Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel was fined $5K for serving as the aggressor in an alterc...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> was fined $5K for serving as the aggressor in an altercation with Buffalo Sabres captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> during Sunday's chaotic affair, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Monday.</p><p>Hagel got tied up with Dahlin and started throwing punches at the Sabres star 3:35 into the second period. Hagel was assessed a double minor for roughing and remained in the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hagel jumps Dahlin and more chaos ensures. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoBuffalo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoBuffalo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sabrehood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sabrehood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBolts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBolts</a> <a href="https://t.co/hD5UkJsEBM">pic.twitter.com/hD5UkJsEBM</a></p>— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabresPlays/status/2030788168572678387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The fisticuffs began less than five minutes into the game when Hagel hit Sabres star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a> as the whistle blew. The melee resulted in Dahlin and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4088" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4088">Darren Raddysh</a> dropping the gloves. Hagel was given a minor penalty for boarding.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Things get feisty QUICK between the Tampa Bay and Buffalo 👀 <a href="https://t.co/qQ2ioPUxMO">pic.twitter.com/qQ2ioPUxMO</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2030769888650776684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Sabres recent pickup <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1777" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1777">Sam Carrick</a> fought Lightning enforcer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3131" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3131">Scott Sabourin</a> in a short tussle later on.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SAM CARRICK DROPS THE GLOVES WITH SCOTT SABOURIN FOR A QUICK BOUT 🥊 <a href="https://t.co/ZmnemlBosp">pic.twitter.com/ZmnemlBosp</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/2030773518548205935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Less than 30 seconds later, Hagel and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8680" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8680">Peyton Krebs</a> threw down. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8599">Bowen Byram</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16157" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16157">Charle-Edouard D'Astous</a> were also handed 10-minute misconducts and roughing penalties for the sequence.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Sabres' penalty box is looking a little crowded 😅 <a href="https://t.co/mc2RvYleP8">pic.twitter.com/mc2RvYleP8</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2030774749672898997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The rough stuff carried into the second period, as Michael Kesselring dropped the gloves with Erik Cernak off the opening draw. The two tried to fight in the first period, but the officials broke it up.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KESSELRING AND CERNAK DROP THE GLOVES ON THE OPENING DRAW IN THE 2ND 🥊 <a href="https://t.co/TwyJPOzw2s">pic.twitter.com/TwyJPOzw2s</a></p>— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheChargingBUF/status/2030786309246071279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Four seconds later, Sabres forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5768" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5768">Beck Malenstyn</a> and Lightning deadline day re-acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> went at it.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TWO SECONDS IN AND THE GLOVES ARE OFF YET AGAIN 💥 <a href="https://t.co/U7iefTDzkg">pic.twitter.com/U7iefTDzkg</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2030787068058583203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Lightning and Sabres are both in playoff position in the Atlantic Division.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres is upset by Brandon Hagel #38 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during an NHL game on March 08, 2026 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34792904/related

Hagel fined for jumping Dahlin in fight-filled Sabres-Lightning game

The Colorado Avalanche acquired forward Nazem Kadri and a 2027 fourth-round pick from the Calgary...

<p>The Colorado Avalanche acquired forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1182" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1182">Nazem Kadri</a> and a 2027 fourth-round pick from the Calgary Flames for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7665" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7665">Victor Olofsson</a>, the rights to prospect Max Curran, a conditional 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 second-round pick, the teams announced Friday.</p><p>If Colorado's top-10 protected 2027 first-round pick is sent to Toronto as part of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4714" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4714">Nic Roy</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481694" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481694">trade</a>, Calgary acquires a top-10 protected 2028 first-round pick. If the 2027 first-round pick is in the top 10 and the 2028 first-rounder slides to Toronto, then Calgary receives Colorado's 2029 first-round pick unconditionally.</p><p>The 2027 second-round pick will be the better of the two between Colorado's or Minnesota's.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Calgary is retaining $1.4 million of Kadri's $7-million cap hit.</p><p>Kadri has 12 goals and 41 points in 61 games this season and was leading the Flames in scoring. He tallied a career-best 35 goals last year.</p><p>The 35-year-old is signed through 2028-29 at a $7-million cap hit and has a 13-team no-trade clause.</p><p>Kadri won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. He set a career high with 87 points in 71 contests that campaign.</p><p>The trade was first reported over an hour after the deadline passed.</p><p>"An absolute sweat," Kadri said, according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/2030031129755943393?s=20">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>. "I didn't even know it could happen that long after."</p><p>The London, Ontario, native has 319 goals and 751 points in 1,046 career games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Avalanche, and Flames.</p><p>Olofsson has 11 goals and 25 points in 60 contests in 2025-26. The 30-year-old carries a $1.575-million cap hit and will be an unrestricted free agent in July.</p><p>Drafted 151st overall by Colorado in 2024, Curran has 41 points in 31 WHL games this season. The 6-foot-3 forward also represented Czechia at the world juniors earlier this year and is a UMass commit.</p><p>Colorado sits first in the NHL with a 41-10-9 record.</p>

CALGARY, AB - MARCH 3: Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames warms up before the game against the Dallas Stars at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 3, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34751089/related

Avalanche bring back Kadri in late shocker

The Detroit Red Wings acquired defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues for first- and th...

