Matthew Tkachuk, Nick Cousins fined by NHL after scrap-filled Senators-Panthers game
Tkachuk was fined for punching Ottawa forward Dylan Cozens, while Cousins was fined for grabbing Tkachuk from the bench.
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Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki out 2-4 weeks with upper-body injury, ending ironman streak
The 27-year-old Suzuki is Montreal’s leading scorer this season with five goals and 12 points in nine games.
Ron Duguay, ex-New York Rangers player known for celebrity escapades, dies at 69
Defined by his scoring flair and flowing hair, Duguay finished his NHL career with 620 points in 864 games.
Fantasy trends and hidden gems: Five four-game streamers, plus Week 5 light-night options
Neal Pionk and Mats Zuccarello have four-game slates ahead, while Emmitt Finnie should be added imminently.
This Week in Sports Trivia: Oct. 22, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
An ex-NHL enforcer joins the fight to diagnose CTE in living brains: 'I'm the guinea pig'
Jay Miller logged 174 combined regular-season and playoff fights in his NHL career. He wonders what toll it might have taken.
Buffalo Sabres' Owen Power playing with Matthew Mayich on his mind
Mayich, who has been on life support since Aug. 20 after collapsing during a workout at ASU, is the cousin of Power's wife, Victoria.
How to play Strands: Sports Edition, step-by-step
Strands: Sports Edition has some twists that are worth knowing whether or not you've played the first edition of the game.
Welcome to Strands: Sports Edition, The Athletic's newest daily game
Strands: Sports Edition, our newest daily game, asks you to find hidden sports-themed terms in a grid.
Brady Tkachuk responds to Senators owner, addresses reasons for Ottawa exit: 'I'm a big boy'
Tkachuk and the Panthers are in Ottawa for the first time since the winger was traded to Florida in June.
Bruins’ Marat Khusnutdinov signs 3-year, $3.95-million extension: Why the timing was right
The 24-year-old Khusnutdinov has most recently been Boston's No. 2 left wing, playing alongside Fraser Minten and JJ Peterka.
What's behind Alexis Lafrenière's early-season success and is it sustainable?
Alexis Lafrenière leads the Rangers in points and goals this season, and it's not surprising. Let's take a deeper look.
Early NHL trade board: What I'm hearing about 10 players to watch in 2026-27
It’s still early to roll out a full-blown Big Board, but it’s not too soon to start identifying the top players who could move this season.
The Sharks are an NHL destination again. Just ask the vets buying in alongside Macklin Celebrini
From Tyler Toffoli to Barclay Goodrow to Darnell Nurse, veterans are joining the Sharks with a belief that big things are coming.
Brady Tkachuk turned his back on Ottawa. How hostile will his Panthers return be?
The former Senators captain visits his old team for the first time since forcing his way out in a summer trade to join his brother Matthew.
The NHL is trying to capitalize on hockey romance — but so far it's missed the mark
The success of "Heated Rivalry" and "Off Campus" has attracted prospective fans to a league that is still figuring out how to serve them.
Dylan Larkin's expanded trade list leaks, includes 10 U.S. teams: Source
The teams on Larkin's list are all in the United States and most are in the inner circle of Stanley Cup contenders.
Ben Kindel taken to hospital after medical episode on Penguins’ team plane
The Penguins' team plane turned around abruptly because the 19-year-old had a medical episode moments after takeoff.
The art of the Revenge Game. Plus: When is it too late to challenge a goal?
This week, we have two games that sure seem to scream out for the Revenge Game label.
Why the Senators extended head coach Travis Green long before they needed to
"For me, it was an easy decision," said Green, who is now set to coach the Senators through 2030-31.
Battle of the Big 3s: Wild's Kaprizov, Boldy, Hughes have the rare star power to match Oilers
The opposing superstars make for an electric matchup Tuesday at Rogers Place between the top teams in the Central and Pacific Divisions.
What we’re seeing in the NHL: 10 too-early takes on Rangers, Elias Pettersson, more
Let’s add to the drama of the early goings of the 2026-27 season with some way-too-early takes. Who cares about sample size?
Sizing up the NHL: Analyzing 2026-27 teams by age, height, nationality, more
Our annual column aims to provide some overarching data that contextualizes how the league's 32 teams fit into certain demographic buckets.
Trial date set for man accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
Jury selection set for December in trial of New Jersey man accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Team Canada announces new-look roster for 2026 Women's World Championship
Seven players will make their national team debuts in Denmark, with mainstays Brianne Jenner and Jocelyne Larocque notably absent.
