6 FEB 2025 · Recent NHL news includes significant updates on player injuries, trades, and upcoming international tournaments.
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is dealing with an injury, adding to the team's challenges. Meanwhile, the Canucks have re-signed defenseman Marcus Pettersson, securing his future with the team.
In game recaps, the New York Rangers secured a 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins, thanks to a shorthanded third-period goal by Chris Kreider. This victory brings the Rangers within four points of the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Bruins winger David Pastrnak continues to perform well, scoring to collect 25 points over the past 12 games, but his team remains just outside the Eastern wild card with 60 points.
The Edmonton Oilers edged the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in overtime, with Zach Hyman scoring the winning goal. The Oilers hold first place in the Pacific Division with 72 points. Ryan Donato and Teuvo Teravainen each had two points for the Blackhawks.
Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens missed practice due to a "lower-body aggravation," according to head coach Lindy Ruff. Cozens has been the subject of trade rumors, with several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs, reportedly interested in acquiring him.
The National Hockey League Players’ Association is appealing Ryan Hartman’s 10-game suspension. Hartman, a center for the Minnesota Wild, received the punishment for driving Ottawa Senators center Tim Stutzle’s head into the ice following a faceoff. The Wild also claimed forward Vinnie Hinostroza off waivers from the Nashville Predators.
Looking ahead, the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, an international tournament featuring NHL players from the US, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, is set to take place from February 12-20, 2025. The tournament will be held in Montreal, Canada, and Boston, Massachusetts, with each team comprising 23 NHL players selected by their respective national associations.
In other news, the IIHF has extended its competition ban against Russia and Belarus. The NHLPA and PHPA have joined the AFL-CIO, marking a significant development in labor relations within professional hockey.
The NHL trade deadline is approaching on March 7, and several significant trades have already occurred. J.T. Miller has been traded from Vancouver back to the New York Rangers, while Mikael Granlund is on his way to Dallas. The trade market is expected to heat up in the coming weeks.
Overall, the NHL landscape is filled with intrigue, from player injuries and trades to upcoming international competitions. As the season progresses, teams will continue to jockey for position in the standings, and the trade market will likely see more activity.