National Hockey League

National Hockey League

The rookie is currently fifth among Canadian blue liners in points (23) and third in goals (9). While Cale Makar will of course lead the Canadian blue line, quarterbacking the top power play unit, there's no reason Schaefer can't QB the second unit, even if he's dressed as the seventh defenseman. Schaefer is tied for most power play points among Canadian defensemen (with Makar) with 10, and leads all NHL defensemen in PP goals with five.

The B's are feeling good about themselves, and they have legitimate reasons for that. They managed to weather what some would have thought to be an apocalyptic combination of injuries to both Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak, keeping their heads just above the water line until their two stars returned last week. Now they're riding a four-game win streak that has put them firmly in the playoff hunt.

The Vancouver Canucks sent their captain to the Minnesota Wild for an eye-watering haul. The Canucks essentially got four first-round picks as the return featured three players selected in the first round plus a future first-round selection. So, the question begs: How does the Quinn Hughes trade affect the Toronto Maple Leafs? The short answer is: Not much. This trade mainly affects the balance of power in the Western Conference. The Wild will now move into a whole different category of contention.

"Again, not the start we wanted. I give the guys a lot of credit. I'm not going to think too much into it. I thought the effort was there; it's just the execution wasn't. Just a great gutsy win by our guys. Wins like this can continue to propel our team to climb the standings and [help the players] understand what we need to do to become a successful team." - John Gruden

For the Boston Bruins, it's sunshine and bear attacks. For the Tampa Bay Lightning, it's weather patterns and pirates. On Feb. 1, 2026 at Raymond James Stadium -- home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- it's two more jerseys in the tradition of the NHL Stadium Series' bold design choices. "They really capture what the Stadium Series is about: Taking chances, leaning in, designing toward the future of the game and having fun doing it," said Dom Fillion, creative director for Fanatics. The Bruins are playing in their sixth NHL outdoor game, while the Lightning are playing in their second.

Anders Lee added another milestone chapter to his Islanders legacy Thursday night, scoring twice on the power play in the Isles' 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks and moving into rare air on the franchise's all-time goal-scoring list. With goals No. 296 and 297, Lee passed longtime teammate Brock Nelson to claim sole possession of fifth place in Islanders history - and the only names ahead of him now are Hall of Famers and four-time Stanley Cup champions: Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies, and Denis Potvin.

The 19-year-old winger, Moose Jaw's captain, has not played in a game since November 22. "Lynden Lakovic will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season due to an upper-body injury that requires surgery," the Warriors tweeted. "The Moose Jaw Warriors thank Lynden for everything he has done for our organization and our community. Lynden, Moose Jaw, will be following your career as you move on to the pro level."

Here are my takes on each team's number one stud so that you can keep your eye out for them during the action this season. While I encourage you to watch hockey for the sport, these guys certainly won't hurt! Do you have a favorite team? Have any of these gentlemen convinced you to become a fan? Let me know in the comments!

In this busy time of year one of my favourite traditions is to a few moments to discuss the Leafs defensive depth situation. It didn't seem likely that there would be any need to understand the depth beyond Dakota Mermis, but thanks to his injury on Monday night, here we are discussing who replaces Mermis on the Leafs roster.

The Belarusian centerman found paydirt 8:35 into the third period after a heads-up play by the team's equipment staff. Ivan Miroshnichenko broke his stick clean in half after a shot attempt, but quickly received a new twig at the bench. As the Russian forward arrived back in the zone, he won a puck battle at the point as the Bruins desperately tried to clear and found Protas wide open in the right circle.