World Juniors stock watch: Risers to make Canada, USA and Sweden rosters
These eight NHL prospects have stood out early in the season with their hot starts.
NHL weekend rankings: A record-setting week in Florida, and a look back one year
Remember the state of the NHL a year ago? It was still too early back then too, but let's check back in on some things that seemed obvious.
The Brewers' bat boy in 1982 is now an NHL GM. Bill Zito tells his World Series story
The architect of the Cup-winning Panthers was inspired by his time with the Brewers and "the fun that they had playing ball."
The NHL lacks transcendent stars. A retired Stanley Cup champion is working to change that
A 17-year NHL veteran of the Islanders, Sabres and Panthers, Okposo now works for the NHLPA as a player adviser, helping grow the sport.
Panthers become first team in NHL history to record natural hat trick in 3 straight games
Sam Bennett recorded the team's fourth hat trick in three games later in the same contest.
Winnipeg Jets' suspension of Connor Hellebuyck set to end Friday: Sources
Hellebuyck requested a trade this offseason and did not report to training camp, triggering a team suspension.
After benching, Gavin McKenna ready to 'shake it off' as Maple Leafs rule John Tavares out
McKenna is slated to start alongside Colton Sissons and Bo Groulx when the Leafs host the New York Islanders on Saturday night.
One under-the-radar trade candidate from every NHL team for the 2026-27 season
Some trade candidates are obvious. But what about the more nuanced possibilities? Our writers make their picks.
What we’re seeing from Tkachuk, Byram and other notable NHL players in new places
Let's dive into how six of the most noteworthy players who switched teams ahead of this season have fared so far.
Blackhawks' Artyom Levshunov exudes happiness in 'over the moon' celebrations
Levshunov's outward joy for not only his goals but his teammates' is unmatched.
Maple Leafs have to learn to trust Gavin McKenna, but they can't win without him
Benching McKenna on Thursday night was a mistake. The Leafs will only find success if the star rookie learns on the job.
Blame goes beyond Rick Tocchet, but a Flyers coaching change is starting to feel inevitable
If Philadelphia GM Daniel Briere doesn't want to make a rash roster move, where else could he look to remake the currently inept Flyers?
The NHL's 10 biggest surprise forwards, defensemen and goalies
The league's stars deserve their accolades, and they'll get them. But let's shine a light on some of this season's least-expected successes.
NHL Power Rankings: It's early, but we're already wrong a lot
We're focusing on the ways the season's first few weeks have proven us wrong.
NHL rule changes debate: Goalie fights, soccer-style penalty shots and broken sticks
In this edition, we talk shot clocks, goalie fights and mouthpieces. Let’s see how many of you could make your case.
Why Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller benched Gavin McKenna: 'Should have got him out there'
McKenna logged only 6:36 of ice time after Hiller glued the 2026 No. 1 pick to the bench after the 10:20 mark of the second period.
Brady Tkachuk makes NHL history with back-to-back natural hat tricks
The last player to record back-to-back natural hat tricks was Petri Skriko with the Canucks in 1986.
David Perron signs with Dallas Stars for his 20th NHL season
Perron, who was an unrestricted free agent, will play for the eighth franchise in his career on a one-year, $850,000 contract.
Red Wings owner Ilitch says fans 'have the right to tell us how they feel' amid drama
Chris Ilitch spoke about the noise around the Red Wings, Dylan Larkin, the ongoing general manager search and the team's direction.
Vancouver Canucks trade Aatu Räty to Toronto Maple Leafs for 2 depth forwards
Toronto is sending Brandon Buhr and Jacob Quillan to Vancouver for Räty, a 23-year-old center.
Ask CJ: Submit your NHL questions for Chris Johnston’s mailbag
Drop your questions here, and The Athletic’s Chris Johnston will answer a selection in his upcoming mailbag.
Ducks' Tristan Luneau is ready to live up to expectations after surprising extension
The Ducks signed the defenseman to a six-year, $43.2 million contract extension despite his having played only 14 career NHL games.
16 NHL stats: The Edmonton Oilers’ biggest problem is getting worse despite their hot start
The gap between McDavid, Draisaitl and Bouchard compared to the rest of the team has never looked wider throughout Edmonton's strong start.
This Week in Sports Trivia: Oct. 15, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
How many long-term NHL contracts are too many? Revisiting the 'Red Arrow Index'
Which team has the most players signed to a deal with six years or more remaining, including this year? Let's break it down.
The Leo Carlsson effect: Alex DeBrincat's $13 million payday and the NHL's new pay scale
Carlsson's contract was a game changer in the NHL. DeBrincat's new average annual value of $13 million per year is the latest evidence.
