Lightning Reassign Maxim Groshev
Earlier today, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that Maxim Groshev has been re-assigned to AHL Syracuse.
The defenseman has bounced between the AHL and NHL throughout the season, last being called up one week ago. In his latest stint, the 24-year-old made his eagerly awaited NHL debut, recording an assist on 13:03 of ice time. Even with Groshev out of the mix for now, along with Ryan McDonagh, Emil Martinsen Lilleberg, and Victor Hedman all injured, the team has six active defenders ahead of tomorrow’s game against Colorado. The news may indicate that McDonagh is due to return sometime later in the week.
Groshev working his way into an NHL lineup last Saturday and making an impact is particularly impressive, as the Russian was drafted in the third round back in 2020 as a forward. Unable to make enough of an impact offensively in North America, he dropped back to defense, rarely seen in a level as high as the AHL. Since then, Groshev has made strides, leading Crunch blueliners in scoring with 12 points in 27 games.
A restricted free agent at season’s end, Groshev faces an especially tough challenge to solidify himself as a full-time NHLer, given his unlikely path, and figures to be no more than a depth option at this point. However, through it all, he’s managed to earn the trust of the Bolts when needed, who continue to win despite recent injury adversity, and make his mark at the highest level.
After tomorrow’s home tilt against the Avs, the Lightning embark on a road trip to start the next week. Barring additional injuries, Groshev could be set to settle in Syracuse for the remainder of 2026 and help the top team make a push in their North Division.
Flyers Sign Christian Dvorak To Five-Year Extension
Another pending free agent domino has fallen, as the Philadelphia Flyers announced that Christian Dvorak has been extended on a five-year deal worth $5.15MM per season. The news was first reported by Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, who shared that the two sides were closing in earlier this evening.
According to Kevin Kurz of The Athletic, the agreement carries a no-trade clause for the first two years, a limited no-trade clause in years three and four, and finally, no trade protection in the fifth and final year.
The extension will keep the soon-to-be 30-year-old Dvorak in the orange and black for what could prove to be his longest stay anywhere, after five and four year stops in Arizona and Montreal, respectively.
Signed by the Flyers last summer on a one-year deal worth $5.4MM, Dvorak has been a strong fit, with 25 points in 39 games so far this season which is on pace to be a career best by a considerable margin. Somewhat surprisingly, the Illinois native has become a top center on a Flyers club right in the playoff mix, and rather than hit the market with his value as high as ever, Dvorak cashes in and now can settle in on his home for years to come.
AFP Analytics predicted that if he were to hit the open market, Dvorak could have been due for a four year contract worth $5.6MM per. Given the especially thin center market, the money is right on track, and the extra year may have been the cherry on top to get it done.
Chosen in the second round of the 2014 draft by Arizona, the Montreal Canadiens were impressed by Dvorak’s track record in five seasons as a ‘Yote. Just prior to the start of the 2021-22 campaign, they gave up first and second round picks, setting him up with an opportunity to blossom into a true top six center. Dvorak came to the Habs in a transitional phase, as former GM Marc Bergevin tried to create a new window. It didn’t materialize as envisioned, and shortly thereafter, Bergevin was let go. Even through a rebuild, Dvorak managed to stick around, but he never took another step as a Hab, dealing with injuries and never eclipsing the 33-point mark.
In need of a placeholder center, the Flyers were content to give Dvorak a “prove it” deal where the center bet on himself, aware he’d likely hold a larger role in Philadelphia. A possible spring trade-flip was likely in the back of the Flyers’ minds, but instead, to Dvorak’s credit, it has paid off. Such a contract may bring some sticker shock, but even as the Flyers’ youth takes form in coming years, Dvorak brings real intangibles. As shared by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, GM Daniel Briere spoke highly of Dvorak’s trustworthy two-way abilities, and his key role in the locker room.
What will be most fascinating, is where his game goes from here. On paper, Dvorak figures to age into a bottom six center capable of strong shutdown play, but his current metrics lean offensively, with a questionable defensive impact. Still just 39 games into his tenure, Philadelphia is banking on the center to continue such offensive output and not regress to his previous ~30 point level. Clearly they hold Dvorak in high regard, and with ample cap space and an extremely limited free agent market this summer, it may be a gamble worth taking. Dvorak figures to be a respectable bridge-gapper for center prospects Jett Luchanko and Jack Nesbitt, both quintessential Flyers following Briere’s vision.
