Sidney Crosby sits out Olympic final
23.2.26 Pittsburgh
Sidney Crosby chose not to play in Sunday's Olympic gold medal game after suffering a lower-body injury in the quarterfinals, a decision he called difficult but necessary. Canada went on to lose 2-1 in overtime to the United States men's national ice hockey team. Crosby said he did everything possible to return but ultimately didn't feel capable of playing.
Sidney Crosby to have imaging after Olympic injury
19.2.26 Pittsburgh
Canada captain and Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby will undergo imaging to assess a lower-body injury suffered during Canada's 4-3 overtime win over Czechia in the Olympic quarterfinals. The 38-year-old injured his right leg in the second period and did not return. His status for Friday's semifinal remains uncertain.
Kevin Fiala out for season
16.2.26 LA Kings
Los Angeles Kings forward Kevin Fiala will miss the remainder of the regular season after undergoing successful surgery to repair fractures in his left lower leg. The 29-year-old suffered the injury while representing Switzerland in the Milan Cortina Olympics following a collision with Tom Wilson during a game against Canada. Fiala, who has 40 points in 56 games, is a major loss for the Kings.
Kris Letang out at least four weeks
1.2.26 Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang will miss at least four weeks after breaking his foot during a 6-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, head coach Dan Muse said Saturday. The 38-year-old, in his 20th NHL season, has three goals and 22 assists in 50 games this year. Center Evgeni Malkin also missed practice Friday for undisclosed reasons after recently returning from a shoulder injury. Letang and Malkin rank second and third in career games played for the Penguins, trailing only Sidney Crosby.
Jack Hughes exits early with lower-body injury
30.1.26 N. Jersey
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes left Thursday's game against Nashville in the first period with a lower-body injury and did not return, though coach Sheldon Keefe said it does not appear serious.
Thatcher Demko to miss rest of regular season
28.1.26 Vancouv.
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will miss the remainder of the regular season and undergo hip surgery after being placed on injured reserve Sunday. The 30-year-old finishes this season 8-10-1 with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. His absence adds to a disastrous year for the Canucks, who own the NHL's worst record at 17-30-5 amid major roster turnover, long losing streaks, and mounting injuries, leaving the franchise positioned for the best odds in the upcoming draft lottery.
Jonas Brodin to miss Olympics after lower-body surgery
23.1.26 Minnesota
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin underwent surgery for a lingering lower-body injury that will keep him from playing for Sweden in next month's Olympics, coach John Hynes said. There is no set timetable for his return, but Hynes expects the veteran to be back later this season.
Luke Hughes to rehab injury, avoid surgery
22.1.26 N. Jersey
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will avoid surgery and instead rehab his upper-body injury, sources told ESPN. Hughes was placed on long-term injured reserve Wednesday and will miss at least 10 games and 24 days, likely sidelining him through the Olympic break. Injured Monday against Calgary, the 22-year-old has 26 points in 49 games this season and leads Devils skaters in ice time.
Darcy Kuemper exits game after crease collision
21.1.26 LA Kings
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper left Tuesday night's 4-3 win over the New York Rangers late in the first period after a collision in the crease involving Jonny Brodzinski. Kuemper appeared shaken following contact near his head and did not return. The 35-year-old, recently named to Canada's Olympic roster, had missed time in December with a previous head injury and has started nine of the Kings' 11 games in January.
Leon Draisaitl takes short leave
18.1.26 Edmonton
Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl is taking a brief leave of absence to be with a family member who is ill in Germany, the team announced Saturday. The 30-year-old is expected to return next week, and the Oilers requested privacy for him and his family. Draisaitl, who has not missed a game this season, ranks second on the team and fifth in the NHL with 67 points and is on pace for another 100-point campaign.
Connor Bedard out with illness
13.1.26 Chicago
Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard missed Monday night's 4-1 loss to Edmonton due to an illness as a stomach bug continued to affect the team. Teuvo Teravainen left the game early with an upper-body injury, while Frank Nazar remained sidelined. Chicago has dealt with multiple absences recently, including Bedard's earlier shoulder injury, and coach Jeff Blashill said an update on Teravainen is expected Wednesday.
Philip Broberg exits early with injury
11.1.26 St Louis
The St. Louis Blues signed defenseman Philip Broberg to a six-year, $48 million contract extension Saturday, but he left just 1:35 into the game with an upper-body injury during a 4-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Broberg was injured after a check from Mark Stone and is considered day to day, casting a brief shadow over a milestone day for the 24-year-old defenseman, who has been a key contributor this season.