What a weekend for the National Hockey League. As we settle in for a jam-packed Martin Luther King Jr. Day schedule, the hockey world is still buzzing from a Sunday filled with emotional milestones, dominant goaltending, and a blockbuster trade that has shaken up the Pacific Division.
If you missed the action yesterday, you missed history. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the longest-serving current Edmonton Oiler, didn’t just play in his 1,000th career game—he defined it. Meanwhile, in the trade market, the Calgary Flames finally pulled the trigger on a move that sends a top-pair defenseman to a direct rival.
Here is everything you need to know about the latest NHL news for January 19, 2026.
The “Nuge” Era Hits 1,000
It was a storybook night at Rogers Place. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins became just the second player in franchise history to play 1,000 games solely for the Edmonton Oilers. True to form, he celebrated the milestone by scoring the game-winning goal in a resounding 5-0 shutout over the St. Louis Blues. “Nuge” has been the quiet, loyal backbone of the Oilers through rebuilds and contending years, and seeing him light the lamp on his big night was a moment fans won’t soon forget.
Blockbuster Trade: Andersson to Vegas
In a move that stunned the league late Sunday, the Calgary Flames traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights, always aggressive in their pursuit of another Stanley Cup, add a legitimate top-four puck-mover to their blue line. For Calgary, the move signals a definitive direction toward retooling, with rumors now swirling around the futures of Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman.
Injury Updates & Returns
- Jonathan Toews Returns to Chicago: Today marks an emotional return for “Captain Serious.” Now skating with the Winnipeg Jets, Toews plays his first game back at the United Center against the Blackhawks this afternoon.
- Matthew Tkachuk Debuts: The Florida Panthers get a massive boost as superstar Matthew Tkachuk makes his season debut today against the Sharks after recovering from off-season surgery.
- William Nylander Out: Bad news for Leafs Nation—head coach Craig Berube confirmed that William Nylander is out indefinitely with a groin injury and there is currently no timeline for his return.
NHL Game Scores & Recaps: January 18, 2026
NHL Trade Rumors & News
With the trade deadline approaching and the Rasmus Andersson deal breaking the ice, the market is officially open. We are keeping a close eye on the Calgary Flames, who may not be done dealing, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, who may need to react to the Nylander injury news.
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