If you are looking for the latest NHL news, Thursday, April 9, 2026, is serving up a massive platter of headlines. From an absolute masterclass by the reigning Hart Trophy winner to a disastrous night for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the final stretch of the regular season is delivering high drama.
Let’s dive right into the action, starting with a quick recap of the games from last night.
Last Night’s NHL Game Scores (April 8, 2026)
Major NHL News: Leafs Lose Three, McDavid Dominates, Ron Francis Resigns
The scores only tell half the story. The biggest NHL news today revolves around the fallout from last night’s matchups and front-office shakeups.
The Maple Leafs’ Injury Nightmare
Toronto fans are holding their collective breath this morning. During their 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals, the Maple Leafs lost a staggering three players to injury. Just two minutes into the first period, goaltender Anthony Stolarz stretched out for a save and immediately went down in distress, requiring help to leave the ice. Joseph Woll stepped in to finish the game, but the damage was done. Adding insult to injury, defenseman Brandon Carlo left after 12 minutes of ice time with a lower-body injury, and Dakota Joshua sustained an upper-body injury following a heavy hit from former Leaf Rasmus Sandin.
To make the night even more somber in Toronto, Alex Ovechkin revealed to the media that he plans to take this summer to seriously decide what comes next for his legendary career.
Connor McDavid’s 5-Point Explosion
While Toronto suffered, Edmonton celebrated. Connor McDavid reminded the hockey world exactly why he wears the crown. In a highly anticipated matchup against rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini, McDavid took complete control, netting three goals and tallying two assists for a brilliant five-point night. The Oilers cruised to a 5-2 victory, and McDavid’s performance solidified his momentum heading into the playoffs.
Ron Francis Steps Down
In off-ice news, the Seattle Kraken announced a major leadership change. Ron Francis is stepping down from his post as the President of Hockey Operations. Francis, who helped build the franchise from its expansion draft infancy, leaves behind a complex legacy in Seattle as the team prepares to pivot its organizational strategy.
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