One day after the Utah Hockey Club narrowed its list of potential new team names down to three, i...

One day after the Utah Hockey Club narrowed its list of potential new team names down to three, it removed one of those finalists in favor of a previous contender.Outlaws is back on the list and Wasatch is out, the relocated squad announced Thursday."We listened to your feedback and dug into all the Qualtrics data from last night's survey," the club <a href="https://x.com/utahhockeyclub/status/1885083081855688737">posted</a> on X. "For the team name, it's clear that Outlaws should be in the mix instead of Wasatch, so we're swapping it out."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Fan voting began Wednesday night during the team's 3-2 home loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.Hours earlier, Utah <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3203927" href="https://thescore.com/news/3203927">said</a> it had trimmed the list down to Mammoth, Wasatch, and its current moniker, and that surveys would be conducted at its next four home games beginning with that evening's matchup. Voting will continue at the Delta Center on Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday.The Outlaws name was one of six finalists in June along with Blizzard, Mammoth, Venom, Yeti, and Utah Hockey Club. The Wasatch is a mountain range that runs south from the Utah-Idaho border to central Utah. Most of the state's population lives within a 15-mile radius of the mountains. Wasatch replaced Yeti in Wednesday's final three because the team couldn't reach a coexistence agreement with YETI, a Texas-based company specializing in drinkware.Utah won't determine a new name during this season but is preparing to do so before the 2025-26 campaign.

MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 26: View of a Utah Hockey Club logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the Utah Hockey Club versus the Montreal Canadiens game on November 26, 2024, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

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Utah resurrects Outlaws as possible team name, drops Wasatch

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube stood up for Morgan Rielly when asked about the defen...

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube stood up for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2856" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2856">Morgan Rielly</a> when asked about the defenseman's struggles following a 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night. "Can Morgan play better? Yes, he can. We all know that. He knows that, and he's trying to work through it right now," Berube told reporters postgame. "It's a team game, it's not all on Morgan. Yes, he's a guy that we need offense from, from the back end. He's just got to stick with it, and we'll keep working at it. We'll try to help him as much as we can."Rielly was held without a point and was a minus-2 while playing 23:31 in the loss. The previously productive blue-liner has 22 this season, including five goals, across 51 games. However, he has only two points - both assists - in his last nine contests.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Maple Leafs lost their third straight game Wednesday and have had offensive troubles as a group of late. Toronto has mustered only three goals during the skid, falling 5-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 22 and then 2-1 to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday before Wednesday's loss."It's a tough stretch right now with scoring, that's the bottom line, so (we've) just got to battle through it," Berube said. "You can nitpick every little thing," the bench boss added. "Be in front of the goalie more, do this better, do that better. We're always on it, and we're looking for different ways to score, and guys that can do a better job. We've just got to stick with the plan, stick with our game, and not get off track. We'll score."The Florida Panthers overtook the Maple Leafs for first place in the Atlantic Division by a point Wednesday with a victory over the Los Angeles Kings. However, the Leafs still lead on points percentage, holding a .608 mark compared to the Panthers' .606. Toronto has a game in hand on Florida.

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 25: Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on January 25, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Berube defends Rielly amid Leafs' woes: 'It's not all on Morgan'

Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller didn't provide much certainty about Brandt Clarke's futur...

Los Angeles Kings head coach Jim Hiller didn't provide much certainty about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10708" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10708">Brandt Clarke</a>'s future when asked about scratching the defenseman Wednesday night."It's a tough, tough league for a young guy, you know what I mean?" Hiller said, according to team reporter <a href="https://lakingsinsider.com/2025/01/29/final-kings-0-panthers-3/">Zach Dooley</a>. "He's done great to get to this point, he finally got to be a healthy scratch, but he's played really well. This league will wear you down as a young player, and this will give (him) a reset. We'll see where it goes from here."Hiller took the 21-year-old out of the lineup to accommodate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/560">Drew Doughty</a>'s return, as the 35-year-old made his season debut after recovering from a broken ankle. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Clarke has 24 points, including 21 assists, while averaging 17:01 of ice time in 47 games this season.Doughty played a game-high 23:51 in the Kings' loss. He told reporters it "felt amazing" to be back but that it didn't feel that way at first."That's the most nervous I've been playing in a hockey game - that first shift - probably since honestly my first NHL game," Doughty <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcSegSpvXgM&amp;ab_channel=LAKings">said</a> postgame.The veteran noted it took him a while to get his groove back."I got better as the game went on, personally, felt better and more comfortable, and honestly by the third (period) felt completely like myself," he said.The Kings drafted Clarke eighth overall in 2021. Doughty ranks third in franchise history in games played with 1,1,78. He's in his 17th season with L.A., having helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014.

EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 13: Brandt Clarke #92 of the Los Angeles Kings awaits a face-off during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on January 13, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Hiller after scratching Clarke: 'We'll see where it goes from here'

The relatively new owners of the Pittsburgh Penguins are already looking to sell off a fraction o...

The relatively new owners of the Pittsburgh Penguins are already looking to sell off a fraction of the franchise.Fenway Sports Group will put a minority stake in the club on the market this week, sources told <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43588770/fenway-sports-group-looks-sell-stake-penguins">ESPN's Emily Kaplan and Kevin Weekes</a>. FSG reportedly anticipates maintaining a controlling interest in the team, and the percentage it's interested in selling is still to be determined. The current owners bought the club from icon Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle for $900 million in 2021. Lemieux and Burkle had controlled the team since 1999, when they rescued it from bankruptcy.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Fenway Sports Group also owns the Boston Red Sox and Premier League side Liverpool, among other properties. The group is helmed by principal owner John Henry and Tom Werner, who controls the second-largest block of shares. FSG bought the Red Sox in 2002, and the MLB squad ended an 86-year championship drought two years later before winning it all again in 2007, 2013, and 2018. It purchased Liverpool in 2010, and the football club won the UEFA Champions League in 2018-19 before claiming the Premier League title in the next campaign.The Penguins came into Monday sitting last in the Metropolitan Division in terms of points percentage (.471) with a 20-23-8 record.

Fort Myers, FL - February 19: Boston Red Sox owner Tom Werner and principal owner John Henry.

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Report: Penguins' owners looking to sell minority stake

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is withdrawing from Team Canada's squad in the u...

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1098" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1098">Alex Pietrangelo</a> is withdrawing from Team Canada's squad in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off to tend to an ailment and to be ready for the rest of the regular season, the NHL club announced Sunday.Hours later, Pietrangelo was in the lineup for the Golden Knights' 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Sunday. He was held without a point but logged 24:22 of ice time, the second-highest total among all skaters for both teams.Canada is losing a player with a Stanley Cup championship pedigree and plenty of international experience. He helped the nation win gold in the 2009 World Junior Championship, the 2014 Olympics, and the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the last time there was a best-on-best men's hockey tournament.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pietrangelo won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023 and with the St. Louis Blues in 2019. He's notched at least 50 regular-season points five times, and he's gone over 40 points 10 times in 14 full campaigns.The 35-year-old has three goals and 22 assists this season while averaging 22:43 of ice time over 47 contests with Vegas. He plays on the Golden Knights' top pairing alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4559" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4559">Noah Hanifin</a>, who'll be suiting up for the United States at the upcoming event.Pietrangelo was named to Canada's roster Dec. 4. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4482" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4482">Colton Parayko</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5553">Devon Toews</a> are the other Canadian blue-liners.Canada has until Feb. 11 to name a replacement for Pietrangelo, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1883652911756173324">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>. The Canadians open their tournament the next day against Sweden, and the tourney will run through Feb. 20 in Montreal and Boston.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 12: Alex Pietrangelo #7 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to a game against the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena on January 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Pietrangelo pulls out of 4 Nations Face-Off due to injury

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan is expected to miss an additional six-to-eight weeks w...

Columbus Blue Jackets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3000" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3000">Sean Monahan</a> is expected to miss an additional six-to-eight weeks with the wrist injury he sustained Jan. 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the club announced.Monahan missed his ninth straight game Saturday, sitting out a tilt against the Los Angeles Kings. The 30-year-old forward produced a point per game on the season before getting hurt, notching 14 goals and 27 assists across 41 contests. The Blue Jackets placed Monahan on injured reserve Jan. 9. He'd been skating as the team's top-line center.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Monahan is in his first campaign with Columbus. The Jackets inked him to a five-year deal at $5.5 million annually in July.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 7: Sean Monahan #23 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck in the second period during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on January 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Blue Jackets' Monahan likely out 6-8 more weeks with wrist injury

The Colorado Avalanche trading Mikko Rantanen appears to have caught star Nathan MacKinnon off gu...

