut from his current $6.1MM value on a one-year extension, taking him through 2026-27, which is also Crosby’s final year signed. Such will have to be worked out in the coming weeks, but in all likelihood, Penguins fans can look ahead to a proper final chapter for their franchise giants of the 21st century.
Image Credit: Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
West Notes: Ducks, Kaiser, Mammoth
The Anaheim Ducks took the ice today for their first practice back from the Olympic break, with Leo Carlsson and Frank Vatrano full participants, as noted by Derek Lee of The Hockey News. Both players are working their way back from procedures.
In Carlsson, the 21-year-old young star was one of the biggest stories of the first half of the campaign, as he has broken out along with his Ducks, putting up 44 points in as many games. Carlsson was on his way to representing Team Sweden at the Olympics until a Morel-Lavallée lesion sidelined him in mid-January, requiring surgery.
On the other hand, while many Ducks have enjoyed such breakouts in 2025-26 under new Head Coach Joel Quenneville, it has been the opposite for Vatrano. The 31-year-old has just three goals and six points in 38 games, night and day from his 37-goal production two seasons ago. Although, to be fair, it came at an unsustainable 13.6% shooting percentage, and the emergence of several young forwards has cut his ice time dramatically. The Massachusetts native sustained a shoulder fracture in late December which brought a six week timeline estimation.
Currently clinging to the second Wild Card spot, where they’ll look to hold off rivals and end a seven year postseason dry spell, Anaheim returns to action on February 25 as they host the Oilers.
Elsewhere across the conference:
- Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach Jeff Blashill told reporters, including Greg Boysen of Blackhawk Up, that Wyatt Kaiser will remain sidelined after the Olympic break, but it’s expected he will return at some point later in the season. Back on February 4, the defenseman had an awkward leg injury against Columbus that was cause for real concern. The 23-year-old has a subpar 45.8% corsi for at even strength and is a -12, but he’s averaging 19:10 a night, the most in his career so far.
- Mammoth forwards Logan Cooley and Alexander Kerfoot were both regular participants in practice today, but still working their way back to game shape, as reported by Cole Bagley of KSL Sports. Cooley hasn’t played since early December after a scary lower body injury which thankfully avoided season-ending designation. Meanwhile, Kerfoot underwent a procedure in October, delaying his start to the campaign until January. The 31-year-old found the back of the net once in nine games, the 99th goal of his career, but appears to have had a setback. Both players returned to the ice February 2 in non contact jerseys, with another step in recovery today. Even without their young star and a veteran role player, Utah is marching along toward the playoffs this spring.
Canucks Recall Aku Koskenvuo
With several teams summoning players from their AHL affiliates today to practice during remainder of the Olympics, the Vancouver Canucks got in on the action, announcing that goaltender Aku Koskenvuo has been recalled under emergency conditions. The 22-year-old will practice with the team while Kevin Lankinen remains with Team Finland, representing both his and Koskenvuo’s home country.
Chosen in the fifth round of the 2021 draft, Koskenvuo developed at Harvard prior to turning pro in 2025-26. So far this year he’s played nine games for Abbotsford of the AHL, also making six appearances in the ECHL with the Kalamazoo Wings, indicative that the 22-year-old is at least fifth on the goaltending depth chart for now. The 6’4″ left catcher has a 2-5 record so far in the AHL with a .895 save percentage and 3.20 goals-against-average.
Still in the beginning stages of his career, the 22-year-old will enjoy getting to practice with the big club before returning to the minors. Koskenvuo’s entry level contract expires after 2026-27, as he’ll work to move up the organizational depth chart until then.
East Notes: Penguins, Laine, Flyers
As teams return to practice today, some without notable members still competing in the Olympics, several updates have emerged. In Pittsburgh, Kris Letang told the media, including Michelle Crechiolo, Penguins team reporter, that he is nearing 100% from his lower body injury. It’s expected that he’ll be ready for February 26 against the Devils, but not yet certain.
