Welcome to your daily dose of the most critical NHL news. As we navigate the final stretch of the 2025-2026 regular season, the playoff race is heating up, injuries are reshaping the Stanley Cup picture, and front offices are feeling the pressure. Here is everything you need to know around the league for Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Breaking NHL News: Major Injuries, Trade Rumors, and Signings
Are the Maple Leafs Moving Auston Matthews?
Following a devastating Grade 3 MCL tear sustained in a collision with Radko Gudas, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is out for the rest of the season. Rumors have swirled that Toronto might look to move him to a Western Conference team like Anaheim, Los Angeles, or Utah. However, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman recently pumped the brakes, noting that Matthews has a full no-movement clause and is under contract through 2027-28. Don’t jump to conclusions just yet.
Steve Yzerman on the Hot Seat in Detroit?
The “Yzerplan” is facing its toughest test. After dropping a crucial 5-3 game to the Philadelphia Flyers last night, the Detroit Red Wings are officially one point out of a wild-card spot. With a playoff drought nearing a decade, fans are wondering if GM Steve Yzerman might actually be feeling the heat if they miss the dance again.
Oilers Navigating Life Without Draisaitl
Leon Draisaitl remains out with a lower-body injury, leaving the Edmonton Oilers to push for the Pacific Division crown without their superstar forward. Reports suggest he hopes to return “at some point” in the playoffs, but the team’s depth is being severely tested in his absence.
Bruins Secure the Crease
The Boston Bruins have added some goaltending depth by signing 23-year-old Max Lundgren out of Merrimack College. The Swede inked a one-year, entry-level contract worth $952,500 after leading the NCAA with 1,134 saves this past season.
Celebrini Closing in on 100 Points
San Jose Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini is having a Hart-caliber campaign. He blasted his 36th goal of the year on the powerplay against Columbus last night, bringing him to a staggering 99 points before his 20th birthday.
Last Night’s NHL Scores & Notes (March 28, 2026)
| Away Team | Score | Home Team | Score | Key Takeaway |
| Washington Capitals | 5 | Vegas Golden Knights | 4 | Caps pick up a massive road win in a shootout thriller. |
| Vancouver Canucks | 3 | Calgary Flames | 7 | Flames’ offense explodes, extending their point streak to six. |
| Utah Mammoth | 6 | Los Angeles Kings | 2 | Utah dominates in LA to secure critical Western conference points. |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 5 | Detroit Red Wings | 3 | A crushing blow to Detroit’s wild-card hopes. |
| Winnipeg Jets | 4 | Colorado Avalanche | 2 | Jets shut down MacKinnon’s unit in a heavy Central Division clash. |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 1 | St. Louis Blues | 5 | Leafs look completely lost without Matthews in the lineup. |
| Ottawa Senators | 2 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 4 | Tampa gains ground on Buffalo for the Atlantic Division lead. |
| Florida Panthers | 2 | New York Islanders | 5 | Isles hold onto the Wild Card spot with a statement win. |
| Anaheim Ducks | 2 | Edmonton Oilers | 4 | McDavid leads the charge to keep Edmonton afloat without Draisaitl. |
| New Jersey Devils | 2 | Carolina Hurricanes | 5 | Canes cruise to a comfortable victory at home. |
| Dallas Stars | 6 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 3 | Stars’ offense proves too much; Pens’ season slipping away. |
| San Jose Sharks | 3 | Columbus Blue Jackets | 2 | Celebrini nets goal #36 as the Sharks steal one on the road. |
| Minnesota Wild | 3 | Boston Bruins | 6 | Bruins assert dominance to tighten their grip on the East Wild Card. |
| Seattle Kraken | 2 | Buffalo Sabres | 3 | Sabres continue their march toward breaking their playoff curse. |
| Montreal Canadiens | 4 | Nashville Predators | 1 | Habs showcase impressive depth to down the Preds. |
Finding the latest NHL news, NHL trade rumors, Fantasy Hockey Predictions
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