Five NHL stars who could become late-season trade candidates
Let's analyze the uncertain futures of five big-name pending UFAs who haven't re-signed yet and see what their futures might hold.
Golden Knights' 9-year sellout streak is over. What's going on in Las Vegas?
The successful team has experienced a decline in season-ticket sales mixed with a shift in ticket-selling strategy.
The future of Frozen Frenzy? Why it's here to stay, and what the NHL might tweak
The all-evening, all-32 event on Tuesday was "a complete success," according to the league — but there's still room for improvement.
Elite athletes require mental toughness. Here's what that actually means
A tennis player has to manage the pressure of competing alone, while a baseball player faces long stretches between moments of action.
NHL contract grades: Red Wings lock down Alex DeBrincat at fair rate for top scorer
Despite turmoil around two of the Red Wings' other stars, Detroit did well to ink a three-time 40-goal scorer to a long-term deal.
How Evan Bouchard can level up into a serious Norris Trophy contender
Evan Bouchard's hot start to the season, at both ends of the ice, show he's primed for a Norris-worthy season.
320 NHL players have trade protection clauses now. Can the problem be fixed?
More than 60 percent of players eligible to receive no-trade and no-movement clauses have gotten one. A fierce debate has resulted.
Mathieu Olivier apologizes for penalty after Blue Jackets loss: 'Need to look in the mirror'
"That's not an area you need to attack at all," Olivier said after he was ejected for jamming his stick between Uvis Balinskis' legs.
Red Wings, Alex DeBrincat agree to 7-year, $13 million AAV extension
This new extension will keep DeBrincat with the Red Wings through 2034, when he will be 36.
Brady Tkachuk makes NHL history with natural hat trick with 3 assists from his brother
The goals, which all came on the power play, were also Brady Tkachuk's first goals for the Panthers.
NHL linesman helped off ice after Sabres' Jiri Kulich awkwardly falls onto his leg
The injury happened just minutes into the game, when Jiri Kulich was shoved and fell onto Ryan Daisy’s left leg directly off a faceoff.
Hurricanes' Jordan Staal to miss 1 to 2 months with torn calf
Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour called it a "freak" injury.
Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard expected to make season debut against Sidney Crosby, Penguins
The 21-year-old Bedard injured his left shoulder during an offseason on-ice training session and underwent surgery July 8.
A guide to the NHL's 'Frozen Frenzy': 32 teams, 16 games, 1 night
It's Frozen Frenzy day: Every team is in action, and the start times are staggered every 15 minutes. Here's what to know and how to watch.
Calvin Pickard's fitting first start with Wild: Winnipeg, family and an old friend in net
Pickard has played in his hometown before, but never with one of his best friends in the other net.
How Morgan Rielly's 'wonderful' summer of speculation shaped a new season's start
Speculation surrounding the longest-serving Maple Leaf's future in Toronto reached a crescendo this summer. How did it affect Morgan Rielly?
Bruce Cassidy on Golden Knights exit, changing his messaging and waiting for another NHL chance
Cassidy is still under contract with the Golden Knights and says of his NHL future: "Nothing’s changed. They have to give permission."
The 0-5-2 Flyers are free-falling. What are their options to turn things around?
Fire the coach? Make a trade? What's the best way out of this terrible start for the Flyers?
Nico Sturm's head injury rattles Wild with Faber flashbacks: 'All I thought of was Brock'
Less than a month after Faber's skull fracture, the Wild watched Sturm exit after taking a puck to the head during Monday's game.
The Hockey 100: Patrick Kane's quest to be the greatest American player ever
Where will Patrick Kane's drive take him? Almost undoubtedly to "Best American Player Ever" status, if he’s not already there.
The Tkachuks, Quinn Hughes and the pull of playing with brothers
Brady and Matthew Tkachuk are offering a glimpse of what an NHL brother reunion can look like. Is Quinn Hughes taking note?
NHL weekend rankings: Rangers disaster, plus 5 early storylines I'm not buying yet
Multiple NHL stars have already avoided worst-case injury recovery scenarios. Unfortunately, Igor Shesterkin isn't one of them.
What to know about the 'unique' chest injury to Kraken's Jacob Melanson
Melanson was diagnosed with "anterior mediastinum hematoma with vascular pseudo aneurysm," according to the Kraken.
For Wild's Matt Boldy and Panthers' Tkachuks, it's friends off the ice but foes on it
Despite having a close friendship with the Tkachuks, when push came to shove, Boldy made it pretty clear where his loyalties lie.