The 38-year-old had to miss the club’s last four games going into the Olympic break. Letang had a rough start to his 20th season with Pittsburgh, leading to questions on his outlook. Since then, the stalwart has still played heavy minutes, 22:06 a night, just behind Erik Karlsson. His 50.5% corsi at even strength is a slight improvement from last season, but still a step below the norm. Currently +3 with 25 points in 50 games, Letang has turned the corner from last season’s -15, 30 point output.
Symbolic of the team’s rebound as a whole, Letang’s Penguins are closing in on ending their three year postseason drought, as they have the opportunity to go on what could be one last dance as an unforgettable era winds down.
Also in Pittsburgh, Filip Hallander returned to practice, as reported by Crechiolo. The forward hasn’t played since November, missing 42 games from a blood clot in his leg. At 25 years old, the former second round pick is just getting off the ground in his NHL career, with all four of his career points coming this season. The timing of his ailment was especially unfortunate, costing him a chance to play in his native Sweden in the Global Series.
Elsewhere across the conference:
- Canadiens winger Patrik Laine missed today’s practice due to a lower body injury, per the team. He is still working his way back from core muscle surgery, not having played since October. Noted as a likely trade candidate last week, Laine’s days in Montreal seem to be nearing an end, although his $8.7MM price tag will be difficult to work through. The 27-year-old former 40 goal scorer will be an intriguing free agent this summer, but unfortunately his health is a major factor. Laine hasn’t dressed in more than 68 games in a campaign since 2018-19. His Habs return to action February 26 against the Islanders.
- Along with goaltender Carson Bjarnason, who was recalled earlier today, Flyers prospects Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald will join the team for practice this week, according to Jackie Spiegel of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Bonk, a first round selection in 2023, made a case to make the team right out of the OHL but was injured in camp. Finally activated in early December, he has just six points in 22 games, indicative that seasoning is needed for the team’s top blueliner prospect, who has second pairing potential. On the other hand, McDonald, a former sixth round pick, has a more limited upside at the highest level but at 6’4” he brings serious physicality. Both defenseman are awaiting their NHL debut.
Evening Notes: Team France, Sharangovich, Lund
Hockey France announced earlier today that defenseman Pierre Crinon will meet with Pierre-Yves Gerbeau, president of the FFHG and deputy head of the delegation. Crinon will be summoned “to shed full light on this incident”. In other words, he will need to answer for his actions and may face discipline.
Crinon, a 30-year-old 6’4” defenseman who made stops in the USHL and NAHL over a decade ago, has since played professionally in France. He has been a controversial player, punching an opposing goaltender earlier this season in Ligue Magnus. In the midst of a resounding 10-2 defeat to Team Canada today, Crinon delivered a high hit on Nathan MacKinnon, and more notably, fought Tom Wilson late in the contest.
It was already revealed that Wilson will not face suspension for his role in the incident, but Crinon may have a different fate as he’s brought unwanted negative attention to the French team. While making his way off the ice after the fight, the defenseman was seen egging on the crowd. The Olympics allow for a one-of-a-kind event in which players such as Crinon have the opportunity to compete against the best NHL players in the world. Doing so in honor of their countries, naturally such lesser heralded players want to make a mark, but incidents such as today’s are never a good look.
Elsewhere across the league:
- The Calgary Flames may have trouble finding a new home for forward Yegor Sharangovich, as reported by David Pagnotta on February 13’s episode of The Sheet with Jeff Marek. As the team works through what could be a heavy sell-off, Pagnotta says Sharangovich’s name is the least mentioned. On paper, the 27-year-old should have interest in a change of scenery deal, as a former 30-goal-scorer. The Flames were right to lock him up after such a great first campaign in Calgary, but unfortunately things have soured since. The forward has just 20 points on the season, in the first year of a five year contract worth $5.75MM per season. Sharangovich still has strong metrics; a 53.5% corsi for in all situations, and a 87.5% corsi for on the man advantage. His struggles are indicative of a weaker Calgary team, but regardless, it appears he’ll be a Flame for the near future as he works to get back on track.