<p>The Detroit Red Wings acquired defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1971" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1971">Justin Faulk</a> from the St. Louis Blues for first- and third-round picks, plus prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12733" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12733">Dmitri Buchelnikov</a> and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4084" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4084">Justin Holl</a>, the teams announced Friday.</p><p>Faulk has 11 goals and 32 points in 61 games. He's averaged 22:30 this year, which ranked second on the Blues.</p><p>The 33-year-old is signed through next season at a $6.5-million cap hit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Faulk played his 1,000th NHL game earlier this campaign. The Minnesota native has racked up 141 goals and 490 points in 1,041 career contests with the Carolina Hurricanes and Blues.</p><p>Drafted 52nd overall by Detroit in 2022, Buchelnikov has 13 goals and 23 points in 39 KHL games this season. The 22-year-old had 54 points in 65 contests last year in the Russian league.</p><p>Holl has played the entire season in the minors. The 34-year-old has a $3.4-million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July.</p><p>The Red Wings are third in the Atlantic Division with a 35-20-7 record. Detroit hasn't made the playoffs since 2016.</p>

SAINT PAUL, MN - MARCH 01: St. Louis Blues defensemen Justin Faulk (72) shoots the puck during the first period of a NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues on March 1, 2026, at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, MN.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34750026/related

Red Wings acquire Faulk from Blues for 1st-, 3rd-round picks

The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forward Corey Perry from the Los Angeles Kings for a 2028 second...

<p>The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> from the Los Angeles Kings for a 2028 second-round pick, the teams announced Friday.</p><p>Perry has 11 goals and 28 points in 50 games this season. He waived his no-trade clause to return to Tampa Bay, where he played two seasons from 2021-23.</p><p>The 40-year-old has a $2-million salary, plus the potential for another $2 million in performance bonuses. Perry has already earned $1.5 million in bonuses for reaching 50 games this season, which counts against the Kings' cap. He'll earn an additional $125,000 for a first-round win, $250,000 for a second-round win, and $125,000 for a conference-final win.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kings retained 50% of Perry's salary. That applies to his $2-million salary and any future performance bonuses earned.</p><p>Perry has played in the Stanley Cup Final five times in the last six seasons but hasn't won the Cup since 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks.</p><p>The 2011 Hart Trophy winner has recorded 459 goals and 963 points in 1,442 career games. He's also added 64 goals and 141 points in 237 playoff contests. Perry is the active leader in postseason games.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 2: Corey Perry #10 of the Los Angeles Kings looks on during the third period against the Washington Capitals at Crypto.com Arena on December 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34747258/related

Lightning land Perry from Kings

The Minnesota Wild acquired forward Bobby Brink from the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman David...

<p>The Minnesota Wild acquired forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11206" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11206">Bobby Brink</a> from the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12730" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12730">David Jiricek</a>, the teams announced Friday.</p><p>Brink has 13 goals and 26 points in 55 games. He has a $1.5-million cap hit and is set to become a restricted free agent this summer.</p><p>The 24-year-old Minnesota native tallied 41 points in 79 contests last season. Brink has 36 goals and 94 points in 201 career games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jiricek has zero points in 25 NHL games this season and 10 points in 24 contests with the AHL's Iowa Wild. He will report to Philadelphia's AHL affiliate, the team announced.</p><p>The 22-year-old was drafted sixth overall in 2022 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was traded to the Wild in November 2024 for a package including first-, second-, third-, and fourth-round picks.</p><p>Jiricek was named Best Defenseman at the 2023 world juniors when Czechia won silver.</p><p>The right-handed rearguard is in the last year of his entry-level contract and will be a restricted free agent in July.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 28: Bobby Brink #10 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates the puck against the Boston Bruins at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on February 28, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34745981/related

Wild acquire Brink from Flyers for Jiricek

The Colorado Avalanche acquired forward Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a conditiona...

<p>The Colorado Avalanche acquired forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4714" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4714">Nicolas Roy</a> from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a conditional 2027 first-round pick and a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick, the teams announced Thursday.</p><p>The first-round pick is top-10 protected. Toronto will receive the lowest of the three fifth-rounders that Colorado owns in 2026.</p><p>Roy has five goals and 20 points in 59 games, and the right-handed center has won 52.9% of his draws. The 29-year-old is signed through next season at a $3-million cap hit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Maple Leafs acquired him from the Vegas Golden Knights in the <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> sign-and-trade last year.</p><p>Roy, listed at 6-foot-4, won the Stanley Cup in 2023 with the Golden Knights. He notched 11 points in 22 contests during Vegas' championship run.</p><p>He's accumulated 73 goals and 186 points in 428 career games between the Carolina Hurricanes, Golden Knights, and Maple Leafs. He also has 10 goals and 32 points in 79 total playoff games, all with Vegas.</p><p>The Avalanche acquired defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12693" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12693">Nick Blankenburg</a> on Wednesday and previously added blue-liner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3142">Brett Kulak</a> in a cap-saving move that shipped out rearguard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5649" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5649">Samuel Girard</a>.</p><p>Colorado sits atop the NHL with a 41-10-9 record. The Avalanche still have $6.9 million of deadline cap space after adding Roy, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/colorado-avalanche">PuckPedia</a>.</p><p> </p>

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 25: Toronto Maple Leafs center Nicolas Roy (55) defends during the regular season NHL game between the Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs on January 25, 2026 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34733410/related

Avalanche acquire Roy from Leafs for 1st-, 5th-round picks

The Vegas Golden Knights acquired forward Nic Dowd from the Washington Capitals for goaltender Je...

