The NHL season has officially paused for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, leaving hockey fans without their usual slate of professional games this Monday. However, the hockey world is far from quiet. While the league takes a breath, the international stage is heating up, and a massive pre-freeze blockbuster trade has sent shockwaves through the league.
Here is your complete roundup of NHL news, trade breakdowns, and Olympic hockey scores for February 9, 2026.
Just before the Olympic roster freeze took effect, the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings executed the biggest trade of the 2025-26 season. In a stunning move, the Rangers sent superstar winger Artemi Panarin to Los Angeles.
The move signals a major “retool” for the Rangers, while the Kings are pushing all their chips in for a Stanley Cup run.
As players arrive in Milan, national teams are finalizing their leadership groups:
With the NHL on break, all eyes are on the women’s tournament in Milan. The competition is fierce as the preliminary round continues.
If you missed yesterday’s action, defense was the name of the game:
With the trade freeze currently in effect, GMs are using this time to strategize for the March deadline. The Panarin trade has set the market price high. Expect aggressive moves from teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs (rumored to be shopping Bobb McMann) and the Nashville Predators once the freeze lifts on February 25th.
For Fantasy Hockey managers, this is the time to stash high-upside prospects. Keep an eye on Liam Greentree, who may get immediate top-six minutes in New York post-Olympics.
Finding reliable news during the break can be tough. We recommend adding nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks to stay updated on every whisper and confirmed deal as we approach the trade deadline.
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