With Dvorak out of the fold, along with Alexander Wennberg, who re-upped with San Jose yesterday at three years, $6MM per season, even more eyes turn to Utah’s Nick Schmaltz, in the midst of a great season. Based on recent developments, Utah may need to weigh their options with their top line center. The Mammoth still hold onto an outside shot at the postseason, where they’d love to make their first appearance in franchise history, but a top scorer may be preparing to hit the open market in July.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s core is now mostly locked up entering 2026-27, outside of Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, both pending restricted free agents. If they can maintain their performance of late and make a real playoff push, Briere still holds enough cap flexibility to supplement the group further. Dvorak will work to prove his value as a Flyer, scoring when needed and contributing in all situations, giving the team a big morale boost from today’s news.
Photo Courtesy of Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin Leaves Game Due To Injury
A potentially significant injury occured this evening, as New York Rangers star goaltender Igor Shesterkin left due to a lower body injury, and will not return, as announced by the team.
With around seven minutes remaining in the first of a scoreless game, Utah forward JJ Peterka lightly collided with Shesterkin in his crease in an innocuous play. The light impact sent the goaltender falling backward with his right pad planted, resulting in an awkward position and an apparent knee injury, which has many fearing the worst.
The 30-year-old is in year one of his eight year extension worth $11.5MM per season, solidifying himself among the league’s very best. In a time where scoring rates have climbed, Shesterkin holds elite statistics, with a .912 save percentage this season and a 2.47 goals-against-average to boot.
Thankfully, New York is tremendously deep in net, with ageless wonder Jonathan Quick as backup, who subsequently entered the game tonight along with his .924 save percentage. The Rangers also have Dylan Garand in the AHL, a well regarded prospect patiently awaiting his NHL debut, now in his fourth full season pro. However, Shesterkin is desperately needed if New York will be able to climb the ranks in the grueling Metropolitan Division and vie for a fourth straight playoff appearance.
After their exciting Winter Classic victory in Florida, the Rangers were hoping to turn the corner, but just five days into the New Year, they find themselves facing another massive challenge, if the superstar netminder will miss extended time.
Avalanche’s Gabriel Landeskog, Devon Toews To Miss Some Time
7:00 PM: Both Landeskog and defenseman Devon Toews will have to miss “some time,” head coach Jared Bednar told Corey Masisak of the Denver Post after Sunday’s game. Toews exited Colorado’s Saturday matchup with a lower-body injury after an awkward tumble into the boards. He missed Sunday’s game. It is unclear what either player is dealing with, though teammates Scott Wedgewood and Nathan MacKinnon hinted at Landeskog’s injury potentially being a bone fracture – perhaps his collarbones or ribs.
As Masisak pointed out, the Avalanche have now lost four players to injury over the last five days, including winger Joel Kiviranta, starting goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, and rookie Gavin Brindley. The injuries will pose a tough test for an Avalanche team that has still only lost three games in regulation this season. Colorado was on a 10-game win streak until tonight’s loss. They have a 24-2-3 record since the start of November.
5:50 PM: Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog left tonight’s game against Florida after crashing hard into the net and needing help off the ice, as seen in a clip shared by Sportsnet. The veteran lost an edge and skidded hard into the left post, with an impact in the rib area. The play was eerily similar to Seth Jarvis‘ own injury in late December, which has sidelined the Hurricanes star since.
Landeskog has been a great story so far this season, working his way back after three full seasons missed due to ongoing knee issues. The 33-year-old is no longer a high scorer, but he’s played in every game this season, posting 22 points and remaining an integral presence on the league’s top team, doing so in a top-line role no less.
Official word on the veteran’s status has yet to come out, but based on what we’ve seen, Colorado’s captain could miss considerable time. It would prove to be the first significant adversity for the club, sitting comfortably at the top of the league by a wide margin, having not lost any top players for any considerable time so far in 2025-26.
Pro Hockey Rumors’ Gabriel Foley also contributed to this article.
Snapshots: Schwartz, Toews, Sharks
A long awaited return could be coming soon, as Seattle forward Jaden Schwartz was a full practice participant donning a no-contact jersey, as reported by Sound Of Hockey. The veteran hasn’t played since late November, in week five of his initial six-week expected absence.
Schwartz suffered a lower-body injury against Dallas on November 26. Despite struggling to create offense, currently last in the league in that category, Seattle holds a Wild Card spot, and has stayed afloat without their key forward. A pending UFA in the final year of his five year deal worth $5.5MM per season, on paper the 33-year-old could be a trade candidate. However, especially given their status in the playoff mix, it is thought that the Kraken would like to retain Schwartz into the twilight years of his career as a leader on a young forward core, with a Stanley Cup under his belt.