<p>The Vegas Golden Knights acquired forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3873" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3873">Nic Dowd</a> from the Washington Capitals for goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9351" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9351">Jesper Vikman</a>, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick, the teams announced Thursday.</p><p>The third-rounder originally belonged to the San Jose Sharks.</p><p>Signed through next season at a $3-million cap hit, Dowd has four goals and 16 points in 55 contests in 2025-26. His 2:40 shorthanded ice time per game ranks 10th among all NHL forwards this campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dowd tallied a career-high 14 goals and 27 points in 82 contests last season. He's racked up 88 goals and 192 points in 637 career games with the Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, and Capitals.</p><p>The Alabama native also has four goals and six points in 40 total playoff games, all with Washington.</p><p>The Golden Knights acquired forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9748" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9748">Cole Smith</a> from the Nashville Predators on Tuesday for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13073" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13073">Christoffer Sedoff</a> and a 2028 third-round pick.</p><p>Vikman has an .866 save percentage and a 3.41 goals against average in 18 games this season with the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights. The 23-year-old was drafted 125th overall by Vegas in 2020.</p><p>The trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. ET.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 3: Nic Dowd #26 of the Washington Capitals races for a loose puck during a game against the Utah Mammoth at Capital One Arena on March 3, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34732972/related

Golden Knights acquire Dowd for 2 picks, prospect

The Toronto Maple Leafs want a first-round pick and a prospect to trade forward Nicolas Roy, repo...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs want a first-round pick and a prospect to trade forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4714" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4714">Nicolas Roy</a>, reports insider <a href="https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/2029374868924309634?s=20">Frank Seravalli</a>.</p><p>Toronto also isn't willing to retain salary on Roy, adds Seravalli.</p><p>Roy has five goals and 20 points in 59 games this campaign, and the right-handed center has won 52.9% of his draws. He's signed through next season at a $3-million cap hit and has no trade protection.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Maple Leafs acquired Roy from the Vegas Golden Knights in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> sign-and-trade last year.</p><p>The Edmonton Oilers were linked to the 29-year-old before acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3928" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3928">Jason Dickinson</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>"I mean, I wasn't expecting to be traded last summer and never heard any rumors," Roy said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-nicolas-roy-talks-oilers-trade-rumour/">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "And then it happened. And sometimes you hear rumors, and it doesn't happen. So, yeah, I heard (the Oilers rumor), like everybody else. But I'm playing for the Leafs now, and I want to be here."</p><p>Roy, listed at 6-foot-4, won the Stanley Cup in 2023 with the Golden Knights. He notched 11 points in 22 contests during Vegas' championship run.</p><p>The Maple Leafs scratched <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13037">Bobby McMann</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2855" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2855">Scott Laughton</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1652" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1652">Oliver Ekman-Larsson</a> for roster management purposes Wednesday ahead of Friday's trade deadline. Roy played 17:55 in the shootout loss against the New Jersey Devils, the most he's played since Dec. 30.</p><p>Roy tallied a career-high 41 points in 70 games in 2023-24 with the Golden Knights. Over his career, he's accumulated 73 goals and 186 points in 428 contests between the Carolina Hurricanes, Golden Knights, and Maple Leafs. Roy also has 10 goals and 32 points in 79 total playoff games, all with Vegas.</p><p>The Maple Leafs are 0-3-2 coming out of the Olympic break and are eight points out of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 2: Nicolas Roy #55 of the Toronto Maple Leafs takes a face-off against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at the Scotiabank Arena on March 2, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34732013/related

Report: Leafs want 1st-round pick, prospect for Roy

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse knows he has to be better to help his team accomplish it...

<p>Edmonton Oilers defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3124" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3124">Darnell Nurse</a> knows he has to be better to help his team accomplish its ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.</p><p>"Sixty-one games, I think I'm a minus-12 and have 20 points. I'm not happy about that at all," Nurse told reporters Tuesday. "With that said, if we're gonna reach the goal that we wanna reach, I gotta step up for sure, and there's a lot of hockey to be played. I think that's the excitement, the opportunity, and that's the accountability. What I owe that to is those guys in the room. That's it, no one else. Showing up here each and every day and giving everything I have for each guy in there and enjoying it."</p><p>Nurse's recollection of his season stats was correct. His minus-12 rating is his lowest since his rookie campaign in 2015-16. He's playing 20:52 per game, down from 22:22 last year and the least ice time he's averaged since 2016-17.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old has a $9.25-million cap hit, which ranks second among Edmonton rearguards behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a>.</p><p>The Oilers acquired defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2548" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2548">Connor Murphy</a> from the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.</p><p>Edmonton is 20th in the NHL with a 29-24-8 record coming off consecutive losses in the Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers hold the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference but are only four points behind the Vegas Golden Knights for first in the Pacific Division.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 29: Darnell Nurse #25 of the Edmonton Oilers skates during the second period of the game against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Place on January 29, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34707595/related

Nurse: 'I gotta step up' for Oilers to reach our goal

Trade talks between the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres involving forward Robert Thomas are he...

