The road to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan is getting shorter, but the drama in the National Hockey League is reaching fever pitch. On this Thursday, January 29, 2026, the hockey world is buzzing not just about the scores on the ice, but the seismic shifts potentially happening off it.
With the trade deadline looming and the Olympic break just days away (February 4-22), general managers are working the phones furiously. The New York Islanders have already struck, bringing in Ondrej Palat and Carson Soucy, but the biggest story of the day surrounds New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin.
Reports surfaced this morning that the Sharks have inquired about Panarin, who is reportedly seeking an extension before waiving any clauses. The idea of “The Breadman” heading to San Jose to play alongside young phenom Macklin Celebrini is a storyline that has fans refreshing their feeds every minute. Meanwhile, on the ice, Travis Konecny continues to be a lone bright spot for Philadelphia, netting a spectacular hat trick last night, even in a losing effort.
NHL Scores & Highlights: January 28, 2026
It was a light Wednesday night schedule with three pivotal matchups. The Islanders continued their playoff push, the Senators defended home ice, and the Blue Jackets outlasted a historic performance from a Flyers star.
Ottawa Senators 5, Colorado Avalanche 2
The Lowdown: The Senators utilized a balanced attack to down the powerhouse Avalanche at the Canadian Tire Centre. Tim Stützle was the engine for Ottawa, recording a goal and an assist, while Brady Tkachuk sealed the deal with an empty-netter.
- OTT Goals: Nick Cousins, Ridly Greig, Claude Giroux, Brady Tkachuk (EN), Tim Stützle (EN)
- COL Goals: Parker Kelly, Valeri Nichushkin
- Key Stat: Ottawa’s penalty kill was perfect, shutting down Colorado’s high-octane power play on all three attempts.
Columbus Blue Jackets 5, Philadelphia Flyers 3
The Lowdown: despite a heroic individual effort from Travis Konecny, who scored all three goals for Philadelphia, the Flyers couldn’t contain the Blue Jackets’ depth. Columbus got goals from five different skaters, including a tally from veteran Charlie Coyle just 38 seconds into the game.
- CBJ Goals: Charlie Coyle, Kirill Marchenko, Erik Gudbranson, Sean Monahan, Mathieu Olivier (EN)
- PHI Goals: Travis Konecny (3 – Hat Trick)
- Key Note: Konecny’s hat trick was his 18th, 19th, and 20th goals of the season, marking a bright spot in a tough year for Philly.
New York Islanders 5, New York Rangers 2
The Lowdown: The “Battle of New York” went decisively to the team from Long Island. In his debut for the Islanders, newly acquired winger Ondrej Palat made an immediate impact with a goal and an assist. The Rangers’ offense struggled to solve the Isles’ defensive structure.
- NYI Goals: Ondrej Palat, Simon Holmstrom, Mathew Barzal, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Emil Heineman
- NYR Goals: Mika Zibanejad, Taylor Raddysh
- Key Storyline: Palat looks rejuvenated in the blue and orange, providing the top-six scoring punch the Islanders have been desperate for.
Tonight, all eyes turn to Edmonton where Connor McDavid and the Oilers host Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks. With both stars set to represent Team Canada in Milan next week, this could be a passing-of-the-torch moment you won’t want to miss.
Stay Updated with the Latest NHL Trade Rumors
As we approach the trade deadline and the Olympic break, the rumors are only going to get crazier. Will Panarin actually move? Is Montreal ready to ship out Patrik Laine? For the most accurate and up-to-the-minute updates, make sure to bookmark nhltraderumor.com. We provide deep analysis, fantasy hockey predictions, and insider scoops that you won’t find anywhere else.
The post Latest NHL News: Trade Rumors Heat Up as Olympics Approach (Jan 29, 2026) appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