- San Jose Sharks prospect Cameron Lund will miss multiple weeks due to an upper-body injury, reported by Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now. The 2022 second rounder has 25 points in 37 games with the San Jose Barracuda, in his first full professional season after three years at Northeastern University. Lund jumped right into the NHL last year after college, making 11 appearances for San Jose and recording three points. In such a deep prospect pool, Lund is a bit overshadowed, but he has size (6’2”) with enough scoring touch and speed to be a future complementary scorer. The tenth-ranked Barracuda will move forward without Lund having won seven of their last 10 games.
Trade Deadline Primer: Edmonton Oilers
With the Olympic break upon us, the trade deadline is under a month away. Where does each team stand, and what moves should they be looking to make? After looking at bubble teams in recent days, we now shift the focus to teams currently in a playoff spot. Next up are the Oilers.
Coming up just short of the Stanley Cup in the last two seasons, the Edmonton Oilers have had an up and down season so far but the door is as open as ever. 2025-26 marks a decade since the Connor McDavid/Leon Draisaitl era began, and although the franchise is facing mounting pressure, it’s not like they haven’t been close, simply running into a buzzsaw in the Florida Panthers. Back in October, the Oilers locked up McDavid on a two year extension, meaning until at least 2027-28, it’s all systems go. GM Stan Bowman was busy in December, finally addressing goaltending, acquiring Tristan Jarry, as well as depth offensive defenseman Spencer Stastney. Jarry has not fared much better than the off-cast Stuart Skinner so far, but Edmonton hopes he can hold things down behind a dynamic group. Firmly in the playoff hunt yet again, with their nemesis in Florida possibly out of the picture, the Oilers will look to return to the Finals for a third straight time.
Record
28-22-8, 2nd in the Pacific (74.9% playoff probability, per MoneyPuck)
Deadline Status
Buyer
Deadline Cap Space
$2.88MM on deadline day, 0/3 retention slots used, 46/50 contracts used, per PuckPedia.
Upcoming Draft Picks
2026: EDM 2nd, EDM 3rd, EDM 6th, EDM 7th
2027: EDM 1st, EDM 2nd, EDM 5th, BOS 5th, EDM 6th, EDM 7th
Trade Chips
With limited draft capital and salary cap limitations, Edmonton will primarily look at moving out roster players to iron out their group. The most obvious candidate is Andrew Mangiapane, who has been subject of rumors all year, most recently linked to Ottawa as well as Anaheim, Detroit, and Winnipeg. With just 12 points in 49 games, the usually dependable secondary scorer has not been a fit with the Oil, and it seems all but guaranteed he’ll be moved before March 6. The only issue besides his struggles; the 29-year-old is signed through next year at $3.6MM and has trade protection, although he’d surely welcome a fresh start.
Elsewhere it’s not as clear. Mattias Janmark, a key role player over the past several seasons, has just one goal all year. The veteran’s possession metrics have steadily declined, currently at a 39.4% corsi for in all situations, a career-low at age 33. Similar to Mangiapane though, he’s signed through 2026-27, coming in at a $1.45MM cap hit. Janmark’s value would likely be limited to a 1-1 player swap for another comparable bottom sixer with a similar contract.
As their 2026 first round pick is expected to end up in the hands of San Jose from the Jake Walman deal, if Bowman decides it’s essentially now or never, he could tap into a prospect pool which is not surprisingly bottom ranked, but offers some interesting names. On the defensive side, Beau Akey stands out, the 2023 second round selection a righty with raw offensive potential, just 31 games into his professional career with AHL Bakersfield. NCAA standout Paul Fischer, a lefty, figures to have more of a path forward in the organization, assuming the team locks him up on an entry-level contract this spring.
Expected to search for supporting cast rather than big game hunting, top prospect Isaac Howard is still a name hard to ignore in any trade speculation. The 21-year-old has 31 points in 24 AHL games this season, also making 28 appearances at the highest level in his first pro season. Seemingly a full time NHLer as soon as next year, where his energy and skill are exactly what the team needs, the Oilers would be showing keen patience by holding onto the youngster, rather than falling into the classic short term gains trap. Regardless, if Bowman were to pull off a surprise splash, Howard, along with their 2027 first round pick, would be in the conversation.