<p>Trade talks between the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres involving forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6443" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6443">Robert Thomas</a> are heating up, sources told <a href="https://x.com/DarrenDreger/status/2028909120879829140?s=20">TSN's Darren Dreger</a>.</p><p>Thomas has 12 goals and 35 points in 43 games for the Blues this season. The 26-year-old is signed through 2030-31 at an $8.125-million cap hit, and he owns a no-trade clause.</p><p>The Sabres are offering "the equivalent of multiple first-rounders" for Thomas, reports <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/2028911511054307361?s=20">TSN's Chris Johnston</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>St. Louis was interested in Buffalo defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8599" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8599">Bowen Byram</a> last summer, but he's not expected to be a part of a potential Thomas trade, reports <a href="https://x.com/jprutherford/status/2028926224995938379?s=20">The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford</a>.</p><p>The Blues haven't asked Thomas to waive his no-trade clause yet, reports <a href="https://x.com/jprutherford/status/2028910940184608802?s=20">Rutherford</a>.</p><p>Thomas eclipsed 80 points in each of the past two campaigns. He set career highs in 2023-24 with 26 goals and 86 points.</p><p>The Aurora, Ontario, native was drafted 20th overall by the Blues in 2017. Thomas has accrued 119 goals and 431 points in 509 games over eight seasons in St. Louis.</p><p>The Blues are 31st in the NHL with a 22-29-9 record. Buffalo is 35-19-6 and has climbed to second in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres have missed the playoffs for 14 consecutive campaigns, which is the longest active drought in the league.</p><p>The trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. ET.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 9: Robert Thomas #8 of the St Louis Blues skates against the Utah Mammoth during the first period of their game at the Delta Center on January 9, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34706830/related

Report: Thomas trade talks between Sabres, Blues heating up

Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer confirmed Thursday that he's coming back to the Toronto Blue Ja...

<p>Future Hall of Famer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a> confirmed Thursday that he's coming back to the Toronto Blue Jays for his 19th season in the majors.</p><p>"Toronto was definitely a team I wanted to come back to and join," Scherzer told <a href="https://x.com/FAN590/status/2027077784514793904?s=20">Sportsnet 590's "Blair and Barker" show</a>. "Absolutely loved all the guys and what we did last year. It was a great fit not just for me, but for my family as well."</p><p>Scherzer agreed to a one-year pact with a $3-million base salary that's worth up to $10 million in incentives, reports <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/2026898071179632862?s=20">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Scherzer Jays deal<br><br>$3m base plus $10m incentives<br><br>$1m each at 65/75/85/95/105/115/125/135/145/155 innings <a href="https://twitter.com/ShiDavidi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShiDavidi</a> 1st on $</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/2027063846439928268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 41-year-old is expected to be in the Blue Jays camp this weekend and has already been throwing bullpen sessions, manager John Schneider said, according to <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/2027050397765165490?s=20">Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet</a>.</p><p>Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts for the Blue Jays last season. He showed flashes of previous form late in the campaign when he authored a 3.34 ERA in six August starts.</p><p>The right-hander made three outings in Toronto's postseason run to the World Series, including starts in Games 3 and 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scherzer had a 3.77 ERA in 14 1/3 playoff innings.</p><p>Scherzer's wife, Erica, posted a letter on Instagram written by their eight-year-old daughter in December that asked the Blue Jays to bring her dad back for the 2026 season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVOSg7ZkQvj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVOSg7ZkQvj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVOSg7ZkQvj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Erica Scherzer (@emaysway)</a></p>
</div></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The Blue Jays adding Scherzer gives the defending AL champions another arm in what projects to be a very strong pitching staff. Toronto returns <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4769">José Berríos</a>, and also signed <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8204">Cody Ponce</a> in free agency. Last year's midseason addition, <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a>, has forearm fatigue and is ramping up this spring, while <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12435">Bowden Francis</a> will miss the entire campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery.</p><p>"The goal is to win," Schneider said Thursday when asked about the crowded rotation, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/2027059150375600158?s=20">Keegan Matheson of MLB.com</a>. "The goal is to win right now, get back to where we were, and win the World Series this year. However we can make ourselves better, we're going to."</p><p>Scherzer is an eight-time MLB All-Star, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, and a two-time World Series champion. He joined the Blue Jays in January 2025 on a one-year, $15.5-million contract.</p>

Baseball: World Series: Toronto Blue Jays Max Scherzer (31) in action, walks to the dugout after being relieved vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre. Game 7. Toronto, Canada 11/1/2025CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34630396/related

Scherzer returns to Blue Jays on reported 1-year, $3M deal

The Vancouver Canucks scratched defenseman Tyler Myers on Wednesday for "roster management purpos...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks scratched defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/152">Tyler Myers</a> on Wednesday for "roster management purposes," they announced ahead of their game against the Winnipeg Jets.</p><p>The Canucks presented Myers with a potential trade Monday and he's taking his time to consider it, reports <a href="https://x.com/DarrenDreger/status/2026815780705140997?s=20">TSN's Darren Dreger</a>.</p><p>The 36-year-old is signed through 2026-27 at a $3-million cap hit. He owns a full no-movement clause.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Myers has one goal and eight points in 57 games this season, and he's last among Canucks rearguards with a minus-25 rating. His 91 blocks are second on the team, and he's averaging 20:13.</p><p>Vancouver is at the bottom of the NHL with an 18-33-6 record. The Canucks have already traded star defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7628" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7628">Kiefer Sherwood</a> this season.</p><p>Myers has played for Vancouver since 2019. The 6-foot-8 blue-liner has accumulated 100 goals and 403 points in 1,123 career games with the Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, and Canucks.</p><p>The trade deadline is March 6 at 3 p.m. ET.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 02: Tyler Myers #57 of the Vancouver Canucks controls the puck during an NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Utah Mammoth on February 2, 2026 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34625303/related

Canucks scratch Myers for 'roster management purposes'

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri wants to be traded, TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday's ...

