Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto sustained an upper-body injury in the first period of Tuesday...

Ottawa Senators forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10496" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10496">Shane Pinto</a> sustained an upper-body injury in the first period of Tuesday's clash with the Tampa Bay Lightning and didn't return for the remainder of the contest.Pinto went straight to the dressing room after a hit from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12973" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12973">Nick Perbix</a> along the boards.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pinto goes down midway through the first frame <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NHL</a> <a href="https://t.co/XvvfyytrWU">pic.twitter.com/XvvfyytrWU</a>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1886934745704997162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Pinto's notched 11 goals and 11 assists in 45 games this season. He lined up as Ottawa's third-line center Tuesday. The Senators recently lost fellow pivot <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9904" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9904">Josh Norris</a> on a week-to-week basis due to injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Lightning moved within two points of the Senators in the Atlantic Division standings by securing a 4-3 victory.

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 26: Shane Pinto #12 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Utah Hockey Club at Canadian Tire Centre on January 26, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Senators' Pinto exits vs. Lightning with upper-body injury

Florida Panthers star and United States assistant captain Matthew Tkachuk is thrilled for the opp...

Florida Panthers star and United States assistant captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> is thrilled for the opportunity to put it all on the line at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off."I can promise you the players will be engaged," Tkachuk recently told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6110823/2025/02/04/matthew-tkachuk-4-nations-excitement/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=nhltw&amp;source=nhltw">The Athletic's Chris Johnston</a>. "This is not an All-Star Game, that is for sure."The tournament marks Tkachuk's first opportunity to represent the USA in a best-on-best event at the NHL level. He's only previously represented his country at the junior level.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 4 Nations Face-Off is the NHL's first best-on-best event since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. The league had an agreement to go to the 2022 Olympics in Beijing but pulled out because of the pandemic.Tkachuk said he's particularly looking forward to squaring off against Canada. The rivals are scheduled to play each other in their second games of the tournament Feb. 15 in Montreal."For us to be able to play in that now, I'm just super excited," Tkachuk said. That U.S.-Canada rivalry is so big. It doesn't get much better than playing them on a Saturday night in Montreal."It's going to be amazing."Tkachuk's defeated Canada in different events as a junior, but he expects a tougher test this time around."I don't think they had Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby on those teams that I beat," Tkachuk joked. "So I'm sure it'll be definitely a different challenge."Tkachuk is one of eight Panthers selected to the tournament but the only American.

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 02: Florida Panthers Left Wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) looks on during the NHL regular season game between the New York Islanders and the Florida Panthers on Sunday February 2, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla.

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Tkachuk fired up for 4 Nations: 'This is not an All-Star Game'

New Jersey Devils forward Stefan Noesen avoided supplemental discipline for his hit to the head o...

New Jersey Devils forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2092" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2092">Stefan Noesen</a> avoided supplemental discipline for his hit to the head of Buffalo Sabres star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a>, reports <a href="https://x.com/JeffMarek/status/1886453342756581477">Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek</a>.Noesen was assessed a match penalty and a game misconduct for the hit, which occurred in the third period of Sunday's contest as Thompson reached for a puck near the New Jersey blue line.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tage Thompson takes a high hit from Noesen, received a match penalty <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sabrehood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sabrehood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/8A7pbXRvfP">pic.twitter.com/8A7pbXRvfP</a>— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabresPlays/status/1886144842385780974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Thompson didn't return to the matchup, but Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said postgame that the forward is "good" and "passed all the tests," according to <a href="https://x.com/LLysowski/status/1886158025704018061">The Buffalo News' Lance Lysowski</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ruff also discussed the team's lack of response to the hit."I know I had a couple guys that wanted to go after him right away," Ruff <a href="https://x.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1886163153068740765">added</a>. "Where we were at in the game, there was going to be a time we were going to even the score."New Jersey scored on Buffalo's ensuing power play, but the Sabres held on to win 4-3. When Ruff was asked further about the outside perception that his team didn't have the edge to respond, the coach snapped back."Bullshit. Bullshit. Let's go. Next question," he said, cutting off a reporter's question.Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> said the team's reaction to the hit is something that "cannot happen again," per <a href="https://x.com/BrianWGR/status/1886154276684042472">WGR's Brian Koziol</a>.Thompson entered the game leading the Sabres with 45 points in 46 games, and had a goal and two assists in the contest.Noesen has 30 points in 51 games and ranks third on the Devils with 98 hits.

BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 2: Jason Zucker #17 of the Buffalo Sabres exchanges words with Stefan Noesen #11 of the New Jersey Devils after scoring a second period goal during an NHL game on February 2, 2025 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Report: Devils' Noesen avoids discipline for hit to Thompson's head

J.T. Miller is thrilled to embark on a fresh start with the New York Rangers after a dramatic few...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> is thrilled to embark on a fresh start with the New York Rangers after a dramatic few months with the Vancouver Canucks took its toll."It was a team effort to find a different place, obviously a special place here in New York, Miller told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/j-t-miller-happy-to-be-reunited-with-new-york-rangers">NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin</a>. "Couldn't be happier to be here now."Miller added: "It's hard. I've had a long year personally. Unfortunately that goes by the wayside when you're trying to win hockey games. It's a business, right? It got a little ugly there at the end, but I'm glad it’s done and happy to be here."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188752" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188752">Miller was traded</a> to the Big Apple on Friday after weeks of speculation he'd be moved <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3207295" href="https://thescore.com/news/3207295">because of a rift</a> with former teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> that went public and rocked the Canucks' dressing room.Miller had a full no-move clause and approved New York as a destination. He was drafted 15th overall by the Rangers in 2011, and he played the first five-plus seasons of his career on Broadway.A key reason Miller desired a return to the Rangers was his friendship with Blueshirts center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2089" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a>. The pair grew up together in Pittsburgh."He's my best friend in the world," Trocheck said. "I think this had been a pipe dream for -10 years in the making, I feel like."Miller re-debuted for the Rangers on Saturday afternoon, and picked up two goals in a loss to the Boston Bruins. He's up to 37 points in 41 games this season after a career-high 103 in 2023-24.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 01: J.T. Miller #8 of the New York Rangers skates against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the TD Garden on February 01, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Miller 'couldn't be happier' to be reunited with Rangers

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced defenseman Jani Hakanpaa is unable to suit up for Finland at th...

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2566" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2566">Jani Hakanpaa</a> is unable to suit up for Finland at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off because of injury.Hakanpaa is on long-term injured reserve with no timeline to return because of a lower-body ailment.The 32-year-old has appeared in only two games this season after signing a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs as a free agent.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Finland's top defenseman, Dallas Stars stalwart <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6612" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6612">Miro Heiskanen</a>, was recently ruled out of the tournament with a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3204825" href="https://thescore.com/news/3204825">lower-body injury</a>.No replacements have yet been named for either player.Finland's tournament begins Feb. 13 against the United States.

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Jani Hakanpää #28 of the Toronto Maple Leafs chases after the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Scotiabank Arena on November 16, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Finland's Hakanpaa ruled out of 4 Nations due to injury

Toronto Maple Leafs forwards John Tavares and Matthew Knies are set to return from their respecti...

Toronto Maple Leafs forwards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/794">John Tavares</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> are set to return from their respective injury absences Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers, head coach Craig Berube <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/1885736854391046636">announced</a>, according to TSN's Mark Masters.Tavares has missed Toronto's past six games because of a lower-body injury sustained in practice. Knies has been out two contests after picking up an upper-body ailment Jan. 22 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.Both project to resume their roles in the Leafs' top six and first power-play unit based on Friday's practice lines.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Lines at Leafs practice Knies - Matthews - Marner Pacioretty - Tavares - Nylander McMann - Domi - Robertson Holmberg - Kampf - Lorentz Reaves McCabe - Tanev Rielly - Ekman-Larsson Benoit - Timmins Myers Woll Stolarz at Oilers tomorrow— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/1885430760280125754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Tavares has 42 points in 44 games this season, while Knies has produced 31 points in 47 appearances.Their returns should help boost a Maple Leafs offense that's managed three goals across the past three games, all losses.

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 4: Matthew Knies #23 celebrates scoring a goal with John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period against the Boston Bruins at the Scotiabank Arena on January 4, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Tavares, Knies returning for Maple Leafs' clash with Oilers

The St. Louis Blues will place veteran forward Brandon Saad on unconditional waivers Thursday for...