Unfortunately, Schwartz is no stranger to injuries throughout his career, as the 15 year veteran has not reached the 82 game mark, coming up one game short in 2024-25. Yet when healthy, he remains productive, with 15 points in 23 games this season. The small sample size is on pace for his best season with Seattle. A return by tomorrow’s game is unlikely, but Schwartz could return by later in the week.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Colorado defenseman Devon Toews is out tonight due to an upper-body injury, as reported by Corey Masisak of The Denver Post. While it is not officially connected, the ailment is likely related to Saturday, when Toews fell awkwardly into the boards. He was able to finish the game, but now, has missed his first of the campaign. The 31-year-old’s offensive output has taken a step back this season, with 13 points in 40 games, below his usual 50-point pace. Yet he and Cale Makar complement each other perfectly, forming one of the very best pairings in the league on both ends of the ice. Toews could return as soon as Tuesday, as the Avs travel to Tampa Bay.
- Two San Jose defensemen were absent from practice today, John Klingberg and Shakir Mukhamadullin, as shared by Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now. Klingberg was out of yesterday’s game, and the top defender was sorely missed as the club lost 7-3 to Tampa Bay. The veteran is dealing with a lower-body injury, and based on today’s news, he could return sometime later in the week. Overcoming major injury concerns in the past, Klingberg has enjoyed a resurgence with San Jose, eating minutes on the top pairing and helping the team show real promise. On the other hand, Mukhamadullin left yesterday’s game after just five minutes of ice time due to injury. Veteran Nick Leddy could return to the lineup Tuesday if neither are able to return, having not played since December 23.
Red Wings Recall John Leonard
This evening the Detroit Red Wings shared that John Leonard has been recalled from AHL Grand Rapids. No corresponding transaction was required.
The forward was sent back down on New Year’s Eve, not due to performance, but more a technical move to avoid waiver requirements. Had he stayed up for longer, the former sixth-round pick would become waiver eligible, where he’d become a surefire claim candidate. In his rehab stint of sorts, Leonard not surprisingly continued his elite AHL production, posting three more points in as many games with the Griffins. Now with seven fewer games in hand, Leonard has been surpassed as the AHL’s top scorer, but he impressively remains sixth despite spending notable time in the NHL now.
Originally earning the call up as a result of icon Patrick Kane‘s injury, Leonard made an immediate impact, with four points in seven games. Many such high scoring AHLers struggle to get top six opportunities at the highest level, but Detroit has made sure to avoid burying theirs. The sniper got to play on the second line with Andrew Copp and Alex DeBrincat, but once Kane returned, he was naturally bumped down, playing over five minutes less, at 7:31.
Plucking such a high level performer from their affiliate is never easy, but even without him, Grand Rapids has continued their all-time great results. They boast an insane 28-1-2 record, with 11 more points than the second-place Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Even if Leonard can establish himself with Detroit as a secondary scorer this season, the team would likely replenish their AHL club with a top prospect such as Nate Danielson or Marco Kasper, who would may benefit from such a role on a dominant team.
Detroit takes on Ottawa tomorrow, where Leonard may re-enter the lineup. An UFA at season’s end, the 27-year-old has remained patient in his efforts to become a full time NHLer for the first time in five years, and at this rate, it hopefully may pay off.
Sharks Sign Alexander Wennberg To Three-Year Extension
This afternoon, the Sharks locked up pending free agent center Alexander Wennberg, as first reported by Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now. The team officially announced that the deal is for three years at a $6MM AAV.
Signed to a two-year deal worth $5MM per season in 2024, Wennberg has enjoyed playing a larger role on a lesser team of late. An eventual deal to a top contender was likely in mind, but today’s news indicates that San Jose sees Wennberg as much more than merely a veteran placeholder. In a thin trade market for centers, GM Mike Grier could have added even more futures to his loaded cupboard. Yet, especially given their step forward this season, the Swede will stay with the Sharks for the foreseeable future and help them blossom into a serious contender in the late 2020s. After so much turnaround in recent years, the core is starting to solidify.
At a $6MM price tag through his age-34 season, the figure for Wennberg is indicative of a limited free agent market, especially down the middle. With another forward now erased from the board, Utah’s Nick Schmaltz remains the likely top center available. The 29-year-old is peaking at the right time, with 36 points in 42 games, and would be wise to hit the market with another counterpart now out of the picture.