Team Needs
1) Third-line Center: Having just turned 36, Adam Henrique is no longer a viable option at 3C, should Edmonton make another deep run. The respected veteran has just 10 points all season. Henrique is still dependable at the faceoff dot, but he is currently on LTIR with an undisclosed injury. Even once healthy sometime post-Olympics, an upgrade would be beneficial. Columbus captain Boone Jenner would be a tremendous acquisition, but in the midst of a remarkable turnaround, the Blue Jackets may be content to hold onto their longest tenured player. Even so, the team also offers Charlie Coyle as an intriguing higher end rental candidate, but his $5.25MM cap hit would be difficult to sneak in even if Bowman put together a compelling trade package. Elsewhere, Winnipeg offers two viable options, the club already being linked to Mangiapane. Vladislav Namestnikov emerges as a capable center with similar contract term in a possible swap. Bowman could also try to bring in his former Chicago captain in Jonathan Toews, but the 37-year-old is clearly not ring chasing at this stage, and may be hesitant to depart his native Jets in a sentimental final chapter. The future Hall-of-Famer firmly holds all cards in terms of his future.
2) Middle-Six scoring depth:
Somewhat surprisingly it came out just yesterday that the team is not likely to target defense, so besides an anchor down the middle in Henrique’s mold, Edmonton also could use a winger to bring what Mangiapane was signed for. If Nashville holds onto their bigger ticket veterans, they could retain on Michael Bunting’s expiring $4.5MM, the 30-year-old already known to have a skillset complementary of elite centers from his time in Toronto. Speaking of the Maple Leafs, Bobby McMann and his highly manageable $1.35MM cap hit would be a huge addition by the Oilers, filling a Corey Perry-type void. However, Toronto will not part with their surprise 20-goal-scorer easily, and Edmonton’s limited offerings make a deal difficult to pull off. Finally, Calgary’s Blake Coleman would thrive wearing the blue and orange, but he would require salary retention along with Edmonton likely having to move out Henrique’s $3MM cap hit, not to mention the two clubs being divisional rivals. Dealing Henrique would be difficult as he holds trade protection, and Bowman has limited draft capital sweeteners to work with. Whatever the case, the Oilers have no shortage of names to pursue as they work toward a seventh straight playoff berth.
Image Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Evening Notes: Blueger, Fowler, McKenna
The Vancouver Canucks are expected to have a high asking price for potential rental center Teddy Blueger, as written by Thomas Drance in an article with The Athletic from last week.
The 31-year-old had to miss a large portion of the season with an undisclosed injury, but since being activated on January 21, he’s been on a hot streak with five points in his last five games. Never notching more than 28 points in a campaign, Blueger is more of a penalty killing role player, but especially in such a thin center market, with a $1.8MM cap hit, he will come at a premium.
Nearly three years ago, Blueger was traded from Pittsburgh to Vegas for a third round pick, then catching on with Vancouver as a free agent. It’s hard to imagine the Canucks will part with him for less than that, considering demand and his strong play of late.
Contenders will have a chance to watch Blueger play a large role against elite competition on the global stage. He is helping lead Team Latvia in the Olympic Games, before coming back to the bottom ranked Canucks heading into the Trade Deadline season.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Montreal Canadiens top goalie prospect Jacob Fowler will miss AHL All Star festivities due to an upper-body injury, the Laval Rocket shared. The 21-year-old has proven to be a steal, chosen in the third round of the 2023 draft out of Boston College and now one of the league’s premier goaltender prospects. Fowler has a .914 save percentage, good for fourth in the AHL, on the sixth-ranked Rocket. Still early in his professional career, the Florida native already appeared in 10 games with the big club this season and performed well. The Rocket noted that he will still “remain on the bench” so it is likely precautionary and no cause for real concern.
- Top 2026 draft prospect Gavin McKenna is expected to return this weekend, according to Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald. NHL scouts were apparently notified that the Penn State star will be in action at Michigan in a huge matchup between the two top five ranked Big 10 teams. McKenna has had an eventful February, starting with an arrest and felony aggravated assault charges, which were eventually withdrawn. He still faces a misdemeanor charge, but an initial court date tomorrow has been postponed, meaning the 18-year-old can focus fully on the Wolverines.