The St. Louis Blues will place veteran forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2086" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2086">Brandon Saad</a> on unconditional waivers Thursday for the purpose of contract termination, the team announced Wednesday.Saad is under contract through the 2025-26 season. He is forgoing his remaining salary - $5.425 million over this season and next - to find a new opportunity in the NHL.The 32-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent once clearing waivers. The Blues waived Saad for the purpose of assignment to the AHL on Tuesday, and he went unclaimed. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Saad has 16 points in 43 games this season in a bottom-six role. He's previously played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Colorado Avalanche in his 14-year career.He won the Stanley Cup twice with the Blackhawks and has recorded 55 points in 103 playoff games.

EDMONTON, CANADA DECEMBER 7: Brandon Saad #20 of the St. Louis Blues awaits a face-off during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on December 7, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Blues, Saad mutually terminating contract

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier is week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, the team anno...

New Jersey Devils captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6426" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6426">Nico Hischier</a> is week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, the team announced Wednesday. Hischier missed Monday's contest against the Philadelphia Flyers and was previously labeled day-to-day. The center sustained the injury on a cross-check in Saturday's overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens.The Devils recently lost No. 1 goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a> for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3199461" href="https://thescore.com/news/3199461">four-to-six weeks</a> because of a knee injury. New Jersey has five games remaining before a break from Feb. 9-22 because of the 4 Nations Face-Off.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hischier ranks third on the Devils with 43 points in 51 games this season. He averages more than 20 minutes per contest and has won 55.5% of his faceoffs.

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 25: Nico Hischier #13 of the New Jersey Devils skates during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 25, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in overtime.

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Devils' Hischier week-to-week with undisclosed injury

Sidney Crosby has affirmed his loyalty to the Pittsburgh Penguins countless times in recent years...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> has affirmed his loyalty to the Pittsburgh Penguins countless times in recent years, and did so again Tuesday after another round of trade speculation took hold over the weekend. "I know how speculation works: Everybody's looking to talk about different things, different scenarios," Crosby told <a href="https://www.dkpittsburghsports.com/team/penguins/feed?page=0&amp;content=penguins-sidney-crosby-trade-rumors-tlh">Taylor Haase of DK Pittsburgh Sports</a>. "I can't control that. I don't know where that comes from. I don't think that it's something I'm going to discuss every time someone speculates something. I'm not going to answer it every time that happens."Crosby was mentioned in rumors after the Carolina Hurricanes acquired <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> on Friday. Baseless speculation arose that the Colorado Avalanche could be making a move to acquire Crosby to fill their need down the middle of the ice.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Penguins sitting 15th in the Eastern Conference has only fuelled rumors that Crosby may want to finish his career on a team that can compete for a Stanley Cup."It's more than just the losses," Crosby said. "It's all the stuff that comes with it. It's the trickle-down effect that comes with that. That's the way it is. But understanding that, I know that all my energy and all my focus is toward helping us and doing the best we can, and I can't control any of that other stuff."Crosby signed a two-year extension with Pittsburgh in September. The club is on track to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season, but the 37-year-old said he wants to be part of the solution."I'm trying to do everything I possibly can for us," Crosby said. "Be at my best, to give us a chance to win every night, to be a good teammate. We all want to get through a difficult point right now. That's my mindset. All my energy is here and trying to do everything I can here."Crosby leads the Penguins with 53 points in 52 games this season. He recently moved to ninth on the NHL's all-time scoring list.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 27: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of an NHL hockey game at SAP Center on January 27, 2025 in San Jose, California.

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Crosby fends off trade speculation again: 'Not going to answer it every time'

Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford admitted there's no easy way out ...

Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford admitted there's no easy way out of the <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/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> rift that's engulfed the club this season. "I felt like for a long time that there was a solution here because everybody has worked on it, including the parties involved," Rutherford told <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-vancouver-canucks-jim-rutherford-elias-pettersson-jt-miller/">Gary Mason of The Globe and Mail</a>."But it only gets resolved for a short period of time and then it festers again. And so it certainly appears like there's not a good solution that would keep this group together."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Canucks have been actively talking with teams around the league regarding Miller and Pettersson, who publicly addressed rumors of disliking each other in December. A trade sending Miller to the New York Rangers reportedly fell apart recently, and the Carolina Hurricanes were also trying to acquire the center before they landed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> last week.Rutherford conceded that being forced to trade one of Vancouver's star players is likely to set the franchise back."We're talking about two of our top players," Rutherford said. "Certainly, our two best forwards. It can really be tough on a franchise - not only present but into the future - when you're planning on peaking this team into a contending team and then you find out that's not going to happen. Or at least it's not going to happen with the group we have now. Then you have to put together a new plan."The Canucks won the Pacific Division with 109 points last season with Miller (103 points) and Pettersson (89 points) ranking first and third on the team in scoring. Pettersson parlayed his strong campaign into an eight-year, $92.8-million contract extension.Miller and Pettersson are producing less than a point per game this season, and Vancouver is one point back of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference."When you don't have chemistry, it's hard to be that consistent team because there's too much going on in the room for everybody to concentrate on what they're supposed to do," Rutherford said.Rutherford was asked if the ongoing drama has impacted the entire team. "Yes, yup," Rutherford replied.The Canucks have until the March 7 deadline to orchestrate any trades.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 16: J.T. Miller #9 and Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks discuss game play 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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Rutherford: 'There's not a good solution' to Pettersson-Miller drama

Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov will undergo surgery on a lower-body injury that will si...

Minnesota Wild superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7294" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7294">Kirill Kaprizov</a> will undergo surgery on a lower-body injury that will sideline him for at least four weeks, general manager Bill Guerin announced Tuesday.Kaprizov's injury has been lingering since December. He recently returned from a 12-game injury absence but only played three contests before hitting the shelf again.Minnesota is off from Feb. 9 to 21 due to the 4 Nations Face-Off, alleviating some of the concern about staying afloat in the standings without its top offensive player.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Wild won't be able to use Kaprizov's cap hit for long-term injured reserve relief since the issue isn't season-ending, according to <a href="https://x.com/RussoHockey/status/1884286849369399320">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>. Kaprizov carries a $9-million cap hit and is eligible to sign an extension as of July 1.The 27-year-old was in MVP form before being injured. He leads the Wild with 52 points in 37 games this season.Minnesota sits third in the Central Division, just two points ahead of the Colorado Avalanche and one point behind the Dallas Stars.

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 23: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild skates up the ice in the second period of a game against the Utah Hockey Club at Xcel Energy Center on January 23, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota.

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Kaprizov to undergo surgery on lower-body injury, out at least 4 weeks

Detroit Red Wings forward Dominik Shine was on cloud nine after making his NHL debut Monday night...

Detroit Red Wings forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11255" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11255">Dominik Shine</a> was on cloud nine after making his NHL debut Monday night at 31."I just can't believe," Shine said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/dominik-shine-cherishes-nhl-debut-for-red-wings-at-age-31">NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika</a>. "To be here today, it's just ... It's amazing."Shine signed a two-year contract with the Red Wings on Monday, with the club battling injuries and illness. The Michigan native has spent the past nine seasons with the Red Wings' AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Being a kid from Detroit, it's something you dream about," Shine said. "Maybe, I don't know, you just pretend like you're on the Red Wings or put on a jersey. But to actually be able to wear it in a regular-season game and be here is just something I'll cherish forever."Shine logged 9:50 of ice time and registered one block and two hits in his NHL debut. Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan said he hadn't heard of Shine before Monday.Shine was the oldest skater to make his NHL debut since Evgeny Medvedev in 2015 and the oldest Red Wing since Vaclav Nedomansky in 1977. Both players were 33 years old.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 27: Dominik Shine #50 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the play in his first NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Little Caesars Arena on January 27, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Red Wings' Shine: Making NHL debut at 31 'something I'll cherish forever'

The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward Evgeni Malkin on injured reserve Monday and designated him...