<p>Calgary Flames forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1182" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1182">Nazem Kadri</a> wants to be traded, TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday's "<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/2026/02/24/insider-trading-matthews-expected-to-play-wednesday/">Insider Trading</a>."</p><p>Kadri has 10 goals and 39 points in 56 games this season to lead the Flames in scoring. He's signed through the 2028-29 campaign at a $7-million cap hit and has a 13-team no-trade list.</p><p>The 35-year-old center tallied a career-high 35 goals last season and has been the Flames' top scorer in each of the past two years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Calgary ranks 29th in the league with a 23-27-6 record. The Flames haven't made the playoffs since 2022.</p><p>Kadri won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022 but hasn't made the postseason since. He notched 15 points in 16 games during Colorado's championship run after notching a career-high 87 points in 71 regular-season contests.</p><p>The Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings were <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3460460">reportedly</a> among the teams that kicked tires on Kadri in January before the Olympic roster freeze.</p><p>Kadri has 317 goals and 749 points in 1,041 career games between the Maple Leafs, Avalanche, and Flames.</p><p>The trade deadline is March 6 at 3 p.m. ET.</p><p> </p>

CALGARY, ALBERTA - JANUARY 23: Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Washington Capitals at the Scotiabank Saddledome on January 23, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34611869/related

Report: Flames' Kadri wants to be traded

8.7 million viewers in Canada watched the United States' Jack Hughes score in overtime of the men...

<p>8.7 million viewers in Canada watched the United States' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> score in overtime of the men's hockey gold-medal game, according to <a href="https://mediacentre.cbc.ca/announcement/5662/30-5-million-canadians-watched-the-olympic-winter-games-milano-cortina-2026-with-record-breaking-digital-audiences/">CBC</a>.</p><p>The U.S. beat Canada 2-1 with Hughes' goal to claim its first gold medal in men's hockey since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980.</p><p>It was the most-watched moment of the Milan Cortina Olympics in Canada despite an early start time that saw the game conclude at 10:52 a.m. ET.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off final peaked at 7.3 million viewers when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> scored for Canada in overtime against USA, according to <a href="https://x.com/SportsnetPR/status/1893024078816018857?s=20">Sportsnet</a>.</p><p>The highest-viewed television broadcast in Canadian history remains the 2010 Olympic gold-medal clash in men's hockey between Canada and the United States. There were 22 million viewers watching when Sidney Crosby scored in overtime in Vancouver, according to <a href="https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2010-oly-024-en">Hockey Canada</a>.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: Connor McDavid of Canada handshake with Jack Hughes of Team United States after the Men`s Ice Hockey final match between USA and Canada on day sixteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34603111/related

8.7 million Canadians watched men's hockey gold-medal overtime

Canada's Nathan MacKinnon doesn't feel the better team won the gold-medal game.  "You be the judg...

<p>Canada's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> doesn't feel the better team won the gold-medal game.</p><p>"You be the judge of who was the better team today," MacKinnon said after Canada's 2-1 overtime loss to the United States, according to <a href="https://x.com/JClipperton_CP/status/2025611240349872336?s=20">Canadian Press' Joshua Clipperton</a>.</p><p>Canada had the shot advantage 42-28 over USA in Sunday's clash. Canada controlled play for much of the second and third periods, outshooting the U.S. 19-8 in the second, and 14-10 in the third.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Just finishing. That's it," MacKinnon <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/olympics/video/2026/02/22/wish-i-could-have-that-one-back-mackinnon-laments-missed-open-net-chance/">said</a> when asked if there's anything more Canada could've done. "The looks we had, we would've taken any day. I missed an open net myself, and I really wish I could have that one back. </p><p>"What a great group of guys. We definitely really tilted that game, but we just - I don't know, we had to score, and we didn't score."</p><p>Canada was unable to convert on the man advantage in the gold-medal game despite having the tournament's top power play.</p><p>"The 5-on-3 hurt, then the last power play, we had so many good looks in the slot, rebounds," MacKinnon said. "I don't know. I just felt like it wasn't meant to be tonight for us."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, who was Canada's captain the last two games with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> unavailable, also felt the team played well.</p><p>"I thought we played a great game," McDavid <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/olympics/video/2026/02/22/mcdavid-i-thought-we-played-a-great-game-their-goalie-played-very-well/">said</a>. "I thought their goalie played really, really well."</p><p>USA's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> made 41 saves, including a remarkable paddle stop in the third period.</p><p>Crosby was out due to an injury sustained in the quarterfinal. He scored the iconic overtime winner against the United States in 2010.</p><p>"It's a lot easier playing than watching," Crosby <a href="https://x.com/CBCOlympics/status/2025636740321399229?s=20">said</a>. "I think everyone should be proud the way the team performed. Obviously, we did everything but score. In every facet, we were just, we were so good today. I thought we deserved better and unfortunately, didn't come away with the win."</p><p>Crosby said he was "pretty close" to playing Sunday but ultimately wasn't able to compete.</p><p>It's Canada's first silver medal in men's hockey since the 1994 Olympics. Canada had claimed gold in 2010 and 2014, which were the previous two Games that featured NHL players.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Silver medalists Shea Theodore #27, Nathan MacKinnon #29 and Darcy Kuemper #35 of Team Canada show dejection during the medal ceremony following the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34588055/related