The Colorado Avalanche trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> appears to have caught star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> off guard just as much as everyone else."Great friend, 10 years together, won the Cup, obviously. It's just sad," MacKinnon told the media, including <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/DNVR_Avalanche/status/1883258757830086761">DNVR Sports</a>, after Colorado's 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday. "I don't know exactly what happened. I called Mikko shortly after, (and) we talked for close to 20 minutes. It's just unfortunate losing a great friend, great teammate. Yeah, I'm going to miss him."MacKinnon added that he thought Rantanen, a pending unrestricted free agent, and his contract situation would proceed similarly to how it did with captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2034" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2034">Gabriel Landeskog</a> when the Avs signed him to an eight-year deal on the day before he would've become a UFA for the first time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"When Gabe didn't sign, it went to like the last hour, and (his contract) was up, so I just assumed it would be kind of the same thing (with Rantanen)," MacKinnon said. "I never thought in a million years he would leave, so yeah, it just sucks."MacKinnon also said he wasn't the only member of the Avalanche taken back by Friday's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188751" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188751">blockbuster trade</a>."A lot of the guys are just shocked," he said. "It's pretty crazy, someone like that getting traded, right now, even. "(He was) a big part of our team, our culture. (He was) here in the dog days in (2016-17) all the way up to now, and helped grow this organization into a Stanley Cup winner and obviously (us) being a contender every season, (he's) a big reason why."The Avalanche traded Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-way deal that included the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hurricanes received Rantanen, plus <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a> and the rights to forward prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14305" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14305">Nils Juntorp</a> from Chicago. Colorado got forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6484" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6484">Martin Necas</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10535" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10535">Jack Drury</a>, along with a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder, from Carolina.Chicago retained 50% of Rantanen's $9.25-million cap hit and acquired a 2025 third-round selection.MacKinnon and Rantanen were in their 10th season playing together. Rantanen was instrumental in helping Colorado win the Cup in 2022, and he's coming off back-to-back seasons with over 100 points.The Avalanche drafted Rantanen 10th overall in 2015.

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Nathan MacKinnon #29 and Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Colorado Avalanche talk during a pause in the game against the Minnesota Wildat Ball Arena on January 20, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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MacKinnon: Never 'in a million years' thought Rantanen would get traded

The Minnesota Wild will have two pivotal players in the lineup Thursday for the first time since ...

The Minnesota Wild will have two pivotal players in the lineup Thursday for the first time since late December.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1873">Jared Spurgeon</a> will play against the Utah Hockey Club, sources told <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/RussoHockey/status/1882178986870280211">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>.Kaprizov missed 12 contests with what the Wild called a lower-body injury. He was the Hart Trophy front-runner when he got hurt, and still leads Minnesota in goals by five, assists by four, and points by nine.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Russian forward has 23 tallies and 27 helpers while ranking second in the NHL among forwards with an average ice time of 22:37 in 34 games this season.Spurgeon sat out nine contests after Nashville Predators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10679" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10679">Zachary L'Heureux</a> slew-footed the defenseman during a 5-3 Preds win on Dec. 31. L'Heureux was suspended for three games over the incident. Spurgeon has chipped in four goals and nine assists while playing 20:43 per night across 32 games in 2024-25.The Wild are still without top-four blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2600" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2600">Jonas Brodin</a>, who's missed the last six contests due to an injury of his own. Minnesota has performed surprisingly well without these key players: The Wild come into Thursday sitting second in the Central Division at 28-15-4.

ST. PAUL, MN - NOVEMBER 30: Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov (97) and Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) take a breather during an NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators on November 30, 2024, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

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Report: Kaprizov, Spurgeon to return from injuries Thursday

