The hockey world is buzzing this Saturday morning after a relatively quiet Friday night on the schedule turned into a historic one in Chicago. While the Columbus Blue Jackets were the only show in town last night, they certainly made it count, continuing their surge under new leadership. Meanwhile, injury news out of Pittsburgh has Penguins fans holding their breath, and trade rumors are getting louder as we approach the deadline.
Here is everything you need to know for January 31, 2026.
NHL Scores & Notes: Friday, January 30, 2026
It was a light schedule with only one game on the docket, but it delivered plenty of fantasy value and headline-grabbing moments.
Latest NHL News & Rumors: January 31, 2026
Beyond the scores, several major stories broke this morning that will impact lineups and trade boards.
Kris Letang Out Long-Term
Bad news for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Veteran defenseman Kris Letang has been ruled out for a minimum of 4 weeks with a fractured foot. Letang had been battling injuries recently, but this fracture will keep him sidelined until late February, placing a massive burden on Erik Karlsson and the Pens’ depth chart as they fight for a playoff spot.
Trade Rumors Heating Up
With the trade deadline approaching, the noise around the St. Louis Blues is getting louder. Despite calls from some fans to shake up the core, insiders are reporting that trading center Robert Thomas would be a mistake, with analytics showing he remains one of the league’s elite playmakers. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are reportedly aggressively shopping for center depth to bolster their postseason push.
Lightning Owner Accident
A scary situation involving Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik. Reports confirm Vinik suffered a severe leg fracture in a snowmobile accident while vacationing in Norway. He is expected to make a full recovery, but it casts a somber shadow over the organization just days before they host the Bruins for the Stadium Series game at Raymond James Stadium.
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