As for Wennberg, AFP Analytics predicted that he’d be due for a four-year extension worth $4.8MM per season. Therefore, the more favorable three-year term came with an added cost, enough to sway Wennberg away from the open market, and San Jose comfortably has the cap room to do so. Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith remain on their entry-level deals for one more season, and the Sharks will also have Jeff Skinner‘s $3MM coming off the books this summer, along with over $15 million across practically their entire defense core.
Once a high-end prospect for Columbus, Wennberg broke out in 2016-17 with 56 points, seemingly on his path to becoming a high-end offensive top-six driver. Since then, he’s had no more than 38 points in a season, becoming a more defensive center with playmaking ability. He made stops in Florida, Seattle, and New York before coming to San Jose on a generous deal, which helped the rebuilding club fill the void of Logan Couture while reaching the cap floor.
Wennberg posted 35 points in 77 contests last season, but especially with the team playing much better overall, he’s taken a step forward with 26 in 41 games. On most contenders, Wennberg would be a true third-line center, but clearly, he enjoys playing a key role on a dynamic young team, earning more salary to do so. He posts strong defensive and playmaking metrics, proving to be a highly valued supporting piece.
Above the .500 mark at the midway point, San Jose sneaking into the playoffs still seems unlikely, but considering their progress under Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky, the team will be a threat for the duration of Wennberg’s deal. With an abundance of assets and the unique opportunity to overhaul their back end this summer, Grier checks a big box today, with his forward corps mostly sorted out.
Today’s news is a nice morale boost for the group as they return to action on Tuesday, aiming to maintain their playoff push and cap off the rebuild ahead of schedule.
Photo courtesy of Jerome Miron – Imagn Images.
Maple Leafs’ Chris Tanev’s Season In Doubt
This afternoon David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period shared an update on Toronto’s Chris Tanev; the defenseman may miss the remainder of the regular season. Tanev returned to the lineup in late December, appearing in three games. Now, an apparent groin injury which is unrelated to his previous lower-body ailment could end Tanev’s regular season.
Pagnotta noted that Tanev will meet with a surgeon this week to determine if a procedure is needed. If such is the case, he will not be able to return until late April or early May, postseason at best. Given their status in the extremely competitive Eastern Conference, Toronto’s playoff hopes are already uncertain, and even more clouded without their veteran shutdown defender.
Despite today’s speed oriented game, Tanev remains an integral piece when healthy. He and Jake McCabe form one of the league’s best shutdown pairings, and even in his age, Tanev is playing as well as ever, making the ongoing injury issues especially demoralizing.
Nothing will be confirmed for the next few days, but it seems to be a forgone conclusion that Tanev will land on long-term injured reserve, giving much needed cap space for Toronto to pursue outside help. Thankfully, fellow righty Brandon Carlo is thought to be nearing a return, much needed given Tanev’s absence. However, even with Carlo back in the fold, the Leafs are seeking a shake up. Veteran Troy Stecher, claimed off waivers from Edmonton in November, has been a strong fit in Tanev’s role, and the team has found success of late, 4-0-2 in their last six games. Recent results aside though, GM Brad Treliving has been linked to defenseman Rasmus Andersson, going back to their time in Calgary, along with forwards such as Brayden Schenn and Kiefer Sherwood, as reported by The Fourth Period.
Toronto has a long history of adding such players mid-season; the issue is the assets on hand. Treliving has just three owned draft picks for 2026, no better than a third, and no first round choice until 2028. They face the difficulty of having mostly underachieving players as their only trade material. Andersson, who could become a real focus due to today’s Tanev news, has a modified no-trade clause. Even if he’d be willing to waive, and Calgary was satisfied by a player-heavy offer from Toronto, it is a real question if the team should gamble on another trade rental. None over the past few seasons have necessarily panned out, nor stuck around, painting the team into the corner they find themselves at now.
Tanev, 36, is just now in year two of a six year contract worth $4.5MM per season. As it takes him up to age 40, it was not likely the Ontario native would play out the deal, yet for his future to already be in flux was not according to plan. Tanev would expectedly age more gracefully than Jake Muzzin or T.J. Brodie, who found themselves in similar situations, but Treliving was surely not ready to cross such a bridge so soon as now. While the hope is that he could avoid surgery and return sometime in the winter, unfortunately, it may soon be time for Toronto to search for their long-term replacement for a highly respected veteran who has been a warrior over the past 15 years.
