The NHL landscape is shifting rapidly as we wake up on January 18, 2026. While the scores from a packed “Hockey Day in Canada” slate are still settling, the biggest news coming out of the weekend involves significant roster movements and emotional updates from around the league.
Draisaitl Takes Leave, Stamkos Fined
The Edmonton Oilers confirmed late Saturday that superstar Leon Draisaitl is taking an indefinite leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany. The entire hockey world sends its support to Leon, who was in the midst of another Hart-caliber season. In other news, Nashville’s Steven Stamkos has been slapped with a $2,500 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct following a heated exchange on the bench during the Predators’ 7-2 loss to Vegas.
Trade Winds Swirling: Rasmus Andersson on the Move?
The trade market is officially boiling. Reports from Sportsnet and TSN indicate the Boston Bruins have emerged as front-runners to acquire Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. The 29-year-old blueliner received a standing ovation in Calgary on Saturday night, signaling what many believe was his final game in a Flames jersey. With the deadline approaching, expect the Golden Knights and Stars to make a final push, but all signs point to Boston.
Hockey Day in Canada Recap
Saturday, January 17, 2026, lived up to the hype. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens both staged dramatic third-period multi-goal comebacks to secure overtime victories. Mika Zibanejad netted a hat trick for the Rangers, and the Oilers—rallying around their missing teammate—crushed the Canucks 6-0.
Below is the full breakdown of scores and notes from a wild Saturday in the NHL.
NHL Scores: January 17, 2026
Final (OT) – Max Domi plays hero as Leafs erase deficit.
Final (OT) – Caufield nets winner after wild comeback.
Final – Andersson stars in potential farewell game.
Final – Oilers dominate in Draisaitl’s absence.
Final – Zibanejad hat trick powers Rangers.
Final – Vegas routs Preds; tempers flare.
Final – Bruins roll as trade rumors swirl.
Other Scores:
MIN 5 – BUF 4 (OT) | FLA 5 – WSH 2 | UTA 6 – SEA 3
CAR 4 – NJD 1 | CBJ 4 – PIT 3 (SO) | ANA 2 – LAK 1 (OT)
Finding the latest NHL News, NHL Trade Rumors, Fantasy Hockey Predictions
For the absolute latest updates on the Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes and Leon Draisaitl’s return timeline, you need to stay plugged in. Finding the latest NHL news, NHL trade rumors, and Fantasy Hockey Predictions is easier when you have the right sources. Make sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks today so you never miss a breaking story.