Meet the Winnipeg Jets fans tracking Connor Hellebuyck's forfeited salary: 'Kind of rude'
Each day the superstar goalie sits, Hellebuyck loses $38,660. That's 45 cents every second, according to the viral hellebucks.com.
Rogue inflatable hot dog bun hits Canadiens players before falling onto ice
A promotion gone wrong at Saturday's Montreal Canadiens game ended with a large inflatable hot dog on the ice.
Canadiens fans chant 'We want Larkin' against Red Wings in Montreal
Even though Larkin reportedly does not have the Canadiens on his trade list, fans were doing their best to help change his mind.
Flyers GM Daniel Briere says it's not time to panic. It might be soon
The Flyers have been outscored 24-7, outshot 216-121 and are winless in six games to start the season.
New York Rangers react to Igor Shesterkin's season-ending injury: 'Horrible to hear'
Shesterkin was the player the Rangers could least afford to lose, and now they have to deal with that reality.
New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin out for season with lower-body injury
Shesterkin suffered the apparent right-leg injury on Friday night against the Capitals when his skate got caught on a goal post.
Eddie Olczyk returns to Blackhawks as team ambassador, CHSN studio analyst
Even when Eddie Olczyk has been away from the Chicago Blackhawks, he’s never stopped thinking about them. Olczyk grew up a Blackhawks fan. In 1984, the team drafted him in the first round with the No. 3 pick. He started and ended his playing career with the organization. Then, he became a long-time broadcaster for the…
One NHL player from every team with the most on the line in the 2026-27 season
Some of the season’s most intriguing storylines hinge on what happens next for these players.
What we’re seeing from Gavin McKenna, Porter Martone and the NHL’s top rookies
A look at how the rookies with the highest expectations have performed across the league to start the season.
Best NHL team fan giveaways of 2026-27: Beer boot, Gr8 Ball, Mike Lange alarm clock
Teams are helping fans furnish their kitchens, dress for the couch and even wake up in the morning.
The Carolina Hurricanes' hog mascot weighed in on Canadian politics during a game. Why?
Stormy, the Hurricanes' mascot, offered a detailed take on Vancouver's housing crisis and the government policies meant to address it.
Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin helped off ice after suffering lower-body injury
The 30-year-old slid into his right post and collapsed to the ice after his skate made contact with the pipe.
Blackhawks' Frank Nazar suspended 2 games for hit on Islanders' Bo Horvat
The incident occurred late in the game, with the Blackhawks trailing 3-1 and their goalie pulled.
Why Canadiens traded defenseman Jayden Struble to Predators for draft pick
Something had to give on the Montreal blue line, and even without Struble, there is a surplus at that position.
Macklin Celebrini opens up about injury as he remains 'game-time decision' for Sharks
If the choice were only up to Celebrini, he wouldn’t have missed two Sharks games this week while nursing a lower-body injury.
Panthers' Brad Marchand out for 6 weeks after sustaining injury vs. Kings
Marchand needed help leaving the ice after his injury Tuesday night.
NHL trends and standouts after 10 days and 65 games: Rangers up, Flyers down
It's not a huge sample size, but enough interesting things have happened for us to dig into and look for trends.
NHL Power Rankings: Early first impressions of every team
The season is still extremely young, but first impressions still matter. Here’s one thing we’ve noticed about each team.
John Carlson understands the difficult recovery facing Brock Faber after skull fracture
While Faber's recovery will likely be different, Carlson has been through the process and come out the other side.
Sidney Crosby is in a career-worst scoring slump. What's wrong with the Penguins captain?
Crosby has just three goals in his past 28 games, dating to last season. Here are some possible reasons.
The Dionne Trophy: A fake NHL award for best season by a player about to switch teams
Excellent players changing teams between seasons is always fascinating to watch. But which players had the best year before that?
Weighing Red Wings' options in Simon Edvinsson contract negotiations, trade market
Edvinsson has returned to Sweden after spending all of training camp and the preseason practicing with the Red Wings without a contract.
Nine trades and more to come: Inside the aggressive plan to build a Cup team in Nashville
Chris MacFarland followed his surprising jump from the Avs to the Preds with a very active offseason. He says he's just getting started.
PWHL releases jerseys for expansion teams in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, San Jose
Each jersey features its city name stitched diagonally across the chest, with a color scheme unique to each region.
Could Anaheim Ducks rookie Nikita Klepov be this season's Ben Kindel?
Klepov, the No. 15 pick in the 2026 class, made his NHL debut for the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night.