Panthers Recall Tobias Bjornfot
Ahead of their game this evening against Colorado, the Florida Panthers announced that defenseman Tobias Björnfot has been recalled from AHL Charlotte. Although official word has yet to be provided, the move suggests that Seth Jones will not play, after his Winter Classic injury. The Panthers had an open roster spot, and no corresponding transaction is required.
The 24-year-old is in his second full season with the Panthers organization, where he has spent most time in the AHL, after being claimed off waivers from Vegas in March of 2024. Björnfot was already called upon earlier this season, in mid October, but did not get into a game, and has yet to debut in the NHL this season.
Selected 22nd overall by Los Angeles in 2019 with the pick acquired from Toronto in the Jake Muzzin deal, Björnfot was thought to be a well-rounded two-way defender with top-four upside. After proving unable to break through with the Kings, he was waived, where the Golden Knights took a flyer. Björnfot had a very short stay there, before finding himself back on the wire, catching on with Florida.
Björnfot’s AHL play has not jumped off the page, but he is the undisputed most NHL capable defensive option in Charlotte, with 134 games at the highest level. Florida offers Donovan Sebrango as their current seventh defender, another lefty, who will likely join the lineup today. A pending RFA, Björnfot figures to be no more than organizational depth at the NHL level, but with Uvis Balinskis and Jeff Petry as pending UFAs, the door may be cracked for him to stick around as a bottom pair option in 2026-27.
In the meantime, it is thought that Jones dodged a more serious injury and should return sometime this week, so Björnfot’s latest stint with the big club is likely brief.
Injury Notes: Rangers, Capitals, Monahan
Colin Stephenson of Newsday Sports reported that Rangers captain J.T. Miller remains in a red no-contact jersey in practice this morning, while fellow forward Noah Laba was also a limited participant, skating on his own.
Miller has been out since December 20 after sustaining a hit versus Philadelphia, injuring his right shoulder. Subsequently, he was forced to miss the Winter Classic. Initially listed as week-to-week, the 32-year-old’s scoring has taken a step backwards so far this season, with 22 points in 35 games and a -11. However, once healthy, the veteran will lean into his imposing style and leadership on Team USA in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, Laba is also week-to-week with an upper-body injury, after taking a hard hit from Tom Wilson on New Year’s Eve. The rookie was an everyday player before the injury, with 12 points in 42 games on Head Coach Mike Sullivan’s third line. In his absence, 35-year-old depth forward Justin Dowling has slotted in from the AHL, getting to make his Rangers debut under the bright lights in Miami.
New York hosts Utah tomorrow night, and will do so without Miller or Laba. It is safe to assume neither will return for another week or so, but the club hopes their resounding Winter Classic win over Florida will kickstart a playoff push in the New Year.
Elsewhere across the league:
- Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network provided several injury updates on the Capitals: Tom Wilson is receiving further evaluation, and a better indication on a return time frame should come tomorrow. Aliaksei Protas is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Finally, Justin Sourdif and Jakob Chychrun are absent, but just due to maintenance. Wilson left last night’s game, seeming to suffer an awkward ankle injury. The team desperately hopes he won’t be out long, as the 31-year-old is possibly having his best season yet, in year 13. Wilson has been a force, leading the team with 42 points in 41 games, while still maintaining his usual wrecking ball physicality. Such output is a new level for the veteran who has a career high of 65 points, coming last season. Protas, on the other hand, missed last night’s game, his first absence of the year. The towering power forward has produced right on track with last season’s 30-goal, 66-point breakout, and thankfully, should return quickly. Washington is right back in action tomorrow night, taking on Anaheim at home, where Wilson and Protas’ presence will be watched closely.
- Ahead of today’s matinee action against Pittsburgh, Columbus will be missing Sean Monahan again, as reported by Jeff Svoboda, official team reporter. The center hasn’t played since December 28, with no official injury designation listed, making today his fourth straight game sidelined. Monahan, 31, had a strong campaign in his first as a Jacket last season, posting 57 points in 54 games. Things have not gone as to plan this year, with 19 in 37 contests, as Monahan has rotated at times with fellow veteran Charlie Coyle between second and third line center duties. As noted by Svoboda, the club hopes Monahan can return sometime this week. Currently at the bottom of a very deep Metropolitan Division, the Blue Jackets face an uphill battle to end their five year postseason drought.