MacKinnon: 'You be the judge of who was the better team'

The United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime in the Olympic men's hockey gold-medal game Sunday....

<p>The United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime in the Olympic men's hockey gold-medal game Sunday.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> scored the winning goal, his fourth of the tournament.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> starred for the Americans with 41 saves.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><em>For viewers in the United States only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JACK HUGHES DELIVERS AMERICA'S GOLDEN MOMENT IN OVERTIME. <a href="https://t.co/4foFDOri53">pic.twitter.com/4foFDOri53</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/2025601456204575000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>For viewers in Canada only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Team U.S.A. wins men's hockey gold in OT <a href="https://t.co/h5HMBZIEz7">pic.twitter.com/h5HMBZIEz7</a></p>— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOlympics/status/2025600322597790035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The victory marks Team USA's first gold medal in men's hockey since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980 and its third ever.</p><p>"It's (1980 goal-scorer) Mike Eruzione and then Jack Hughes right there," American captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> told CBC's Kyle Bukauskas postgame. "That's special. I can't imagine what he was feeling in the box there at the end of the third. But I mean, he's an incredible player, incredible person, and just a big-time play right there at the end."</p><p>The United States' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/10525" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/10525">Matt Boldy</a> opened the scoring six minutes into the game. The Americans held a slim 1-0 lead until <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> evened the contest with under two minutes left in the second period.</p><p>Canada outshot the U.S. 33-18 during the second and third frames but couldn't draw ahead.</p><p>With less than seven minutes left in regulation, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> caught Hughes with a high stick, knocking some of his teeth out in the process. It resulted in a four-minute power play that the U.S. couldn't convert on. Hughes then took a high-sticking penalty of his own with 3:23 remaining, but Canada also didn't score on the man advantage.</p><p>The U.S. ended the tournament 17-for-17 on the penalty kill.</p><p>"We heard all the talk, that we shouldn't be here," said Team USA forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2089" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a>, a key penalty killer whose place on the roster was heavily debated, according to <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/2025617526663655719?s=20">the New York Post's Mollie Walker</a>. "We were able to come here, and we had a job to do, and it was to be good penalty kill guys, faceoff guys, character guys. We took that role and we ran with it."</p><p>Team USA brought Johnny Gaudreau's jersey on the ice to celebrate after the win. Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died in August 2024 after being struck by a drunk driver while riding bicycles.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823181/cropped_GettyImages-2262481159.jpg?ts=1771777896" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823181/w220xh124_GettyImages-2262481159.jpg?ts=1771777896 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823181/w320xh180_GettyImages-2262481159.jpg?ts=1771777896 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823181/w640xh360_GettyImages-2262481159.jpg?ts=1771777896 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823181/w768xh432_GettyImages-2262481159.jpg?ts=1771777896 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823181/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2262481159.jpg?ts=1771777896 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">picture alliance / picture alliance / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>"(Gaudreau's) been on everybody's mind," Matthews said. "We have his jersey in the locker room every game. So many guys on this team that grew up with him, that played with him, extremely close with him. He's here with us in spirit."</p><p>Canada had won the previous two Olympic gold medals in tournaments featuring NHL players. It hadn't lost in a gold-medal game since 1994.</p><p>Team USA lost to Canada in the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off last year.</p><p>The U.S. women's hockey team also beat Canada to win gold Thursday.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: Team USA pose for group photo during the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and United States on day sixteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34584666/related

Team USA beats Canada in OT to win men's hockey gold

Canada's star forward Connor McDavid was named Most Valuable Player of the men's Olympic hockey t...

<p>Canada's star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> was named Most Valuable Player of the men's Olympic hockey tournament in Milan Cortina, the IIHF announced Sunday, following the United States' gold-medal triumph over Canada.</p><p>McDavid tallied 13 points in six games to lead the tournament in scoring. It's the most points an NHL player has ever scored at the Olympics.</p><p>Here's the full list of players recognized:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Top players</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Award</th>
<th>Player</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Top goaltender</td>
<td>🇺🇸 Connor Hellebuyck</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top defenseman</td>
<td>🇺🇸 Quinn Hughes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top forward</td>
<td>🇨🇦 Connor McDavid</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Hellebuyck starred in the gold-medal game with 41 saves. He led the Olympics with a .956 save percentage in five starts.</p><p>Hughes paced all defenders with eight points in six games. He led all Americans with 25:40 in the gold-medal game.</p><p><strong>All-Star team</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Goaltender</td>
<td>🇺🇸 Connor Hellebuyck</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defenseman</td>
<td>🇺🇸 Quinn Hughes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defenseman</td>
<td>🇨🇦 Cale Makar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>🇨🇦 Macklin Celebrini</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>🇨🇦 Connor McDavid</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>🇸🇰 Juraj Slafkovsky</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Celebrini, just 19 years old, led the Olympics with five goals.</p><p>Slafkovsky notched four goals and eight points and helped Slovakia to the bronze-medal game, which it lost to Finland on Saturday.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: Connor McDavid of Canada enters the ice during the Ice Hockey Men's Play-offs Semifinals match between Canada and Finland on day fourteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34585198/related