Connor McDavid mildly pushed back on the three-game suspension he got Monday for cross-checking V...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> mildly pushed back on the three-game suspension he got Monday for cross-checking Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a> on Saturday."I don't necessarily agree with it," the Edmonton Oilers superstar told the media, including <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1882159548645134810">Sportsnet</a>, on Wednesday. "I'm not saying there shouldn't have been any penalty or any suspension, or anything like that. Might be a little bit harsh, but I understand their decision and we move on."McDavid explained he didn't notice the officials choosing not to call a penalty on Garland for pinning him. The Oilers captain was, after all, a little preoccupied.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I did not, I had my head between my legs, so I didn't see what the refs' reaction was," he <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1882160985924145272">said</a>. "I understand that the refs have a hard job but, that being said, my job's hard too," McDavid added. "Everyone's got a hard job. That's why we're in this business."The three-time MVP isn't planning on booking a last-minute winter getaway while sitting out."I love to play. What am going to do? I'd rather be on the ice than sitting at home," McDavid <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1882161556102021576">said</a>. "It's not like I can get a week away in Cabo. I'm here, I want to support the team ... I want to be here to get myself ready to roll when it is time (to return)."We'll have six games before the break, and we want to go into the break on a high note," he continued. "I always feel that's important ... That's my main focus here."Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl stood up for McDavid on Tuesday. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3196567" href="https://thescore.com/news/3196567">called</a> the suspension "a little too much," saying "I guess we don't overly care about having our best players in the league in the game."Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet echoed those sentiments, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3196651" href="https://thescore.com/news/3196651">calling</a> the ban "unfortunate" and saying he doesn't want McDavid to get suspended because "you want to play the best."Vancouver defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/152">Tyler Myers</a> will also sit three games for cross-checking Oilers rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> in the final seconds of Vancouver's 3-2 victory.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 18: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers lays on top of Conor Garland #8 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of their NHL game at Rogers Arena on January 18, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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McDavid: Suspension 'a little bit harsh' but understandable

Rick Tocchet expressed a sentiment Tuesday that NHL head coaches almost never convey when an oppo...

Rick Tocchet expressed a sentiment Tuesday that NHL head coaches almost never convey when an opposing player receives supplemental discipline, admitting he was disappointed that Edmonton Oilers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> received a three-game suspension for cross-checking.McDavid earned his ban for cross-checking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a>, while Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was suspended the same length of time for the same infraction on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a>. Both incidents took place in the final seconds of the Canucks' 3-2 victory Saturday."I think it's just unfortunate, and it's a tough job," Tocchet <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1881798648557879358">said</a>. "It's a tough job for the referees, it's tough for (head of NHL Department of Player Safety) George Parros. I just don't like the grandstanding. ... It is what it is. I don't want Connor McDavid to get suspended. We're playing him. Honestly, you want to play the best."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tocchet added: "He's terrific for our league. He's (an) unbelievable kid, from what I've been told. The way he works at his game, unreal for the game. It happened, you deal with it. Same thing with (Myers). So for me, it's a tough position for everybody."The Canucks head coach praised referee Wes McCauley as "one of the best refs in the league" and added that it would be pointless to "go back and forth" about all the plays that could've been penalized."It's a three-game suspension ... we've got to move on from this. That's what I think," Tocchet said. Oilers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> said earlier Tuesday that he felt both suspensions were "a little too much" and "I guess we don't overly care about having our best players in the league in the game."

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Rick Tocchet, J.T. Miller #9 and Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of their NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena on January 16, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks coach Tocchet: I don't want McDavid suspended

Leon Draisaitl lamented the NHL's disciplinary decisions when asked Tuesday about Connor McDavid'...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> lamented the NHL's disciplinary decisions when asked Tuesday about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>'s cross-checking suspension and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers' matching ban."I certainly think three games is a little too much, for either side, but I guess we don't overly care about having our best players in the league in the game, so I'll leave it at that," Draisaitl told the media, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/~3066038">TSN</a>, on Tuesday.Draisaitl brought up the fact that Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4659" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4659">Conor Garland</a> wasn't penalized for pinning McDavid moments before the Oilers superstar responded with a cross-check Saturday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"That's, to me, clearly a penalty," Draisaitl said. "Connor doesn't want to tangle with Garland in that situation. There's 12 seconds left. We're looking to score, we're not looking to tangle with anybody. I also know the game happens quick and the refs aren't going to make the right call every single time, I understand that. But in that instance, I think that could've been avoided."McDavid and Myers were suspended Monday for their actions in the final seconds of the Canucks' 3-2 win over the Oilers. Myers was suspended for cross-checking Edmonton blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> shortly after McDavid's altercation with Garland.Myers and McDavid received match penalties for their transgressions.McDavid <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3195897" href="https://thescore.com/news/3195897">reportedly</a> won't appeal his ruling. It's the second suspension of the three-time Hart Trophy winner's career. He got a two-game ban in February 2019 for a hit to the head of then-New York Islanders defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1502" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1502">Nick Leddy</a>.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 7: Connor McDavid #97 and Leon Draisaitl #29 both of the Edmonton Oilers look on during warm-up before a game against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on January 7, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Draisaitl defends McDavid: '3 games is a little too much'

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere questioned the way Team Canada used two of his ...

