The NHL season has officially paused for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, leaving hockey fans without their usual slate of professional games this Monday. However, the hockey world is far from quiet. While the league takes a breath, the international stage is heating up, and a massive pre-freeze blockbuster trade has sent shockwaves through the league.
Here is your complete roundup of NHL news, trade breakdowns, and Olympic hockey scores for February 9, 2026.
NHL News: Panarin to LA & Captaincy Announcements
The Blockbuster: Panarin Joins the Kings
Just before the Olympic roster freeze took effect, the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings executed the biggest trade of the 2025-26 season. In a stunning move, the Rangers sent superstar winger Artemi Panarin to Los Angeles.
- To Los Angeles: Artemi Panarin (50% salary retained)
- To New York: Prospect Liam Greentree, Conditional 2026 3rd Round Pick (upgrades to 2nd if LA wins a playoff round), Conditional 2028 4th Round Pick.
- The Extension: Immediately following the trade, Panarin signed a 2-year, $22 million extension ($11M AAV) with the Kings, keeping him in California through the 2027-28 season.
The move signals a major “retool” for the Rangers, while the Kings are pushing all their chips in for a Stanley Cup run.
Olympic Captains Named
As players arrive in Milan, national teams are finalizing their leadership groups:
- Team Germany: Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl has been named captain. He will be supported by alternates Moritz Seider (Red Wings) and Tim Stützle (Senators).
- Team Slovakia: Former NHL winger Tomas Tatar will wear the “C”, with Erik Cernak (Lightning) and Martin Fehervary (Capitals) serving as alternates.
Women’s Olympic Hockey: Scores & Schedule (Feb 9, 2026)
With the NHL on break, all eyes are on the women’s tournament in Milan. The competition is fierce as the preliminary round continues.
Today’s Schedule & Scores: Monday, Feb 9
- Japan vs. Italy (Group B): Italy defeats Japan 3-2 (Final).
- Notes: The host nation secures a massive win in front of a roaring home crowd.
- Germany vs. France (Group B): In Progress (Started 10:40 AM ET)
- Switzerland vs. USA (Group A): 2:40 PM ET
- TV: USA Network, Peacock
- Canada vs. Czechia (Group A): 3:10 PM ET
- TV: CBC, TSN
Recap: Sunday, Feb 8 Scores
If you missed yesterday’s action, defense was the name of the game:
- Czechia 2, Finland 0: A stunning shutout for the Czechs, putting Finland in a difficult spot in Group A.
- Sweden 4, France 0: The Swedes continued their dominance in Group B, led by a balanced offensive attack.
Stay Ahead of the Deadline: NHL Trade Rumors & Fantasy Predictions
With the trade freeze currently in effect, GMs are using this time to strategize for the March deadline. The Panarin trade has set the market price high. Expect aggressive moves from teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs (rumored to be shopping Bobb McMann) and the Nashville Predators once the freeze lifts on February 25th.
For Fantasy Hockey managers, this is the time to stash high-upside prospects. Keep an eye on Liam Greentree, who may get immediate top-six minutes in New York post-Olympics.
Finding reliable news during the break can be tough. We recommend adding nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks to stay updated on every whisper and confirmed deal as we approach the trade deadline.
The post Latest NHL News & Olympic Hockey Updates: February 9, 2026 appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