The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> on injured reserve Monday and designated him as week-to-week with a lower-body ailment.Malkin was hurt Saturday in a collision with Seattle Kraken forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3080" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3080">Chandler Stephenson</a>. He left the game and was unable to return.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Evgeni Malkin's knee bends awkwardly on this collision with Stephenson. <a href="https://t.co/3dd3P4pUZH">pic.twitter.com/3dd3P4pUZH</a>— SasquatchNHL (@SasquatchNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SasquatchNHL/status/1883264659912036768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Players on IR are required to miss a minimum of seven days.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Malkin has logged 34 points in 47 games this season, his 19th with the Penguins. Pittsburgh recalled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5589" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5589">Jesse Puljujarvi</a> from AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with Malkin unavailable.The Penguins have plummeted to 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 3-6-1 run over their past 10 games.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on against the Seattle Kraken during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena on January 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Malkin week-to-week with lower-body injury

Mikko Rantanen said he was open to signing for cheaper than his reported price before the Colorad...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> said he was open to signing for cheaper than his reported price before the Colorado Avalanche traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. "I was ready to take a significant discount from my market value," Rantanen told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6092377/2025/01/27/mikko-rantanen-avalanche-hurricanes-interview/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Peter Baugh</a>. "We had some chats a couple days before and then they traded me. That's what happened. That's why I didn’t expect it."He added: "I didn't know we were in a rush. That's what I felt. That's my honest opinion. It's business, and I understand. They're trying to think what's best for them."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rantanen and the Avalanche were reportedly in a stalemate in negotiations earlier this month. It was reported in November that Rantanen believes his market value was in the range of $14 million per season, which would match <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>'s league-leading mark. Colorado pays reigning NHL MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> $12.6 million per season, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> is eligible for an extension starting in the summer of 2026.The Avalanche received <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6484" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6484">Martin Necas</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10535" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10535">Jack Drury</a>, and a second-round pick from the Hurricanes. Colorado general manager Chris MacFarland said Saturday the "timing was right" to trade Rantanen given the offer on the table.Carolina GM Eric Tulsky revealed the two clubs first discussed a Rantanen traded over the summer, and negotiations had picked up steam again over the past six-to-eight weeks. Rantanen is an unrestricted free agent July 1 but is eligible to sign an extension with the Hurricanes at any point if he wishes. The 28-year-old has earned $9.25 million per year over the past six seasons.

ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Carolina Hurricanes waits for a faceoff against the New York Islanders during the second period at UBS Arena on January 25, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

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Rantanen: I was willing to take 'significant discount' with Avalanche

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes won the Norris Trophy and set a career high with 92 points...

Vancouver Canucks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> won the Norris Trophy and set a career high with 92 points last season, but he believes he's playing better lately than ever before."I think I'm playing the best I've played in my career," Hughes told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/canucks-quinn-hughes-playing-best-hockey-of-career-ahead-of-4-nations">NHL.com's Derek Van Diest</a>. "In saying that, it's a really hard league. It's a humbling league, so for me, I'm just really trying to refocus every single day; try to keep my body healthy, be at my best, be a good leader and see where that goes."Hughes leads all defensemen with 1.23 points per game this season and ranks fourth by playing 25:23 per contest. His latest performance Saturday included two goals in a 2-1 win over the league-leading Washington Capitals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"If you talk about his consistency, he does it every night," coach Rick Tocchet said. "Very rarely does he have an off night. And when he gets that puck he's going north, he's either skating it or he's making a play north. There's no indecision in his game. He takes it upon himself, and he almost wants to carry the team on his back. We have to be careful of that because he can't do it alone. He has that mentality."Hughes is the primary reason the Canucks have remained in the playoff hunt - they're three points back of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference - despite dealing with key injuries and dressing room drama throughout the season.The 25-year-old has 21 more points than his next closest teammate this season and is a lock to be in the Norris conversation - and perhaps MVP - if he keeps up his current paces.

VANCOUVER, BC - JANUARY 21: Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates up the ice during an NHL game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C.

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Canucks' Hughes: 'I'm playing the best I've played in my career'

The Minnesota Wild may be fresh off a win over the Chicago Blackhawks, but general manager Bill G...