McDavid wins men's hockey MVP, Hellebuyck earns top goalie

Sidney Crosby had an impact on Canada's 3-2 semifinal comeback win over Finland on Friday despite...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> had an impact on Canada's 3-2 semifinal comeback win over Finland on Friday despite not playing in the game due to injury.</p><p>"He was in the room, which was cool. Guys were leaning on him in the intermission, talking to him about what he could see from up top," <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/olympics/video/2026/02/20/controlled-chaos-wilson-talks-playing-on-a-line-with-bennett-marchand/">said</a> postgame.</p><p>"He's just one of those guys that - it's very cliche, like when a teammate goes down, oh you want to play for him - but Sid is one of those guys, you really want to make him proud. You really want to play for him. I know personally, in my mind, I wanted to do everything I could for a guy like that, and I know everybody in that room did."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Crosby sustained a lower-body injury in Canada's quarterfinal win over Czechia on Wednesday, forcing him to miss Friday's game. Despite trailing Finland 2-1 entering the third period, the Canadians rallied to win in regulation.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> took Canada's captaincy with Crosby unavailable, a title he said he hopes to shed for Sunday's gold-medal matchup.</p><p>"Just keeping the 'C' warm for Sid," McDavid said after the dramatic semifinal win, according to <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/2024915108787335619?s=20">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>.</p><p>Crosby's status for the final against the winner of USA-Slovakia remains uncertain.</p><p>"We have 48 hours to decide that," Cooper said, according to <a href="https://x.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/2024924076498722904?s=20">New York Post's Mollie Walker</a>. "But I will tell you he's got a better chance of playing (the gold-medal game) than he did of playing today."</p><p>Crosby has two goals and six points in four contests at the Games and is the all-time leading scorer in Olympic tournaments featuring NHL players, with 16 points in 17 outings.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Sidney Crosby #87 of Team Canada skates in the third period during the Men's Preliminary Group A match between Czechia and Canada on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34556059/related

Wilson: Canada leaned on injured Crosby during intermissions

The United States routed Slovakia 6-2 on Friday to advance to the gold-medal game at the Milan Co...

<p>The United States routed Slovakia 6-2 on Friday to advance to the gold-medal game at the Milan Cortina Olympics, where it will face Canada.</p><p>The rivals are now set to collide in the Olympic men's hockey final for the first time since 2010. Canada is 2-0 against the U.S. in gold-medal games all time, with triumphs in 2002 and 2010.</p><p>Canada beat the United States 3-2 in overtime in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game in 2025. The event was the first best-on-best tournament featuring NHL players since the 2014 Olympics.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a> led the way for Team USA with two goals against Slovakia. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4541" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4541">Dylan Larkin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4558" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4558">Jack Eichel</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> also found the back of the net.</p><p>Thompson didn't play in the third period for precautionary reasons.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> made 22 saves. He has a .947 save percentage across five starts in the tournament.</p><p>With under two minutes remaining, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/5591">Matthew</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a>, along with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4680" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4680">Erik Cernak</a>, were assessed 10-minute misconducts for unsportsmanlike conduct after a scrum.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/12706" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/12706">Juraj Slafkovsky</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/13057" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/13057">Pavol Regenda</a> netted Slovakia's goals. Both came in the third period after the Americans had pulled out to a commanding 5-0 lead.</p><p>Earlier Friday, Canada <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3482456" href="https://thescore.com/news/3482456">beat</a> Finland 3-2 in the other semifinal by erasing a 2-0 deficit and taking the lead on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>'s dramatic go-ahead goal with 35 seconds left.</p><p>Both teams are undefeated in the tournament.</p><p>The gold-medal game will be Sunday at 8:10 a.m. ET.</p><p>Slovakia will take on Finland in the bronze-medal game Saturday at 2:40 p.m. ET. Finland is the defending gold medalist, while Slovakia won bronze in 2022.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: Jack Hughes #86 of Team United States celebrates after scoring a goal with Matt Boldy #12 and Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team United States in the second period during the Men's Semifinals Playoff match between the United States and Slovakia on day fourteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34557987/related

U.S. to face Canada for gold after routing Slovakia

The Canadian women's hockey team scored the most goals in Olympic history at Beijing 2022. Four y...