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere questioned the way Team Canada used two of his prospects at the recently concluded World Junior Championship.Briere wondered why forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15028" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15028">Jett Luchanko</a> saw limited ice time in the tourney."We were disappointed in the role they gave him, but when you look at the role they gave him, he performed great," the GM said Tuesday. "We have (high) expectations for him, and he was probably the best skater in the world junior tournament, and he barely played. That's out of our control, unfortunately, but in the role that they gave him, he was excellent."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The executive then pointed to Canada's deployment of defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13823" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13823">Oliver Bonk</a>."He had a big role, but they put him in positions that is not really what is going to be his strength moving forward, which was really weird to us," Briere said. "But again, we don't have any control over that. Overall, I thought he had a really good tournament in what we expect from him, in shutting down the opposition and playing against the top lines and the tough matchups."Luchanko, the Flyers' 13th overall pick last year, played 11:54 in Canada's quarterfinal loss to Czechia after logging 11:27 in a 4-1 defeat to the United States on New Year's Eve. Luchanko scored a goal for his only point in five games at the event. He has 10 tallies and 15 helpers in 20 contests with the OHL's Guelph Storm this season.Bonk, whom Philadelphia selected 22nd overall in 2023, collected a goal and an assist across five games at the tournament. He has six tallies and 19 helpers over 28 contests with the OHL's London Knights in 2024-25.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 16: Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers checks out the stadium prior to practice and the Stadium Series game at MetLife Stadium on February 16, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Flyers' Briere criticizes Canada's usage of Luchanko, Bonk in WJHC

Jim Hiller wasn't happy after his Los Angeles Kings fell 5-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins at home o...

Jim Hiller wasn't happy after his Los Angeles Kings fell 5-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins at home on a night when the hosts honored firefighters and first responders in their first game back in town since wildfires ravaged the L.A. area."Disappointing on a night like tonight," he <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJRUyYMLGrM&amp;ab_channel=LAKings">told reporters</a> following Monday's defeat. "I can probably count maybe only five times I've been disappointed in our team this season. Tonight is one, maybe the most."Hiller said the circumstances should've inspired the team when asked whether the emotion of the night held the club back.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"No, I'm not going to make any excuses for that," he said. "That should've been the opposite. Logic would tell you that it should've helped us and not hurt us."The Kings' game against the Calgary Flames on Jan. 8 was postponed due to the fires, and L.A. then played the next five games on the road as planned. The home side donned Los Angeles Fire Department hats during the warmup Monday night.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Special night in LA 🖤 <a href="https://t.co/U1V0UA1Kq9">pic.twitter.com/U1V0UA1Kq9</a>— LA Kings (@LAKings) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAKings/status/1881547447857709131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Kings thanked firefighters from several areas in the L.A. region and held a moment of silence for the victims in a touching pregame ceremony.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iZUCjFhlwsw?si=YCWC5Di9FKGJgrpv" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>"For me, it was really humbling to see the guys out there, and gals ... I felt a little emotional," Hiller said. "I felt like those people have been out there doing some pretty amazing things and we just saw a little bit from a long distance," he continued. "We're in our own little bubble doing what we have to do, and it brought it to life for me - pretty personal - and was just disappointed we couldn't do more with it."The Kings' loss Monday was their second straight after the Seattle Kraken beat them 4-2 on Saturday. Los Angeles has lost four of its last five after winning five consecutive contests. The club sits third in the Pacific Division at 25-14-5 this season.

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Los Angeles Kings Jim Hiller looks on from the bench during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Crypto.com Arena on November 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Hiller: Kings' blowout loss on night honoring firefighters 'disappointing'

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin declined to get into specifics in the wake of Sat...