The Minnesota Wild may be fresh off a win over the Chicago Blackhawks, but general manager Bill Guerin still isn't impressed with the club's mediocre performance.The Wild are 11-12-0 over their past 23 games. They've dealt with several key injuries over that span, but Guerin doesn't think a depleted roster or team fatigue is a valid excuse."No, f--k that. F--k that," Guerin told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6090603/2025/01/26/minnesota-wild-slump-bill-guerin-flames-blackhawks/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>. "You can be low on energy and still play well. You've got to use your head. You know what? Everybody's tired. Everybody has a condensed schedule. Everybody has injuries. Everybody in the league has what we have. There's no excuse whatsoever for any of this."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Guerin also took issue with his team's lack of response to Calgary Flames defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> punching veteran goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1010">Marc-Andre Fleury</a> in a loss on home ice Saturday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Rasmus Andersson punches Marc-Andre Fleury in the head in the middle of this scrum. 🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mnwild?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mnwild</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZmvWiYlq5L">pic.twitter.com/ZmvWiYlq5L</a>— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) <a href="https://twitter.com/RingOfFireCGY/status/1883329810803671442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"He had his way with us," Guerin said of Andersson. "Like, it was not fun to watch, I'll tell you that. The funny thing is that's not who this group of players is. It's really hard to figure out … but we're gonna figure it out."The Wild currently hold the third spot in the Central Division with 62 points. They're in a neck-and-neck fight for positioning with the Dallas Stars (63 points) and Colorado Avalanche (60 points).<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> recently returned to the Wild's lineup, but despite the boosts to the roster, Guerin still believes the club needs to play with more fire."Look, every team goes through their ups and downs of the season," Guerin said. "But I just don't love the way we're playing right now because there's no energy. We're on the perimeter, we're not doing the little detail things that are hard to do, but they allow you to win. I know our guys care. I know they work hard. But working hard and competing hard are two different things. We need more compete."

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - JULY 07: General manager Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild looks on from the draft table during the first round of the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec.

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Guerin: 'No excuse whatsoever' for Wild's play of late

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said Saturday the team has already held prelimina...

Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said Saturday the team has already held preliminary extension discussions with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a>'s agent.The Hurricanes acquired Rantanen and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1690" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1690">Taylor Hall</a> late Friday in a three-team trade that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6484" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6484">Martin Necas</a> to the Colorado Avalanche. Rantanen is an unrestricted free agent July 1 but can put pen to paper on a new deal at any point. Tulsky doesn't believe a potential long-term agreement will happen overnight."I wouldn't expect him to sign the next eight years of his life away without knowing what he's getting into," Tulsky said, according to <a href="https://x.com/RyanHenkel_/status/1883229755635597592">Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Hurricanes will be the only team eligible to give Rantanen an eight-year deal. If he reaches free agency, he can only sign for a maximum of seven years.The Avalanche and Rantanen were reported to be in a stalemate in contract negotiations. Rantanen was believed to be asking for an average annual value in the neighborhood of $14 million, a significant raise from his current $9.25 million.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a> is Carolina's highest-paid player with a $9.75-million cap hit.Tulsky revealed the Hurricanes and Avalanche first discussed a Rantanen trade over the summer and that talks picked up over the past six-to-eight weeks."He's a fantastic player, and we expect him to change our team and make us better," Tulsky said, per <a href="https://x.com/corylav/status/1883228925184405866">The Athletic's Cory Lavalette</a>.Rantanen is sixth in league scoring with 64 points in 49 games.

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 02: Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) during the NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks on December 02, 2023 at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

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Hurricanes hold preliminary extension talks with Rantanen

Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland addressed his decision to deal Mikko Rantanen...

Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland addressed his decision to deal <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> to the Carolina Hurricanes in a shock trade Friday night, saying it was the right time for the organization to move one of its best players."It's a bittersweet day, right?" MacFarland <a href="https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1ynJODlmNozxR">said</a>. "Mikko is a decorated player for us. He's an elite winger in this league. It was a tough few days. We just felt the timing was right. The last few days it kind of came together, and we decided to act yesterday. But it wasn't without a lot serious thought, I can assure you of that."MacFarland continued, "It was a tough business decision here for us. We just felt that the pieces we got, it made sense to strike now."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Colorado received <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> in the deal, both of whom are under contract through 2026. Necas will be an unrestricted free agent when his deal expires while Drury will be a restricted free agent. Cost certainty was an important factor to MacFarland after the Avalanche and Rantanen - a UFA this summer - struggled to gain traction in extension negotiations."These are tough decisions," MacFarland said. "There's nothing done in a vacuum. Mikko earned the right to be an unrestricted free agent, and he's five months away from that. You've got to make these hard decisions. The player has to make them, the club has to make them, and that's what we did. Getting two cost-controlled assets was important."Rantanen was reportedly seeking an annual average value in the range of $14 million on his next contract. The Avalanche currently have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> locked into a deal worth $12.6 million per season, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> has only two years left on his pact.Rantanen has been one of the league's top producers since the Avalanche drafted him 10th overall in 2015, and MacFarland acknowledged that replacing his output isn't going to be easy."We're going to have to try and replace him in the aggregate," he said. "Fifty-goal scorers don't grow on trees, you have to usually draft and develop them, and Mikko was a home run for us for many, many years ... we're going to miss him. There's no ifs, ands, or buts about that."He added: "It hurts, right? He's a homegrown talent, he's a superstar person, he's a superstar human being. I think that's sports. ... Your heartstrings get tugged, and that's why we all do this."

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 11: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on in the second period of a game against the Edmonton Oilers at Ball Arena on April 11, 2023 in Denver, Colorado.

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Avs GM MacFarland: 'Timing was right' to trade Rantanen

The upcoming Genesis Invitational has been relocated to Torrey Pines in San Diego for Feb. 13-16,...

The upcoming Genesis Invitational has been relocated to Torrey Pines in San Diego for Feb. 13-16, the PGA TOUR announced.The signature event, annually hosted by Tiger Woods at iconic Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, had to be moved because of wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The tournament is expected to return to Riviera in 2026."We are grateful to the City of San Diego and Torrey Pines for hosting the 2025 Genesis Invitational, and to everyone who has reached out in support of the tournament," Woods said in a statement. "While Riviera remains the home of The Genesis Invitational, we look forward to playing on another championship-caliber golf course this year and using the tournament to support those affected by the fires in the Los Angeles area."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Woods has won eight times at Torrey Pines, including the 2008 U.S. Open. He hasn't committed to playing the event but has used it as his season debut in years past.The Genesis Invitational field is typically one of the deepest of the year for non-majors. It's the third of eight signature events on this season's schedule. The TOUR is currently playing the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 25: A course scenic view of the 18th hole green during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open on Torrey Pines South on January 25, 2020 in San Diego, California.

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Genesis Invitational relocated from L.A. to Torrey Pines

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom will miss four-to-six weeks due to an MCL sprain sus...

New Jersey Devils goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1677" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1677">Jacob Markstrom</a> will miss four-to-six weeks due to an MCL sprain sustained Wednesday against the Boston Bruins, the team announced.Markstrom will miss all of New Jersey's games leading up to February's 4 Nations Face-Off and is likely to be replaced on Sweden's roster.Sweden's other netminders are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> of the Ottawa Senators, who is also dealing with injury concerns, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9896" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9896">Filip Gustavsson</a> of the Minnesota Wild. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Markstrom got hurt after a heavy collision in the crease with Bruins forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9941" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9941">Justin Brazeau</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Justin Brazeau crashes into Jacob Markstrom who has left the game and needed assistance getting off the ice 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/iAxrZajvOR">pic.twitter.com/iAxrZajvOR</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1882238608188514660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Markstrom is 21-9-5 with three shutouts this season along with a .912 save percentage and 2.20 goals against average. He's shaken off a rocky start to his tenure in New Jersey, posting a .924 clip in 18 starts since Dec. 1.The Devils acquired Markstrom from the Calgary Flames in a blockbuster trade in June. Improved netminding is a key reason New Jersey has rebounded from a disappointing 2023-24 campaign - the club currently sits third in the Metropolitan Division with 60 points.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1063" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1063">Jake Allen</a> is likely to take over starting duties with Markstrom out of action.

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 22: Jacob Markstrom #25 of the New Jersey Devils is helped off the ice in the second period of the game against the Boston Bruins at the Prudential Center on January 22, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Markstrom out 4-6 weeks with MCL sprain

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