Longtime Canucks Broadcaster Jim Robson Passes Away
Retired Vancouver Canucks play-by-play announcer Jim Robson has passed away at the age of 91, the news shared by Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK. He was an original part of the team, joining as they entered the NHL as an expansion franchise in 1970, making his mark in the booth all the way until 1999 in a legendary career across both radio and television.
Known as the Voice of the Canucks for 29 years, Robson earned the opportunity to work for Hockey Night in Canada, as well as assignments for the Stanley Cup Finals four times. In 1982, he covered the Finals as his Canucks took on the eventual champion New York Islanders.
The Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native is also well intertwined with New York’s history, as his call of Bob Nystrom’s Stanley Cup-winning overtime goal in 1980 proved to be a highlight of an impressive career.
As for his own team, Robson’s narration of Greg Adams’ overtime winner sending Vancouver to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1994 was another unforgettable moment. In a post shared by Dallas Stars broadcaster Daryl Reaugh, Robson reflected on the Canucks’ 1994 run with Vancouver News six years ago.
Robson moved fully to television after the 1993-94 season, his last game on the radio airwaves proving to be a memorable one, game seven of the Finals between the Canucks and the Rangers.
In 1998-99, Robson’s final year, he shared duty with John Shorthouse who remains Vancouver’s current voice on television to this day, as the torch was passed on. Rogers Arena’s broadcast booth is named after Robson, as he will be remembered for years to come as a pillar of the Canucks.
A recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 1992, honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame as a distinguished broadcaster, Robson is also a member of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame and the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame.
We at Pro Hockey Rumors send our condolences to Robson’s family, friends, and peers.
Snapshots: Predators, Vilmanis, Schwartz
As the Nashville Predators take first steps into their general manager search, following Barry Trotz’s sudden resignation announcement earlier this week, an interesting roadblock emerged. According to Insider Frank Seravalli, the NHL Players Association is reviewing Creative Artists Agency, who were hired by the franchise to conduct their search.
The agency also represents NHL players, and therefore may not be permitted for involvement in front office personnel processes, even if coming from a different arm of the agency. It is considered a potential conflict of interest. CAA’s website shows a long list of NHL players represented, headlined by Sidney Crosby, not to mention Predators cornerstone Filip Forsberg and numerous other stars of the game.
A somewhat similar situation occurred in 2023, also reported by Seravalli back then, when the NHLPA investigated former Maple Leafs and current Penguins GM Kyle Dubas’ relationship with an agency connected to Auston Matthews and other NHLers, which did not lead to violations. It’s unclear what will arise from the situation with CAA and the Predators, but worth monitoring nonetheless.
Until a candidate is selected, Trotz is set to maintain his role as long as needed, steering the franchise into the Trade Deadline season where Nashville must decide between selling or keeping the band together for a Wild Card push.
On today’s episode of the DFO Rundown podcast, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that Nashville had a few trades in the works this week that fell through, and may be revisited after the Olympic break. As Trotz works through his final chapter, he figures to be active with high trade demands to leave his franchise in a good place for the next regime.
Elsewhere across the league:
- The Florida Panthers shared mid-game that Sandis Vilmanis wouldn’t return due to an upper-body injury. The forward delivered a controversial hit to Bruins star Charlie McAvoy, making the head a main point of contact, while McAvoy is wearing a full shield recovering from a broken jaw. Vilmanis was assessed only a minor penalty, not returning afterward, but the incident could receive further discipline. The 22-year-old with 12 NHL games under his belt is far from a household name, but Vilmanis was named to Latvia’s Olympic roster and his injury status could have implications for Milan. He is one of eight active NHL skaters on the nation’s squad.
- Ahead of tonight’s game in Los Angeles, the Seattle Kraken revealed forward Jaden Schwartz wouldn’t play due to a lower-body injury. The veteran already missed a chunk of the campaign for such an injury, and while it’s not clear if they are related naturally there’s cause for concern. When healthy, the 33-year-old remains effective, notching 19 points in 36 games, par for the course in his Kraken tenure over the past several years. Seattle has been sniffing around in the trade market as they gear up for a run at the postseason, and hopefully Schwartz will take the Olympic break to get healthy in time to play his part this spring.