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin declined to get into specifics in the wake of Saturday's report of a nixed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> trade, but the GM indicated he's not done seeing what the possibilities might be."Since I got here, I'm always trying to explore (ways) to make our team better in discussions and (to) see if it makes sense or not," Allvin <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/Canucks/status/1881427599588749379">said</a>. "The toughest part has been to evaluate the group we have with all the injuries. But ... you see the signs of a good team ... so we'll continue to see if it makes sense."Obviously, with the parity of the league, it's hard to make deals at this time of the year, and it's going to be interesting here over the next couple of weeks," Allvin continued. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The executive added that he feels the Canucks have a good team when everyone's healthy and performs to their capabilities. Allvin praised the players for staying focused amid swirling trade reports."It's very unfortunate, I feel bad for a lot of players when you're reading some rumors out there," he said. "I'm proud of the guys that they're capable of blocking a lot of noises out and just (going) out and (playing)."Allvin noted that he's not eyeing the break during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February as a prime time to make moves."I don't think we have any target dates or anything like that," he said. "With the injuries we had leading up to this point, I've obviously been very active in seeing if there (are) any players out there that could've come in and helped us. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to facilitate any addition to our staff. But saying that, we've also seen a lot of younger players from Abbotsford (in the AHL), which has been a great sign for the organization."The Canucks have been without numerous key players for various stretches this season, including reigning Norris Trophy winner and captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a>, Miller, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a>, and Hughes' defense partner, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5749" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5749">Filip Hronek</a>.It was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3180023" href="https://thescore.com/news/3180023">reported</a> in early January that the Canucks were exploring the trade market for both Miller and Pettersson amid an apparent feud between the two forwards. Another <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188748" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188748">report</a> Saturday indicated that Vancouver nearly dealt Miller back to the New York Rangers, with the apparent details of the failed swap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188749" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188749">emerging</a> Monday.

VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 20: Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin speaks to the press prior to their NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres at Rogers Arena on March 20, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Canucks GM: I've been 'very active' pursuing trades

Brock Faber returned for the Minnesota Wild against the Nashville Predators on Saturday night aft...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9275" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9275">Brock Faber</a> returned for the Minnesota Wild against the Nashville Predators on Saturday night after missing four games because of injury.Faber last played Jan. 7, when he left early in a 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues and didn't return. The Wild went 1-3-0 without their No. 1 defenseman, earning their lone win against the lowly San Jose Sharks and getting outscored 16-8 in that span.Minnesota has also been without previous Hart Trophy front-runner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> up front along with blue-liners <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1873">Jared Spurgeon</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2600" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2600">Jonas Brodin</a>, all because of injuries.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Faber, who leads Minnesota in average ice time at 24:58 this season, had five goals and 15 assists over 41 games before getting hurt.The 22-year-old was voted the Calder Trophy runner-up last season after collecting eight tallies and 39 helpers while seeing the same average ice time over 82 contests.Minnesota came into Saturday's slate sitting third in the Central Division by points percentage (.644). The Wild ranked second in points, one more than the Dallas Stars who have a game in hand.The Wild have lost two consecutive contests, but they've won six of their previous 10 before facing the Predators.

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 31: Brock Faber #7 of the Minnesota Wild skates near the bench after his team scored a goal in the third period of a game against the Nashville Predators at Xcel Energy Center on December 15, 2024 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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Wild get Faber back after 4-game injury absence

Nashville Predators forward Michael McCarron responded to Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno s...

Nashville Predators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3067" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3067">Michael McCarron</a> responded to Minnesota Wild forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1489" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1489">Marcus Foligno</a> saying <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10679" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10679">Zachary L'Heureux</a> would have a "price to pay" for injuring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1873">Jared Spurgeon</a>."Obviously they're frustrated with what happened to their captain, as we would be," McCarron told <a target="_blank" href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/predators-prepared-for-mischief-in-game-vs-wild-after-lheureux-suspension">The Hockey News' Emma Lingan</a>. "I don’t know, Foligno has been around a long time. I think he knows something has to be done. But they can say everything they want. We have guys in here that'll protect our team, and (Zach’s) not too shy himself. I mean, he's a physical player."L'Heureux received a match penalty and was later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3175778" href="https://thescore.com/news/3175778">suspended</a> three games for slew-footing Spurgeon during a 5-3 Minnesota win Dec. 31. The Wild defenseman was labeled week-to-week and hasn't played since.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6tfrSVfWfoM?si=MU7RWd_K_O_t3puO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>The Predators play host to the Wild on Saturday night in the clubs' first meeting since the incident."It's an unfortunate event, I would say, and it just so happened that it hurt a guy," McCarron said. "I don't think he (meant) to do it. His resume may say he's a dirty player, but I've been around him quite a long time, and I don’t think he's necessarily a dirty player. I think he just plays really hard."And it’s unfortunate that that happened, and also unfortunate what was said. I mean, obviously they want to seek retribution in some way. But like I said, we have guys on our team that will protect our teammates, and it should be a good one tonight."Foligno <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3190882" href="https://thescore.com/news/3190882">issued the threat</a> to L'Heureux earlier this week in response to what he said was a cheap-shot. The Wild forward called slew-footing "a shitty play" and said L'Heureux shouldn't have been able to just walk out of the arena after such an incident while Spurgeon wasn't able to.L'Heureux earned nine suspensions in the QMJHL, including a 10-game ban for jamming his stick between panes of glass to jab a fan. He was also suspended twice in the AHL. The NHL Department of Player Safety doesn't consider transgressions in other leagues when determining suspensions. The 21-year-old's three-game penalty was his first NHL suspension.