<p>The Canadian women's hockey team scored the most goals in Olympic history at Beijing 2022. Four years later, they managed one goal in more than 120 minutes of Olympic competition against Team USA.</p><p>The Americans pummeled Canada leading up to the Milan Cortina Games, sweeping the Rivalry Series and racking up a cumulative score of 24-7. USA had won seven straight contests against Canada entering Thursday's gold-medal game.</p><p>For 57 minutes, it looked like Canada's veterans would end their skid and capture one last gold as a group. Then Hilary Knight, in her final Olympic game, tied it 1-1 with the American goaltender pulled, and Megan Keller dashed Canada's hopes with a marvelous overtime winner.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Team USA's youth captivated hockey fans at the Olympics. Caroline Harvey, Laila Edwards, Abbey Murphy, Hannah Bilka, and more dazzled with their speed and skill as USA cruised to the gold-medal game.</p><p>Canada's veteran roster was criticized after a dismal 5-0 round-robin loss against the U.S., and the team only managed a 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the semis. But when it mattered most, the veterans almost got it done.</p><p>Almost.</p><p>What's concerning for Canada is that its veterans failed to claim gold in their last collective effort at the Olympics, and the Americans are only getting better. Much of the USA's core won't even be 30 years old when the 2030 Olympics roll around.</p><p>Canada has to face the reality of eight straight losses to its archrival and will now have to stomach four years of the Americans calling themselves Olympic champs.</p><p>So, how can Canada turn the tide?</p><h3>Embrace the youth movement</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761471/cropped_GettyImages-2183403473.jpg?ts=1734641734" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761471/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183403473.jpg?ts=1734641734 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761471/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183403473.jpg?ts=1734641734 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761471/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183403473.jpg?ts=1734641734 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761471/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183403473.jpg?ts=1734641734 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761471/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183403473.jpg?ts=1734641734 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Eakin Howard / Getty Images </span></figcaption></figure><p>The U.S. started building toward Thursday's gold medal in August 2022. Six months after losing to Canada in Beijing, the American roster began its pivot to youth at the World Championship.</p><p>Bilka and Heise made their first national teams. Goaltender Aerin Frankel got into her first game. Harvey went being from the USA's seventh defender at the 2022 Games to making the tournament All-Star Team at the Worlds. Canada still won that 2022 World Championship, but the American management group's decisions laid the groundwork for the dominance we saw in Italy.</p><p>It's Canada's turn to follow that blueprint: It's imperative to bring the country's young talents into the national team mix sooner rather than later.</p><p>Canada was criticized for leaving 19-year-old defender Chloe Primerano off the Olympic roster. The Minnesota star could make a similar impact on the national team as Harvey - who just won Olympic MVP - has for the Americans. Primerano's skill and skating are off the charts, and national team players have raved about her potential and her deceptiveness on the ice.</p><p>Clarkson forward Sara Manness has erupted offensively in 2026 and now ranks in the NCAA's top five in scoring as a rookie. Minnesota-Duluth's Caitlin Kraemer broke Marie-Philip Poulin's goals record at the Under-18 level and featured in Canada's Olympic camp. Stryker Zablocki, Caileigh Tiller, and Adrianna Milani are more names to know.</p><p>In 2022, 13 players on the American Olympic roster were 21 or younger. Embracing youth in a similar way would pay dividends for Canada.</p><p>That also means making tough choices regarding some Canadian mainstays. Management needs to seriously debate whether some beloved veterans - including Natalie Spooner, Jocelyne Larocque, Brianne Jenner, Blayre Turnbull, and Erin Ambrose - should get roster spots over younger players who are more likely to be factors in 2030.</p><h3>New landscape requires fresh perspectives</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772448/cropped_GettyImages-2183612836.jpg?ts=1740597663" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772448/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183612836.jpg?ts=1740597663 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772448/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183612836.jpg?ts=1740597663 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772448/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183612836.jpg?ts=1740597663 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772448/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183612836.jpg?ts=1740597663 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772448/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183612836.jpg?ts=1740597663 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Eakin Howard / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>After two Olympic cycles with general manager Gina Kingsbury and head coach Troy Ryan as Canada's major decision-makers, it's time for new blood in the top roles.</p><p>The women's hockey world was vastly different when Kingsbury and Ryan joined Canada's staff. There was no PWHL, and players were together for months as a team leading into the Olympics. Kingsbury and Ryan now split their time with the Toronto Sceptres in the same roles they serve for the national program.</p><p>This string of losses to the U.S. gives Hockey Canada a chance to choose a different management model. Is it better to employ a GM and coach who only work for the national team, or is it beneficial to draw from PWHL staff?</p><p>Team USA GM Katie Million and head coach John Wroblewski both work exclusively for USA Hockey. In men's hockey, however, both countries' staffs feature many NHL names.</p><p>But let's make one thing clear: The Ryan era stands as a massive success regardless of the outcome in Italy. When he took over as head coach in 2020, Canada was coming off a disastrous bronze medal at the 2019 World Championship. The team hadn't won a major tournament since the 2014 Olympics.</p><p>Not only did he turn the program around, Canada went on the kind of run it hadn't enjoyed since the early 2000s. Ryan's teams won four of six tournaments from 2021-25, highlighted by gold at Beijing 2022.</p><p>However, the thrashing the Americans delivered to Canada over this past calendar year should be proof enough that it's time for new perspectives. Canada must confront the reality of its situation, make the difficult but correct long-term decisions, and regroup with a clear plan to reclaim gold in 2030.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34546733/related

Canada must enter new era after heartbreaking OT loss

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/kyle-cushman/content_cards

Kyle Cushman

News editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/tom-ruminski/content_cards