With the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze now lifted, and only one day remaining until the regular season resumes, it’s back to business as usual for the 32 clubs around the league.
The Chicago Blackhawks were on the ice for practice again on Monday, and they will have one final session on Wednesday before flying out to Nashville for their first game out of the break. After Monday’s practice concluded, head coach Jeff Blashill provided a positive injury update on a young defenseman. Check out the links for the full breakdown.
Around the league, the latest trade rumors now that deals can be made again, the injury fallout from the 2026 Winter Olympics, and how Jack Hughes’ golden goal shapes his legacy.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Tidbits
In the Blackhawks’ final game before the Olympic break, defenseman Wyatt Kaiser suffered a lower-body injury. His left knee twisted awkwardly after tangling up with Columbus Blue Jackets’ blue-liner Zach Werenski. Based on Blashill’s initial comments, and two defensemen called up from the AHL, it seemed like Kaiser was on track for a multi-week absence.
However, on Monday, Blashill sang a different tune, saying Kaiser could actually return to the ice in the coming days. There’s also a chance he joins the Blackhawks during the latter half of their four-game trip. Very positive news for the 23-year-old defenseman.
Jeff Blashill told us about Wyatt Kaiser:
“Progressing. Hopefully get him on the ice in the next few days. And then once he gets on the ice, I’d have a better timeline for you at that point…”
Also, possiblity he could join the team later in the road trip. #Blackhawks
— Brooke (@brooke_lofo) February 23, 2026
After news of Gavin McKenna‘s fight outside a Penn State bar sent shockwaves across the internet in January, a report surfaced that the Blackhawks wouldn’t have much interest in drafting the 18-year-old, should he be available when they’re on the clock in June.
But according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Blackhawks have been impressed with McKenna’s recent development and improvements with his all-around game. As it turns out, they’re much more interested in him now.
It sounds like the Blackhawks have noticed Gavin McKenna rapidly improving his all-around game since early January.
He’s fitting their draft mold better as time goes on. The dropped felony charge against him likely won’t affect his stock.
New story: https://t.co/eYjhspbZCm
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) February 23, 2026
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: The United States’ Gold Medal in Milan was no “Miracle on Ice”, but it will have the same impact on the nation as the outcome from the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. Here’s what several members of the U.S. squad and many former Olympic representatives said about the win.
Sportsnet: By the time Nazem Kadri finished talking, you couldn’t help but notice the two words that hung in the air longer than any of his answers. “For now.” It feels all but inevitable that the Calgary Flames forward gets moved before the deadline.
Philly Hockey Now: While the Mar. 6 NHL trade deadline is growing closer, there’s still no indication of what the Philadelphia Flyers will do. There might not be a blockbuster move made, but they should still get something done. William James from PHN offers three prospects the Flyers should target.
ESPN: The Dallas Stars have placed forward Mikko Rantanen on injured reserve out of the Olympic break. Rantanen was ruled out for Finland’s Bronze Medal Game against Slovakia over the weekend and will miss time for the Stars with a lower-body injury.
Daily Faceoff: Another injured player returning from the Olympics. The Winnipeg Jets aren’t expected to have defenseman Josh Morrissey in their lineup when they return to play on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. Morrissey is expected to miss “a good chunk of time” with an upper-body injury, although head coach Scott Arniel didn’t offer a specific timeline for his return.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Jack Hughes nearly didn’t get to become an American Hero. Pat Pickens from NJHN details the entire sequence leading up to Hughes’ OT winner, lifting the United States to its first Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s Ice Hockey since 1980.
Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins have been no strangers to the rumor mill, and the latest report reinforces their pursuit of a move to bolster the right side of their defense. According to reports, the Bruins have interest in Rasmus Ristolainen.
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