SAINT PAUL, MN - JANUARY 25: Nashville Predators right wing Michael McCarron (47) looks on during the NHL game between Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild on January 25th, 2024, at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN.

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McCarron: Wild 'can say everything they want' about L'Heureux

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended New York Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov three ga...

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended New York Islanders forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14964" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14964">Maxim Tsyplakov</a> three games for a check to the head of Philadelphia Flyers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8521" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8521">Ryan Poehling</a> on Friday.Tsyplakov caught Poehling up high in front of the Islanders' net but wasn't penalized on the play.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Maxim Tsyplakov has been suspended for three games for this hit to the head on Ryan Poehling. <a href="https://t.co/DjvZs07YxM">pic.twitter.com/DjvZs07YxM</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1880362881155494375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I think it was a good hit," Tsyplakov said after the game, according to <a href="https://x.com/stefen_rosner/status/1880099320579649757">The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner</a>. "I didn't think it was dirty, but I didn't want to injure a guy. I hope he is OK."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Islanders head coach Patrick Roy also believed Tsyplakov's hit was within the rules."Have I changed my mind? I haven't," Roy said Friday, according to <a href="https://x.com/stefen_rosner/status/1880320563866157110">Rosner</a>. "I still think the same way. When I looked at the hit during the game and even after, I felt like the first thing that happened is the shoulder."Tsyplakov, who qualifies as a rookie despite being 26 years old, has seven goals and 12 assists over 44 games this season.Poehling, who turned 26 on Jan. 3, has four tallies and 11 helpers across 43 contests in his second campaign with the Flyers after playing one with the Pittsburgh Penguins and his first three with the Montreal Canadiens.

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 07: Maxim Tsyplakov #7 of the New York Islanders in action against the Carolina Hurricanes at UBS Arena on December 07, 2024 in Elmont, New York. New York Islanders defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3.

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Islanders' Tsyplakov suspended 3 games for hit to Flyers' Poehling's head

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet explained why J.T. Miller played fewer than 15 minutes ...

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet explained why <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> played fewer than 15 minutes in a 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on home ice Thursday night."Yeah, he's struggling," Tocchet <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nhl.com/canucks/video/postgame-tocchet-vs-kings-6367219986112">told reporters</a> postgame. "He's caught in between. Seems like every time he's on the ice, something bad happens. I think he's got some bad luck, but he's also got some reads that he's got to look at himself right now and focus on some of these reads. ... I think he's trying sometimes, but I think the focus level has to get a little higher."Miller was seemingly benched for a shift in the defeat. The center ultimately failed to log a point or a shot on goal and finished as a minus-2 with two giveaways, no takeways, and three hits in 14:34. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The American finished last among all Vancouver skaters in five-on-five ice time at just 9:18, per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/game.php?season=20242025&amp;game=20719&amp;view=limited">Natural Stat Trick</a>. He also posted a paltry 7.05 expected goals for percentage. The Canucks equaled the Kings in shots on goal Thursday, as the two clubs notched 21 apiece. But L.A. forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11165" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11165">Alex Turcotte</a> scored on two of them in the first period, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a> netted another to put the Kings up 3-0 before the first intermission.Miller made defensive miscues on Turcotte's second goal that made it 2-0, as well as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4112" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4112">Kevin Fiala</a>'s marker that put the victors up 4-1 late in the second period.The 31-year-old let Fiala get by him easily at the point, allowing his opponent to get free and take a shot on goal that led to Turcotte's tally. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
TURC TIMES TWO!!! <a href="https://t.co/RtYxkNTBzm">pic.twitter.com/RtYxkNTBzm</a>— LA Kings (@LAKings) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAKings/status/1880095497169322185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Miller then got caught pinching while shorthanded, allowing the Kings to come back the other way and score off an odd-man rush.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kevin is inevitable <a href="https://t.co/YpwU6sZBfA">pic.twitter.com/YpwU6sZBfA</a>— LA Kings (@LAKings) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAKings/status/1880112693115240788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Canucks forward has been held pointless for five straight games. He's averaged 14:11 of ice time in the last three compared to the 18:12 he was logging per game beforehand in 2024-25.Vancouver fell to 19-15-10 with Thursday's loss. The Canucks now sit outside the playoff picture with a .545 points percentage.It was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3180023" href="https://thescore.com/news/3180023">reported</a> earlier in January that the team was exploring the trade market for Miller and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> amid an apparent rift between the two key forwards.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Rick Tocchet of the Vancouver Canucks talks with J.T. Miller #9 of the Vancouver Canucks during the second period of their NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena on January 16, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Tocchet: Seems like something bad happens every time Miller's on ice

The Pittsburgh Penguins' improved play of late doesn't appear to be altering general manager Kyle...

The Pittsburgh Penguins' improved play of late doesn't appear to be altering general manager Kyle Dubas' plans to sell.The Penguins are still expected to make multiple trades, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6056175/2025/01/14/penguins-ahl-prospects-kyle-dubas/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>. In fact, no player on the club is safe from being dealt aside from those with full no-trade clauses such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a>, a league source told Yohe.Pittsburgh is reportedly likely to make an exception and hold on to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2075" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2075">Rickard Rakell</a> for the rest of the season. The winger is under contract through 2027-28 at $5 million annually, but he doesn't have a no-trade clause. Rakell leads the Penguins with 22 goals and ranks second in points with 38 through 45 games in 2024-25.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Crosby has a full no-move clause this season - the final year of his current contract - and for both years of the pact that will follow, per <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/sidney-crosby">PuckPedia</a>. Malkin has <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/evgeni-malkin">the same</a> through 2025-26, when his current deal expires. The other member of the Penguins' "Big Three" - defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1023" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1023">Kris Letang</a> - also has a full no-move clause through <a target="_blank" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/kris-letang">2025-26</a>, which then becomes modified (he can submit a 10-team approved trade list) for the final two seasons.Dubas has already made some moves in 2024-25. He traded forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1077" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1077">Lars Eller</a> back to the Washington Capitals for two draft picks Nov. 12, then acquired forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1437" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1437">Philip Tomasino</a> from the Nashville Predators for a pick 13 days later.Pittsburgh has four pending unrestricted free agents at forward (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4721" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4721">Anthony Beauvillier</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9744" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9744">Drew O'Connor</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2902" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2902">Matt Nieto</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5589">Jesse Puljujarvi</a>) and three on defense (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4553">Marcus Pettersson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5531" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5531">Matt Grzelcyk</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9795" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9795">Ryan Shea</a>).It was reported in November that the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks showed interest in Pettersson.The Penguins struggled in the early going this season but have worked their way back into the playoff hunt. They enter Tuesday's slate at 18-19-8 and with the sixth-best points percentage (.489) in the Metropolitan Division.Pittsburgh came into the day sitting two points back of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference but with two more games played.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 29: Kyle Dubas of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7 at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Report: No Pens safe from trade except players with no-move clauses

Montreal Canadiens forward Emil Heineman will miss three-to-four weeks with what the club called ...

Montreal Canadiens forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9246" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9246">Emil Heineman</a> will miss three-to-four weeks with what the club called an upper-body ailment after being involved in a traffic accident as a pedestrian in Utah on Monday.The Salt Lake City Police Department said in a statement Tuesday that Heineman didn't show signs of a serious injury, and that the Utah Highway Patrol is investigating the collision, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1879230683245326596">Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli</a>.Heineman has 10 goals and seven assists over 41 games in his first full season with the Canadiens. He played four contests with Montreal in 2023-24.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 23-year-old has favorable underlying numbers despite his team's mediocrity. The Canadiens (20-18-4) have controlled 50.56% of the expected goals and 52.75% of the scoring chances with Heineman on the ice at five-on-five, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerteams.php?stdoi=oi">Natural Stat Trick</a>.Montreal acquired Heineman from the Calgary Flames in a February 2022 trade for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1737" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1737">Tyler Toffoli</a>.Heineman was the second NHLer to experience a traffic incident in a two-day span after Pittsburgh Penguins winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9973" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9973">Michael Bunting</a> had a car accident Sunday. He was OK but was forced to miss a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning that day.

MONTREAL, CANADA - DECEMBER 09: Emil Heineman #51 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at the Bell Centre on December 9, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in a shootout.

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Canadiens' Heineman out 3-4 weeks after traffic accident

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